Can i use copper piping - DIY Aquarium Projects

styderman · 08-02-2007, 10:37 AM

Setting up a new filter for my tank and the filter is under a cabinet, i need to run hoses or pipe. I figured pvc would be fine but then in notices the 200 feet of various copper pipe sizes in my buddy garage( he's a plumber/pipefitter) Can I use this. will the copper mess up my Water? i gots a planted tank. I think the shiny copper would look better then the ugly white pipe? INPUT PLEASE

kunerd · 08-02-2007, 10:53 AM

Yes it could mess your water but most people have copper pipes still in thier house and use them with out knowing. Personally PVC is so much easy to work with then copper. PVC you just cement together, copper you have to sweat it and if you dont know how you arent ensured a propper seal.

styderman · 08-02-2007, 10:59 AM

What type of sealent should I use for the pvc. Is there a specific brand at home depot or some thing else?

ianmoede · 08-02-2007, 11:14 AM

Go with the purple stuff. Its all the same solvent.

kunerd · 08-02-2007, 11:16 AM

sure at home depot and most other store you get two bottles. I forget the names. One is a cleaner and one is the cement. They ussualy sell them togher. i know they do at HD i have about 10 sets cause i cant find a set when i need it then i buy anohter one and latter on find them. One is purple and thats the cleaner after you rub that on both pieces you rube the cement on them both, press and sealed up. no hard at all. Just dont spill the purple cleaner on the hard woods floors or the wife will kill ya as did mine.

hoppycalif · 08-02-2007, 01:36 PM

Copper piping isn't good when the pH is below 7. That's one reason the water companies add stuff to keep the pH higher. At the lower pH the pipe is eroded by the flowing water, which also adds copper ions to the water, and that isn't good for the fish.

kimo · 08-03-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppycalif

Copper piping isn't good when the pH is below 7. That's one reason the water companies add stuff to keep the pH higher. At the lower pH the pipe is eroded by the flowing water, which also adds copper ions to the water, and that isn't good for the fish.

Copper is deadly to invertebrates even in minute doses.

negatived · 08-03-2007, 06:49 PM

The vast majority of people in the U.S. have copper pipes in their house. Even if you have CPVC or PEX piping in your house, your water probably still runs through copper to get to your house. I can't see where this would have any effect on your tank. Maybe, be careful to flush any loose particles initially, but I would think that you would be fine after that. If you do use PVC, I would use the clear cleaner/primer, just because of the chance of staining with the purple cleaner.

hoppycalif · 08-03-2007, 08:24 PM

Copper piping doesn't leach copper into the water if the water is above 7 pH, and public water systems add enough phosphates (I think) to keep the pH always above 7. But, if you used copper pipe in aquarium plumbing, for a CO2 injected tank, you would likely have less than 7 pH water in the piping so you could get copper in the water. It isn't worth the risk.

You can get CPVC piping, which is smaller than PVC, or you can get polyethylene piping, which is gray in color, if you don't like the appearance of PVC for plumbing tank water.

180gz71 · 08-04-2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppycalif

Copper piping isn't good when the pH is below 7. That's one reason the water companies add stuff to keep the pH higher. At the lower pH the pipe is eroded by the flowing water, which also adds copper ions to the water, and that isn't good for the fish.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoppycalif

Copper piping doesn't leach copper into the water if the water is above 7 pH, and public water systems add enough phosphates (I think) to keep the pH always above 7. But, if you used copper pipe in aquarium plumbing, for a CO2 injected tank, you would likely have less than 7 pH water in the piping so you could get copper in the water. It isn't worth the risk.

You can get CPVC piping, which is smaller than PVC, or you can get polyethylene piping, which is gray in color, if you don't like the appearance of PVC for plumbing tank water.

Fully agree, it basically depends on the ph of the setup. If at or above 7ph technically ok, but I still wouldnt use. Besides, pvc isnt real expensive and alot safer. thats my 2.5cents