Why dose everyone use schedule 80

[Kershaw]

Just wondering why most people use sch80 over 40. I find that the cost, availability, and size dose not justify it. I have also found that thin wall allows for better flow and quieter operation. Just curious thanks.

 

[ajhudson15]

I used schedule 80 because I had better color selection and I would rather have thicker walls that make the plumbing a little more stable imo

 

[Kershaw]

I used schedule 80 because I had better color selection and I would rather have thicker walls that make the plumbing a little more stable imo

I can understand being more stable. Don’t places carry 40 in different color options now.

 

[Fritzhamer]

I went with sch80 joints and sch40 in orange for straight pipes. It matches my apex color scheme.

 

[José Morales]

BRS carries 40sch in different colors, but before that that, we all did it for the looks of it, but also, in bulkheads and other fittings I really recommend more sch 80 than 40 for reliability and redundancy! Happy reefing!!

 

[Water Dog]

Cuz it’s purty!

 

[rocsec1]

I use 40and it works fine.

 

[Logan A.]

Its my understanding that 80 handles higher psi much better like say for your return line other than that I have no idea.

 

[Velcro]

Its my understanding that 80 handles higher psi much better like say for your return line other than that I have no idea.

Schedule 40 is just fine for the types of pressure that we encounter.

 

[Logan A.]

Schedule 40 is just fine for the types of pressure that we encounter.

I agree and that's what I use but in plumbing applications the higher psi is the reason

 

[Velcro]

I agree and that's what I use but in plumbing applications the higher psi is the reason

Yup. Thicker walls on the 80 which can actually lead to reduced flow be schedule 40. Probably not too significant unless you are pushing the flow limits of your application.

 

[Dogtown]

My thought is that economy is on your mind more so when you are new. Later on, you turn your focus on your dream tank build and you realize a few extra dollars for sch 80 isn’t a big deal in the overall cost. I use BRS sch 40 pipe in red and sch 80 valves. Sch 80 valves last longer and tend to not bind over time.

 

[Velcro]

The most important part is to budget for a quality spears gate valve for your main siphon throttling. The cepex ball valves are also top notch for wherever you may need them.

 

[Kershaw]

The most important part is to budget for a quality spears gate valve for your main siphon throttling. The cepex ball valves are also top notch for wherever you may need them.

That is always the only gate valve I use.
So in conclusion for most people it’s looks, that was what I was thinking. Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something.

 

[thetedinator]

Schedule 80 in bulkheads. Less likely to crack if connected pipes are torqued.

 

[Kershaw]

Schedule 80 in bulkheads. Less likely to crack if connected pipes are torqued.

This dose make sense, however. If you have holes that are not drilled with the extra thickness in mind, wouldn’t that cause loss of flow? I have drilled a couple tanks and when looking at brs they have holes saws for 40 and 80. So I would think knowing this before should affect your choice.

 

[P-Dub]

I use schedule 40. always have. Never had a problem. Schedule 80 for all the needed fittings and components is difficult to source where I am located. It would be a mix at any rate. One day, when I am at a location where I can source all sch 80 I will likely go that route just for shiggles and Gicks. In the meantime, If I want purdy, I do this...

 

[wattson]

I use all schedule 40 thin wall pipe,,more volumes on overflow and return piping buy very minor effect overall ..
Use what your comfortable with . As long as it don't leak,,your doing good ..

 

[Even Further]

People select schedule mostly based on personal preference. Sch.40 is way more than enough for a reef tank. I have a piece of 3/4 Sch.40 and it says rated to 480 PSI @ 73F.

Schedule 80 bulkheads do serve a good purpose though.

 

[sundog101]

I’ve heard some people use schedule 20 (for pipe, not fittings)