PVC, CPVC & ABS

[Blue_Mosquito]

I'm looking to buildmy own skimmer from some PVC. The only question I have is that does the black plumbing pipes... are they PVC... in my local hardware chain store (Home Depot) they are reffered to as ABS... and the PVC they do have.... well they basically have nothing I need, or want...

so... what's the diff between ABS, & PVC?

Anyone? IS ABS reef safe?

 

[Iron]

ABS the black pipe can/may contain additves to kill alga. I wouldn't use them in a reef witout knowing for sure if it does or not. They put something in the pipe to help kill the alga growth ...its made for waste pipes.Something like that. Some ppl have luck with abs but they all aren't made the same

 

[Len]

Keep in mind clear PVC is very expesnive. There is also a moderately (as opposed to liberally

) flexible PVC available.

Some ABS use algacide, while some use fungicides or usually a combination of both.

 

[Len]

wait ... you're building a skimmer. Guess the flexible PVC wouldn't apply. NM

 

[Anonymous]

The difference between CPVC & PVC (CPVC is the grey PVC, vs the plain white PVC) is that CPVC is rated for hot water, which you don't need. Both are food grade (IE suitable to run drinking water through them, so OK for the reef).

You can also buy (via mailorder/internet plastic companies) clear PVC - it's not as clear as acrylic (a bit blurry & blue-ish), but at least you can see what's going on.