Reef safe "rubber?"

[iwishtofish]

Maybe this is the best forum to inquire: How can one tell if a fitting such as this from Fernco is reef safe? If it is, it would solve a plumbing problem I have...

http://www.fernco.com/plumbing/flexible-couplings/stock-couplings

I looked at the .pdf file on the website for the product and it is described as chemically inert, but also mold-resistant (if I recall correctly). The mold-resistant part concerns me.

 

[HighlandReefer]

The mold resistant statement would concern me. They could add chemicals to the rubber for preventing molds and mildews from growing which would not have good effects regarding a reef tank, but would be good to prevent drains from clogging from molds, fungus, bacteria....etc.

 

[iwishtofish]

Yes, thanks, Cliff. I guess I better steer clear so that it won't be a constant worry. I appreciate your input.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Hobbyists commonly use drain pipe (pvc) for hooking up aquariums. There have been no reported problems from this that I am aware of. Using CPVC which is rated for potable water is safer imho, simply because we can drink water from these pipes.

They do make different couplings for cpvc connections which are approved to drink from. They usually have a screw adapter. Perhaps something like this would work for you. I use this myself. These fitting can be taken apart at a later date if you wish and re-installed afterward.

This is an example:

http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/5...-and-cold-water-reducing-coupling-299263.aspx

 

[iwishtofish]

Thank you, Cliff! I've taken a couple trips to different supply stores and haven't been able to find any couplings that will work with what I'd like to do.

Hopefully without going into too much detail - I have an overflow box which includes a pvc elbow fitting which is part of the bulkhead on the drain side:

A 1.5" pvc drain pipe will fit inside this elbow, but I'd like to use a 2" drain pipe to the sump, instead. The reason is that I'd like to keep the drain pipe interior diameter at least as big as the interior diameter of the elbow fitting. The only way I can think of to do this is to attach the 2" drain pipe with an exterior coupling of some sort. Unfortunately, this apparently isn't possible with standard pvc. The Fernco adapter would do the trick, I think, were I confident of it being a safe option.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Looks like you have a male threaded pipe going through the overflow box, so the elbow could be removed. If so, I would look for a 2" pvc female threaded elbow that would fit. Possibly you would need to use an adapter to hook to a 2" elbow.

 

[iwishtofish]

Looks like you have a male threaded pipe going through the overflow box, so the elbow could be removed. If so, I would look for a 2" pvc female threaded elbow that would fit. Possibly you would need to use an adapter to hook to a 2" elbow.

I wouldn't begin to know where to look for such an animal, but yes, I imagine that would be the best solution.

I fired off an inquiry to the Fernco people regarding chemicals used to treat their fittings. Just to be sure. Maybe I'll get a quick reply.

 

[HighlandReefer]

If you can take out the male threaded pipe, you can take all your parts to a plumbing supply store and they can set you up for all the various options you have available. I'm sure they will have what you need and they can test the parts to make sure they fit.