Plumbing & pipework

[whatcaneyedo]

I've been warned against using ABS plumbing as it contains certain chemicals that are suppose to inhibit bacteria growth. Maybe someone with more knowledge can elaborate.

[AndyL]

European vs north american differences... yes there are different grades over there... As they have completely different plumbing systems. What we get at the hardware store is their food grade PVC, which is different from the PVC they use for grey water systems (untreated/less treated water for flushing toilets etc).

ABS is just fine for aquariums as well - your bulkheads are made of it, your powerheads are made of it - it is an inert plastic. No reason you can't use it for plumbing (I've got numerous tanks that use it with no ill effects)

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by whatcaneyedo

I've been warned against using ABS plumbing as it contains certain chemicals that are suppose to inhibit bacteria growth. Maybe someone with more knowledge can elaborate.

A very common myth but completely false, but that doesn't stop if from being spread around through aquarium forums like crazy. ABS is non-toxic and perfectly safe it is used in waste lines because it is unaffected by common household chemicals such as drain cleaners, ammonia, bowl cleaners, and cleansers.

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by sphelps

A very common myth but completely false, but that doesn't stop if from being spread around through aquarium forums like crazy. ABS is non-toxic and perfectly safe it is used in waste lines because it is unaffected by common household chemicals such as drain cleaners, ammonia, bowl cleaners, and cleansers.

+1, wouldn't make sense to start adding bacteria inhibiting agents for piping that is designated to transport wastes to a system that uses bacteria to break it down. Any other interesting differences between North American reefing and your native style?
Levi

[steveg]

Very interesting, I look forward to going to a plumbing store and getting my pipes, etc. It will be a new experience. Having seen the tanks on Canreef I will certainly not be scared of using the same piping as there are some absolutely awesome ones.

I am planning an in wall tank in my basement that can be viewed from both sides, rough dimensions 84 x 18 x 22 with 4 x 15 x 15 sump. Thinking about a etss900xr skimmer and a closed loop with om4 and reeflo pump. Any comments on closed loops would be welcom as this is another idea I had not seen until I went on Canreef.

Thanks for everyones comments.

[mark]

I'm a fan of the CL (have Dart and 4way) and no complaints.

Check out Dez's build (with CL) and Oceans Motions waterpix forum for CL ideas.