Is PEX safe

[larrysaltisfun]

Hey Randy and Company I posted this question on the general reef equipment forum and got an answer That is probably OK but I feel like I want reassurance from the chemists.

I have installed an ROI system /salt mixing station. I am now plumbing it up to where my tanks are located.

the guys doing the work have started to use PEX. The R2R reply is that as long as all the fittings are plastic and there’s no metal involved that it should be OK, but I’m also reading that RO water can be so harsh that can strip PEX and cause leeching.

Then I’m reading PEXB should be pretty resistant to oxidation. Since I’m going to be running no more than 40 gallons a week through the PEX tubing I’m not sure if the contact would be so minimal it would be negligible. .

1. Should I not worry as long as I use plastic fittings?

2.Or make sure that I’m using PBX B

3. Just run salt up to the tanks through the PEX and not run RO through it.

4. Or stop the whole thing start over with PVC.

The guys doing the work for me are not in the fish business and thought that whatever was done for home drinking should be OK and I was negligent in not getting involved in the decision-making earlier on

 

[Peer.Boerner]

Following to learn

 

[Boehmtown]

Last time I deep dove the problem was getting all the fittings you need with no metals. Not the pex itself. But that was a long time ago

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think any PEX used for drinking water is fine. Likely much better than pvc which can contain tin.

People do not understand the “harshness” of ro/di. It is not a general thing and does not apply to organics that might leach out of plastic.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Last time I deep dove the problem was getting all the fittings you need with no metals. Not the pex itself. But that was a long time ago

Agree one must use plastic connectors.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Last time I deep dove the problem was getting all the fittings you need with no metals. Not the pex itself. But that was a long time ago

Yeah, I have mentally massaged this question to death and have gotten one answer is just make sure the fitting‘s are OK and also on the other hand it’s best to avoid it altogether for fish tank use altogether

I figured that whatever the reef chemist thought made the most sense is what I’m going to follow

I’ve learned from experience that Sadly corals will fold up on you and die just by looking at them cross eyed.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I think any PEX used for drinking water is fine. Likely much better than pvc which can contain tin.

People do not understand the “harshness” of ro/di. It is not a general thing and does not apply to organics that might leach out of plastic.

Thank you, Randy. I appreciate your time. Definitely gives peace of mind.