Plumbing with flexible PVC?

Gp!

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Has anyone ever used flexible PVC with success in an aquarium? I've never used it so investigating.

It would simplify my overflow plumbing but I am not sure if it would be a good choice as it doesn't pass nsf-61. I also like the idea of it for absorbing some vibration.

Here is an excerpt from flexpvc.com - they do state it passes nsf-51:

The flexible pvc pipe can not get an NSF61 rating because if water sits in the pipe overnight, it will pickup a plastic taste and in order to get an NSF61 rating, it can't alter the taste (that's one of the criteria.)
 

rusty hannon

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Has anyone ever used flexible PVC with success in an aquarium? I've never used it so investigating.

It would simplify my overflow plumbing but I am not sure if it would be a good choice as it doesn't pass nsf-61. I also like the idea of it for absorbing some vibration.

Here is an excerpt from flexpvc.com - they do state it passes nsf-51:

The flexible pvc pipe can not get an NSF61 rating because if water sits in the pipe overnight, it will pickup a plastic taste and in order to get an NSF61 rating, it can't alter the taste (that's one of the criteria.)
That statement about vwater sitting and transferring taste concerns me. I use blk food grade rubber piping and use sump lines for that part, they really get rid of vibrations. Don't use clear like I did only to replace due to algae growth in line. Totally f.g.b. p. completed yesterday. Good luck n happy reefing
 

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Has anyone ever used flexible PVC with success in an aquarium? I've never used it so investigating.

It would simplify my overflow plumbing but I am not sure if it would be a good choice as it doesn't pass nsf-61. I also like the idea of it for absorbing some vibration.

Here is an excerpt from flexpvc.com - they do state it passes nsf-51:

The flexible pvc pipe can not get an NSF61 rating because if water sits in the pipe overnight, it will pickup a plastic taste and in order to get an NSF61 rating, it can't alter the taste (that's one of the criteria.)
If the pipe is transferring a taste, it is clearly leaving something in the water that wasn't there before. We take so make steps to control the water quality coming in. I have no desire to add something that is going to instantly leech unknown chemicals back into my water.
 
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Gp!

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If the pipe is transferring a taste, it is clearly leaving something in the water that wasn't there before. We take so make steps to control the water quality coming in. I have no desire to add something that is going to instantly leech unknown chemicals back into my water.

Probably right. This was in my head but I guess was hoping someone would say they tried it and had an awesome reef or the taste went away after a few months =P
 

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Silicone tubing is used in food service. Beverage machines and the like.
 

Joe31415

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This was in my head but I guess was hoping someone would say they tried it and had an awesome reef or the taste went away after a few months
I'll volunteer you to run this test. Report back to us weekly with any changes in the taste of your marine aquarium water and let us know how long it takes to go back to tasting like water that has been used in a tank with standard PVC.
 
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Gp!

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I'll volunteer you to run this test. Report back to us weekly with any changes in the taste of your marine aquarium water and let us know how long it takes to go back to tasting like water that has been used in a tank with standard PVC.

That was the joke =P
 
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Gp!

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Silicone tubing is used in food service. Beverage machines and the like.

I didn't mention it but I will be using 2" plumbing so I don't think I will be able to use silicone tubing
 

Malcontent

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I didn't mention it but I will be using 2" plumbing so I don't think I will be able to use silicone tubing

Maybe one of these then:

 

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mike550

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I used flex PVC as part of my water change piping but water doesn’t sit in the flex sections. It worked really well in that It glues just like regular pvc and the flex gave me leeway in terms of fitting and cutting down on vibraction
 

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I have about 75 feet in my system. Spa Flex from home depot. I dont think it has hurt anything.

I haven't tasted my water though.
 

38bill

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I have use flex PVC for years. I appears that it is rated something like this:

IAPMO & NSF-51 listed - FDA certified non-toxic
 
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Gp!

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I have use flex PVC for years. I appears that it is rated something like this:

IAPMO & NSF-51 listed - FDA certified non-toxic


Awesome ever run into any problems with it?
 
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Gp!

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I have about 75 feet in my system. Spa Flex from home depot. I dont think it has hurt anything.

I haven't tasted my water though.

75 feet is probably more than I would end up using. Great data point! Thanks
 

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Awesome ever run into any problems with it?
No problems but it will start to become harder and less flexible with age. If noise is an issue you may want to include a short piece of silicon tube between the pump and the PVC .

FYI: I use flex PVC for 90 deg bends if I have the room. Much less restriction than 90 deg elbows.
 

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