Can i use copper piping - DIY Aquarium Projects

styderman · 08-02-2007, 11:37 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, 11:53 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, 11:59 AM

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

kunerd · 08-02-2007, 12:16 PM

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.

ianmoede · 08-02-2007, 12:14 PM

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

hoppycalif · 08-02-2007, 02:36 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, 03:47 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, 07:49 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.

reddish · 10-27-2009, 10:56 AM

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.

I don`t know how true this is but are house has copper piping and I just tested the water with a digital pH meter and the reading was 6.25.

Diana K · 11-02-2009, 08:01 PM

I use a lot of PVC for sprinklers and a fair amount for aquariums.
I usually use the 'Clear, medium body' PVC cement. Home Depot has it.
I do not use the purple primer unless I am using old PVC, perhaps dirty. Sanding might be enough to bring out a fresh surface, too. I have used many gallons of PVC cement, but almost no purple primer.

Class 200 PVC is fine for most aquarium uses, as long as it is not under high pressure. The pipe is thinner walled, so you get more volume to your water flow.
Schedule 40 for anything under pressure, such as a float switch supply line.