PVC primer/cement and aquariums water

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adamsfishes

Aimara
MFK Member
Jan 31, 2016
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Hi,

So I was gluing up some pipes last night for my new aquarium setup, and I realized how nasty the chemicals are. And you can't help getting a lot of it inside the pipes when you squeeze them together. I used the purple primer and regular clear cement.

Is it really safe for fish? I intend to run carbon in my sump for at least the cycle time (2+ weeks), but given that I could still smell the stuff this morning I'm a tad bit concerned for the fish that will eventually live in the tank.

Please tell me it's going to be alright. :D

Thanks.
 
youre fine, I glued my plumbing for both my sumps the same day I added water and fish. stuffs inert fast, and as long as you don't slather the stuff on you shouldn't be getting any inside the pipes where it can contact water.

its highly caustic that's why you smell it for a few days, it melts the pvc together essentially lol.
 
I'm going to second that, you will be fine. I personally don't bother with the primer, but it is safe as well. There is even a video out there of someone proving it to be reef safe, they pour some of it directly into the tank with no ill effects.
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm feeling better about it.

Because of how tightly the parts fit, you can't avoid some being pushed into the fitting. And in Oatey's videos they say to use a generous amount.

fishguy306 said:
I'm going to second that, you will be fine. I personally don't bother with the primer, but it is safe as well. There is even a video out there of someone proving it to be reef safe, they pour some of it directly into the tank with no ill effects.
Click to expand...

Whoa. That's scary. I won't be testing that hypothesis in my tank. :eek:

Yeah, I thought about skipping the primer because it's a mess to deal with, but I went with it anway "just to be safe". Leaks are the worst-case scenario, especially on a bigger tank like this.
 
I don't bother with primer either no need as there is no pressure on the pipe but I have glued and installed on a tank in 20 minutes. Blow all the fuems out of the pipe and your good to go.
This was on a 400 ray tank with a 10 foot 5 percent grade run to a simp
 
I'll echo what was previously said. It's not a problem. I would let the pipes set for a bit just so it bonds fully but it's safe. It does smell pretty bad and stinks up the garage tho.
 
As all have said, you are fine. Yes, if you put on enough there will always some that pushes out within the PVC. I figured I'm going to cement so mind as well use primer. BTW, I dont like the purple mess, so I use clear primer. It's not like I need to get inspected LOL...
 
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