PVC newbie

M

merseyman

New member
... OK, this is the 1st time I'll be plumbing a tank, so I know zilch. I had 7 holes drilled in my tank (bottom) for drains, returns, and a CL. 6 of the holes are 1 3/4" diameter and the last is 3". What size bulkheads do I need? What are the max size pipes I can fit to these? 3/4" and 2"? What source do you recommend for PVC parts. I've perused the savko and aquatic eco-systems websites. Does anyone know of a good source for grey PVC? In particular, I need some 60 elbows in either grey, transparent, or black material, if they exist.
Any good learning sources for PVC basics? "PVC for Dummies"?
Thanks.
 
It is way cheaper to go to HD & use the white PVC, if you plan your stand right you won't see it anyways, I've seen people paint it afterwards & it looks good also. If you have a lot of plumbing as I did, It would cost a small fortune to get just grey PVC.
 
... the grey is needed only for the pieces actually inside the tank. So far I've been unable to find a 60 elbow in grey or transparent PVC. May have to cut a 90 or 45 degree piece to effect a 60 degree output, or glue sand/rock to the outside of a white piece to hide it.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7949302#post7949302 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Scooterman67
It is way cheaper to go to HD & use the white PVC, if you plan your stand right you won't see it anyways, I've seen people paint it afterwards & it looks good also.
Click to expand...

Ditto. I've used krylon fusion to paint regular white fittings and pipe, including submerged areas. No problems whatsoever and you can choose whichever colour you want.
 
Just go to a decent plumbing supply house. Ask for what you need in schedule 80 (those are the gray fittings).
 
Im going to plug SAVKO again, as they sell black pvc not sched 80 at excellent prices... comprable to HD/LOWES/Etc. And its already black, or clear they have both.

Jasen
 
... savko, and everyone else I've searched, does not carry a 60 degree elbow in grey or clear. I'm thinking i'll just cut a 90* at an angle on one end to approximate a 60* outlet. These are for 4 CL outlets at the tank bottom, near the corners. 90* puts the flow too horizontal and I'm afraid 45* will put it too vertical and cause too much surface agitation, possibly splashing.
 
... because I can! You're probably right about the coralline, but why not start off w/ something less obvious if is available? I'm even thinking about taking silicone, or some other adhesive, smearing the outside of my overflow, which is located tank center - island style, and sprinkling it all over w/ crushed coral, LR, or sand. I want the equipment to be as hidden as possible. IMO so many otherwise nice tanks end up looking like crap because of all the pipng, powerheads, and whatnot in obvious view.
 
... thanks for the link, but their 60* is actually a "long sweep" rather than just a short elbow fitting. It would extend too far. Thanks for trying though!
 
If you are that picky, then I think you would be better off spending tons of money and getting a special one, since you act like money is not an issue.
 
... how do I act like money is not an issue? I'm just looking for a simple 60* elbow, trying to enlist others eyes and experience in helping me find one. Sorry to have bothered you. Obviously you have a lot of time on your hands, since you feel like wasting mine with unwarranted, snarky comments.
 
You can use a heat gun and warm up PVC and bend it to what ever angle you want. Practice on a few pieces you will soon figure out what is not enought heat (pipe creases) and what is too much. You can even twist up a piece of newspaper (tight) and stuff it in the pipe before you heat it. When you heat and bend it, the paper on the inside will help the soft PVC keep it's shape. When you get it to the angle you want place it under running cold water. It will stiffen up quick. What is up with the comment from STOLAAS? Guess he is having a bad day. Personally I don't like seeing all the hardware in a tank either.
 
... that sounds great. Thanks. Also, anyone have any input on Crooke's suggestion; painting w/ Krylon? Would think there would be some toxicity, no? Thanks again everyone.
 
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