Glue for the PVC

[CoMMaNdeR]

Guys I am searching a type of sealent / glue or something to use for joining the pvc fittings etc.

Many of you say that if a product is good on it it will be written 'potable' but today I went to the ironmonger shop and checked all his sealents etc and didn't found one single product with 'potable' written.

He told me to use a sealer good for DIY aquariums, and even on that there is not written 'potable.'

Can someone tell me what I need to find written on the product if potable is not there ?

Also guys did ever someone used a german sealent product called 'TANGIT' ?

 

[Avi]

They're all all right if they're for PVC, though they seem nasty and smell very strongly from chemicals. That'll all dissipate and remember, it almost always used for water that people will drink.

 

[Casie]

Hi Commander

I read your other post about possibly using the aluminum connectors to complete your plumbing. It sounds like you are hesitant to try your skills at using pvc cement. I can sooo relate! But its not that hard, I swear. And once you do a little you'll never be afraid to work on your tanks plumbing again.

Heres a link to some stuff Drs F&S sell.

Basically there is the primer stuff that cleans the pvc parts and gets it ready for the cement, and then the cement itself.

There are differnet types of cement for the flexible pvc and for the rigid stuff. So make sure you get the right kind. I like Oatley's low V.O.C cement personally. Its enviromentally friendly! See Plus my local Home Depot sells it.

But you are right, anything that is safe for human drinking water is fine for our reefs (potable).

Ok so here are some links I got from a quick Google:

This Christy's stuff... doesn't even need primer.

Aquatic Eco Systems sells Oatley too.

The official Oatley website has this neat instructional video too. Click here and select the video on How to Solvent Weld (the 4th one).

Hope this helps. And if you already knew all this stuff, forgive me for boring you with it! Its always so hard to guess how much a person already knows on a subject.

 

[CoMMaNdeR]

Thanks guys for your replies..

I am asking just to be sure I am doing things right. So if I found a product that its name is PVC or there is written PVC on it you are saying is good right ?

 

[tangwang]

I've used a variety of different pvc cements, basically, the first can I find when I'm ravaging around desperately for a can of pvc glue. Rain R' Shine, Heavy Duty, Low VOC, medium, clear, Red Hot, I've used them all, with no ill effects....

 

[jeffbrig]

Just go to Home Depot or Lowes and find the PVC aisle. Oatey is the most common brand. Get a small bottle of PVC primer (purple label) and a small bottle of general purpose PVC cement (red label). This is the "normal" stuff and it's easier to use than you can imagine. If you're truly scared of doing it, grab a 4' length of 1/2 or 3/4" PVC and some fittings for 15Ã"šÃ‚¢ each and practice before you do the tank. What have you got to lose, maybe $5 in practice materials? It's so easy it's practically foolproof.

To glue a joint:
-put primer on pipe that will go inside the fitting
-put primer on the inside of the fitting
-put glue on the pipe that will go inside the fitting
-put glue on the inside of the fitting
-push pipe into fitting and give it a quarter twist (you can probably skip the last part and it will STILL be watertight)
-hold it for a few seconds while it bonds
-wipe off any excess

Try it...you'll laugh once you see how easy this is to do.

 

[lbear]

Yes, just follow jeffbrig's instruction!

You can find those cement and primer easily in HD and Lowes. There are two Oatey PVC cement in my local Lowes, gray and clear. Both are the same, just different in color.

I put on mask and wear gloves when applying PVC glue. Make sure doing it in a well ventilated area.

 

[Johnsteph10]

I agree as above with jeffbrig - if you're worried about looks, just go with clear pvc cement.

Make sure you use primer and glue on BOTH the pipe and the fitting. Give it a quarter turn as above!

Good Luck!

 

[CoMMaNdeR]

There are products like sealent etc, that you dont need to use cement and primer. Just only use 1 product. Like the silicone, are they good guys ?