Is ABS pipe OK or Not

[skinless]

Hey all,

Been reading alot about PVC/ABS used in aquariums and there appears to be many conflicting opinions regarding the safety of ABS (leeching). See, I'd like to construct a guard for my heater which my Midas has been treating like a punching bag lately, and while PVC seems like more of a sure thing, I know of some black ABS kicking around at the folks place.

Now I'm thinking the leeching dangers of ABS would only be a problem if the pipe was "powdered" or elevated to a very high temp (boiled?), so I'm currently leaning towards swiping a foot of it to use, but still..I'd appreciate some opinions/experiences with ABS to help put my mind at ease.

 

[Oddball]

ABS & PVC are fine. There used to be a problem with black polybutyl pipe. If you're still worried, though, a foot of PVC pipe will only run about a buck. Or, you can buy a heater guard from your lfs for about 4 bucks.

 

[skinless]

right on, thanks for the quick reply oddball.I've read previous posts of yours when searching "ABS" at MFK.

Funny thing with heater guards around these parts tho, practically extinct. Even checked the Big Als this morning and well..nothing.

 

[Oddball]

Try here:

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I think this forum might produce some more input, since people here have a good grip on materials for DIY. Thus, I moved your thread.

HarleyK

 

[grenade3]

use pvc, for your money it works as well as anything.