Is black ABS pipe reef safe?

[dc_909]

I am looking to do the maxi mod, but wanted to know if I could use the black ABS drain pipes instead of the white PVC?

 

[GROSSR]

I have heard it all, IMO it is ok for what you are trying to do. I have the black abs on a maxi jet and nothing has died. To me plastic is inert and should not be a problem.

rich

 

[dc_909]

Thats what I wanted to hear.


Thanks

 

[CoolUsername]

I totally agree. ABS drain pipes are safe. I haven't heard a verifyable argument against its use. There's nothing wrong with ABS inherently, the SCWD is made out of ABS for instance. The question revolves around whether the put any chemicals into specifically "drain" pipes / fittings that are intended to leach out an keep stuff from growing in your drains.

My brother is a civil engineer designs leech fields for septic systems. ABS pipe is used in these fields. The fields depend on bacteria growth (similar to fuge/live rock) to break down waste. He's never heard of any chemicals used in the plastic of pipes. That doesn't garrantee they don't exist, but it casts a lot of doubt in my mind.

I have used it without noticable detriment for over a year in two different tanks. Probably 10-20x more plastic than what you'd be putting on the maxi mod.

 

[dc_909]

Thanks

 

[nemo g]

some abs is not potable, make sure you get the right stuff

 

[CoolUsername]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8119932#post8119932 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nemo g
some abs is not potable, make sure you get the right stuff

Potability is not the same as "reef safe." While all potable things are reef safe, doesn't mean that if it's not potable it's not reef safe.

For instance the NSF certifies that certain plastics can't harbor bacteria. That keeps you safe when using these items for food storage. That doesn't mean that same plastic wouldn't be useful in a reef system. Where harboring bacteria is a bonus. Be careful about the application of "Certifcations."

If you were to want to play it safe and only use potable or NSF certified plumbing you'll definately be safe, but have more limited options.

One other thing you might consider if you want to be paranoid on the subject. www.savko.com sells pvc in black. Pipe and fittings. I have used these on the display internal plumbing. It's about 2x the cost of white. But it might give you more reassurance. And I think it's prettier than white.

 

[WarrenG]

Yes, right about "potable". Potable water is not (like) an acid, nor corrosive like saltwater.

Savko for me too. I experiment using white PVC, then spend $20-$30 for all the black PVC you'd probably need and then it's "no worries".

 

[CoolUsername]

I found this thread that beats the subject to death. One poster claims to have contacted an ABS Manufacturing Co. IPEX mfr company about the issue. The response was that they have never heard of anything leaching from an ABS system.

Here's the thread:

http://www.reefland.com/forum/tanks-filtration-basic-equipment/3954-black-abs-plastic-safe-use.html

In my use, coraline grows as fast on it as it does everywhere else.