PVC for fish tank

[Rtc/tsn]

My flowerhorn has been flashing a lot more. In response I’m now going to try smaller water changes as it was recommended that the larger water changes I do could cause the flashing but I’m also going to take out all the driftwood in the tank and make a little den for my spotted Raphael catfish. I plan on using a funnel/drain but with an elbo like this and pile rocks up the elbo so that I can spot feed the catfish while he’s inside. Would this work?

 

[Rtc/tsn]

My flowerhorn has been flashing a lot more. In response I’m now going to try smaller water changes as it was recommended that the larger water changes I do could cause the flashing but I’m also going to take out all the driftwood in the tank and make a little den for my spotted Raphael catfish. I plan on using a funnel/drain but with an elbo like this and pile rocks up the elbo so that I can spot feed the catfish while he’s inside. Would this work?View attachment 1486155View attachment 1486156

Also is there anything I need to do to prep the pvc before it goes into the tank? Should I soak it anything? I also plan and sanding down and edges

 

[esoxlucius]

PVC is fine in your tank. It has a specific gravity of 1.4 (water is 1.0) so it will readily sink anyway as long as there aren't any trapped air bubbles.

You might want to try and get your fittings in black, or paint them with appropriate aquarium safe paint. Those white ones are a bit garish!

Sanding down any sharp edges is a good idea. You don't really need to prep it before introducing it, other than rinsing it in hot water.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

PVC is fine in your tank. It has a specific gravity of 1.4 (water is 1.0) so it will readily sink anyway as long as there aren't any trapped air bubbles.

You might want to try and get your fittings in black, or paint them with appropriate aquarium safe paint. Those white ones are a bit garish!

Sanding down any sharp edges is a good idea. You don't really need to prep it before introducing it, other than rinsing it in hot water.

Alright. Do I need to get any specific type of pvc for it to be safe for aquarium use

 

[Rocksor]

No, pvc from the hardware store is fine.

Are you 100% sure it wasn't the Aqueon additive causing the flashing?

 

[Rtc/tsn]

No, pvc from the hardware store is fine.

Are you 100% sure it wasn't the Aqueon additive causing the flashing?

Not 100% sure but he did start flashing a lot more when I started using it but he still has potential to harm himself on the rough driftwood so either way i feel it’s best to remove the wood and for the Raphael catfish who will still need a hiding spot pvc would be best since it has a smooth surface that the flowerhorn can’t harm itself on and only big enough for the catfish to get into for sufficient protection

 

[Rtc/tsn]

No, pvc from the hardware store is fine.

Are you 100% sure it wasn't the Aqueon additive causing the flashing?

My local hardware store has a small selection of pvc so if they don’t have what I need I’ll be going to a Lowe’s or Home Depot. If that’s the case is there anything I need to look out for

 

[Rocksor]

Nope, just traditional white PVC or the black (ABS) PVC is fine from home depot

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Nope, just traditional white PVC or the black (ABS) PVC is fine from home depot

Alright thank you for your replies. I’ll update once I get the the pieces. I may also make something for my eel catfish to funnel around in as currently he only has a plastic log that all the tiger fish get into.

 

[Rtc/tsn]

Just got the pieces. Not using any glue. I’m gonna file down any edges and rinse with hot water then do a water change and when the waters lower take out the wood and put this into place. My idea is the catfish swims through the elbo and have the tube bits as the cave and it’ll go against the glass for viewing pleasure.