Silly question about PVC

[handapanda]

I have seen people post saying they use PVC to provide hiding places in qt or hospital. I was under the impression that PVC floats (I think someone told me a long time ago that it does). Does it float? Is there a specific kind that sinks?
I know it's silly, but I want a bit more cover in my qt and don't want to go to the store, buy some, and bring it home only to discover that it floats.
Thanks.

 

[ppurcell]

None of the PVC I've purchased floats. I don't think you will have a problem.

 

[desjardiniidj]

same here. I always get schedule 40 pipe and it sinks.

 

[svb57]

I had a 4" round piece 3" long that I put in holding tank yesterday to put coral on while moving tanks...It floated.

 

[ppurcell]

Jim, was that a piece of schedule 40 pipe, a schedule 40 fitting or something else? You didn't cap both ends did you? 8-P

 

[svb57]

It was cut from a piece of standard length tubing....Not sure if schedule 40 or 80...but is the "normal" everyday white stuff all the stores sell..

 

[ppurcell]

Interesting. I assume the SG was 1.025 or so, right?

I know I've dropped many pieces of PVC while working and I am pretty sure they have all sank to the bottom. But now, I am wondering.

 

[svb57]

SG is right at 1.026

When I get home tonight I will cut few other pieces and see what they do.

Jim Mc

 

[aiko670]

I've always had it sink.... Weird....

 

[Kmiec123]

only PP or PE plastic float

 

[handapanda]

Kmiec123 - So anything labeled as PVC should sink??

 

[Kmiec123]

Yep. Check this out.

Plastic ID Flow Chart

PVC and ABS both float.

 

[Toddrtrex]

All the loose piece I've put into a tank have always sunk. The only time that I've had any PVC float was when I built a PVC shelf and didn't get all the air bubbles out of it. Once I got all the air out it sunk.

 

[ppurcell]

only PP or PE plastic float

PVC and ABS both float.

Carl,

You just confused me. The chart and your first two posts indicate that PVC should sink. Your third post seems to say that PVC will float. Or am I mis-reading what you posted?

 

[svb57]

I just went in tank room and took a piece of 3" PVC and it floats....don't know why....actually don't care why

BUT IT FLOATED.........

I tried 1.5" and 1" and it sunk......

Oh well lifes little mysteries.....

 

[squibley2]

PVC is almost neutrally buoyant so if there are air bubbles on a span of PVC in water then it will float, smaller pieces have trouble trapping air and longer pieces are to heavy it is that magic size that can trap air and still be light enough.

 

[Kmiec123]

Sorry....sink not float. oops