Pipe dope question

[tyler91913]

Ach! So it's Sunday night, and everything is closed, but I'd like to get some work done on my tank while the kids are asleep.

Here's the problem: I've got to join an MTP PVC fitting to the FTP on my bulkhead. I've got teflon tape and Great BLUE Pipe Joint compound. I know that usually people use Great WHITE Pipe dope. As far as I can see, the only difference is that the white has teflon mixed in, while the blue does not. Can I go ahead and use the blue? Should I use it with teflon tape? I want to be able to disassemble this for cleaning--will the blue give me grief?

 

[James77]

Just use the white teflon tape, it is what I have always used for plumbing my aquariums.

 

[tyler91913]

Sorry, I should have added that I tried teflon tape by itself (3 complete wraps around MTP) and there is still a pretty quick drip coming out of the connection. Hence my question about using pipe dope, which should seal in mo re of those nooks and crannies. Thanks for the comment though jim.

 

[Daemonfly]

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1946227

Forget about the tape and use a non-hardening pipe thread sealant paste.

In my experience, pvc threads are usually horrible quality at best, usually with some type of seam line, and tape just doesn't seal them well enough.

 

[kcress]

Teflon tape and PVC threads are a disaster. I hate them. (see my fight with them in my build)

Use either Teflon paste or use what I do. Rector Seal #4 which has never once failed me.

 

[tyler91913]

Okay, I'll look for either the rectorseal #4 or the great white today. thanks for the link.

 

[Gandolfe]

you need more than 3 wraps of tape for one thing, and stay away from non -hardening thread sealer. i used it and it got inside my pumps and i had to take them apart and clean them. you should use at least 6 or 7 times around with the tape..I've worked with plumbers who wrap it until you almost can't see the threads anymore

 

[BeanAnimal]

Non hardening PTFE thread sealer is the proper product. Teflon tape does not do will the larger PVC fittings due to their poor structure. The paste goes on the MALE fitting. If you put it on the female fitting, it will squeeze out into the plumbing and create the mess you had to clean up.

 

[tyler91913]

Thanks Bean. I had read a post of yours on another thread to that effect, and took it to heart. Unfortunately, I just had the thread sealer (Great Blue) without PTFE, and wanted to know if I could use that. Eventually, I had just had to wait and get the thread sealer with PTFE, which I did this morning. Plumbing job complete. Now I have to figure out how I got zapped when I went to touch something in my sump! As if it wasn't enough to become an amateur plumber this weekend, I'm now going to have to become an amateur electrician too.

 

[tyler91913]

Solved the electrical problem: (didn't want to leave any future reader on a cliffhanger...) it was my skimmer's pump. It's just as well, since the point of my replumbing was to install an ATS, which is meant to replace the skimmer anyways. Just as long as the algae on the ATS starts up quickly enough to get to work. My plan was to phase out the skimmer slowly over time, but not at the risk of zapping my tank!