Are the SCH 80 Bulkheads better?

[Palmer]

Are the SCH 80 Bulkhead Thread x Thread bulkheads significantly better than the standard ABS one's? Noticed they are double the price so was just hoping for opinions. I know they are supposed to last longer but was just wondering if there are any other advantages.

[abcha0s]

Sched 80 bulkheads are twice as good as Sched 40 bulkheads.

Ok, I couldnt resist. Sorry.

Really, it has to do with pressure rating. Unless you are approaching the maximum rated pressure, it makes no differce. Either bulkhead will outlast your tank.

Sched 80 plumbing has a thicker wall, thus a smaller inside diameter. This doesnt apply to bulkheads, but the point is... Bigger isn't always better.

- Brad

[Aquattro]

Rather than ABS, you would want sch 40 PVC. Not sure I've seen ABS bulkheads.

[Delphinus]

The only reason people use schedule 80 piping for aquariums is for looks, the grey is easier on the eyes than white and if you use grey PVC cement it blends in. Otherwise it's a bit overkill to have piping rated to what is it 200psi or something for when we'll never have more than a couple psi at best in the pipes.

Have heard of people breaking pipes or bulkheads mind you so I suppose if you're extraordinarily clumsy then the thicker walls might be a worthwhile investment :lol:

[Delphinus]

Couple interesting links..

Various PVC pressure ratings - maximum allowable operating pressures, burst pressures, etc.:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pvc-cpvc-pipes-pressures-d_796.html

Head pressure to psi conversion:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pump-head-pressure-d_663.html

[Palmer]

Rather than ABS, you would want sch 40 PVC. Not sure I've seen ABS bulkheads.



Wouldn't this be a typical bulkhead made out of ABS?

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/1-abs-bulkhead-thread-x-thread.html

[lastlight]

I do think the standard black ones are made from abs but not 100% on that.

Also the sch 80 guys require MUCH larger holes so this certainly doesn't strengthen your tank.

[abcha0s]

Just to clarify - both sch 40 and sch 80 fittings have a standard ID which is the same for both and matches the OD of the pipe. Sch 40 and Sch 80 pipe can be used interchangably with sch 40 and sch 80 fittings. The extra thickness for the fittings makes the Outside Diameter larger. For pipe, sch 80 has a thicker wall but a standard OD; therefore, the ID of a sch 80 pipe is smaller than the ID of a sch 40 pipe. That's what I meant to say initially.

Sch 40 PVC and CPVC - 1" Pipe - OD 1.315" - ID 1.049" - Min Wall 0.133"
Sch 80 PVC and CPVC - 1" Pipe - OD 1.315" - ID 0.957" - Min Wall 0.179"

So, what does PVC stand for? - I didn't know, so I looked it up.

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

strong and rigid
resistant to a variety of acids and bases
may be damaged by some solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons
maximum usable temperature 140oF (60oC)
usable for water, gas and drainage systems
not useable in hot water systems

Source (http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pvc-cpvc-pipes-dimensions-d_795.html)

[George]

Save some money and go with sch 40 if you can. Sch 40 is more than enough for our purpose, which is aquarium plumbing. Trust me I have been through this when I was deciding on what kind of plumbing I wanted for my 180g build.

[untamed]

While we are at it... Scd 40 pipe is even more than necessary. We aren't likely to get anywhere near the pressure ratings for even Scd 40, so go with class 200 pipe. It is much easier to work with and provides larger id.