pvc cement; this stuff friendly?

[LemonHead]

Hello MFK'ers,
I'm setting up a new tank and I'm using bulkhead set-up along with pvc elbows and pipes.
Is this pvc cement stuff ok? Or should I be using something else? I've never done this, any advice/suggestions is appreciated.

 

[Aquafreak]

I can't really read the label... but most of these products are ok as long as you flush the system after gluing. I shouldn't even say this, but I have used a similar product to fix plumbing on an established system and fired it up immediately without flushing or cleaning. I didn't have any problems. This being said, I think the safe route is to make sure you flush water through your system before adding fish. I just set up plumbing for a 300 gallon tank last weekend, and I flushed the entire system for 1 week just to be sure I didn't have leaks and to make sure all of the residual was clear.

 

[Aquafreak]

Also, don't forget primer. It helps to soften the PVC and allows the pieces to bond (basically melt) much more effectively.

 

[Lupin]

PVC cement should be safe once it is dry and the smell no longer wafting. Give it 24 hours before using.

 

[LemonHead]

Thanks for the quick reply Aquafreak.
When you mention flushing for a week, do you mean fill it up and drain it everyday for a week?

 

[LemonHead]

Primer? Is it necessary?

 

[LemonHead]

PVC cement should be safe once it is dry and the smell no longer wafting. Give it 24 hours before using.

Thank you

 

[Aquafreak]

When you mention flushing for a week, do you mean fill it up and drain it everyday for a week?

No... and I think a week is drastic. Maybe send some water throught the plumbing for a little while just to flush out debris and residue. I did it for a week mostly because I wanted to be sure I didn't have any leaks. I then drained the tank a week later, figuring any residual would be suspended at that point.

I did some research in the last few minutes based on Lupin's suggestion, and the manufacturer's I came across recommend flushing potable water lines for at least 5 minutes before consuming water.

Primer? Is it necessary?

I wouldn't glue any PVC without it. That's just my opinion from my own experiences. Most manufacturers will recommend primer for PVC glue joints.

 

[farawayinn]

cut your pipe to length, clean off any burrs with a knife. apply cleaner (acetone), then primer, then glue, to both pieces. immediately push together, twist about a 1/4 turn, hold for about 30 sec (longer for larger diameter pipe), wipe off excess with a rag. an easy process once you've done a few. after it's dried you can clean up any excess blue using a little bit of the cleaner on a rag. i have used pipe under pressure, within an hour after glue-up, after the chemical smell was gone. good luck.

 

[LemonHead]

Thank you so much for clarifying aquafreak and farawayinn. I guess I'm "good to go".