PVC Question

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Angler

Angler

Polypterus
MFK Member
May 8, 2007
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I want to give my clown loaches a place to chill. My substrate and background are black, so I'm thinking about putting a piece of black pvc in the tank for them.

When I first got into the hobby, I think I read on a different site that black pvc is bad for water, and that you should use white pvc in tanks. Do I remember this right?

Can I use black pvc?
 
there is no black pvc that im aware of. the black stuff is abs and not rated for potable water use, some use it with no probs, but i wouldnt take the risk.
 
I just did a search on the site on PVC and ABS (I know, I should have done a search before I made this thread) and what I found is that most people say that ABS is fine for tanks, but some people content that it leaches stuff into the water.

My search did not yield a great amount of discussion on this, so does anyone else have thoughts on the matter?
 
Take some white PVC and get some Black Krylon Fusion spray paint for it.

Craig
 
All plastics will offgas plasticizers (compounds that make them flexible). This is most prevalent when the plastic is new. ABS does have a rather strong odor when you cut it, so I would say it does release more chemicals than PVC. If you happen to have old scraps of pipe that have been weathered, I would feel confident to use them. One more drawback to ABS is its lower density than PVC, it sinks, but just barely.
 
there is regular black pvc... you need to look a supply yards most HD and lowes wont have it.... abs has sharp edges so i wouldnt use it
 
While researching this issue, I read that many ponds have liners made of ABS.

I am wondering if any of you pond owners have ABS lined ponds containing fish. If so, please chime in.

I am definitely taking into consideration all those responses I have received thus far, but it just seems like there is no actual proof that ABS is bad for fish. I know, "why take the chance if you are not sure?" But I still like to see facts.

The main reason I am reading that people give for not using ABS is that it is used for sewage lines, not for potable water. But it looks like the reasoning for this is not because of leaching chemicals, but because it is not a good material for pressurized water. PVC is a good material for pressurized water.
 
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