PVC and ABS questions

[Dez]

Just heard that you should not use ABS for anything related to aquariums. Is this true? Why?

I'm just wondering because I found some ABS fittings that are perfect for some acrylic I have lying around...wanted to build something..

Thanks..

Des

[StirCrazy]

Des if you search on this you will see it talked about in a few threads.. basicly if ABS was bad, 1/2 the skimmers, magnets, other fishtank accessories, fish tank trim, and lighting systems should be kept away from your tank :wink:

Now there is treated ABS, this you do not want.

Steve

[Delphinus]

Yeah man, where were you two weeks ago? :) :P ;) Big long thread, talked to death.

I've heard the same thing too, oh no, ABS is bad. But proof is in the pudding as they say. Lots of people are using PVC and no problems.

[Josh23]

although there must be something to it. PVC is used for clean water entering homes while ABS is only used for dirty water leaving homes. Im not sure of the reason.

Josh

[Delphinus]

Actually PVC isn't always used for drinking water. Actually .... I'm not sure if I've ever seen PVC get used for potable supply. Irrigation, and drains/sewer lines, yes, but never seen it on drinking water supply. Not saying it isn't done, just saying I've never seen it done. Copper, pex, and formerly poly-b, that's what I've seen for the drinking water supply.

[cavediver]

Hey,
Actually the Americans use shed 40/80PVC in their homes for pottable water, thats why when you get down into the US the Home Depots are loaded with PVC fittings. used for both supply and drain lines. ABS is not rated in the plumbing code in the US, consiquently they don't use it too often, nor have much of it in their local DIY (home depots) shops.

[StirCrazy]

the big difference is ABS can't hole pressure like PVC, so hence it is used in low pressure applications. (sorry I forgot to mention this above) well most low pressure apps happen to be sewage/waistwater so it gets knowen for this whare in reality you can also get potable rated ABS but not pressure rated.


Steve