Is PVC cement/solvent safe? - Aquarium Advice

Latitude_change · 04-03-2008, 10:16 AM

I am looking to use PVC pipe to create a shelf in my sump and possibly a shelf for LR to create caves, etc. Is regular PVC cement safe to use? Is there something else I should use? Thanks!

fijiwigi · 04-03-2008, 10:26 AM

I just used regular PVC glue for my return plumbing no problems at all.

tamra&steven · 04-13-2008, 03:13 PM

ya it should be safe just not sure how much weight your shelf will be able to hold up, use supports too.

Latitude_change · 04-14-2008, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the help and advice. I decided to just go for it this weekend. No problems, and it was pretty easy. I let it cure overnight and strong as can be.

**Ziggy953** · 04-17-2008, 12:28 PM

Make sure to rinse the pipes off really well before putting them in your tank. Oh and the glue should be dry before use as well.

pitt420dude · 04-17-2008, 02:34 PM

How about caulk, just normal 100% silicone caulk, is this safe to use when cured?

Latitude_change · 04-17-2008, 02:57 PM

What exactly are you trying to caulk? Type I silicone is safe. Type II is not. Type II has a milder additive.

pitt420dude · 04-17-2008, 03:02 PM

I dunno, just anything, like PVC or wood, possibly to fix leaks in tubing or equipment. Just any use really.

**Ziggy953** · 04-18-2008, 10:11 AM

If you are going to have some silicone on hand then I suggest stopping by wal-mart and picking up (in the pet department) aquarium silicone. They sell tubes of it for $5 or so. It is aquarium safe and works. I keep a couple of tubes on hand just in case.

This will eliminate the guessing or not knowing for sure if a product is safe for use in the aquarium. HTH

BillD · 04-18-2008, 11:52 PM

There is no guessing, GE Silicone I for windows and doors, is safe for use in aquariums, as are a number of other brands that say "ideal for aquariums" on the label and are around $4 for a caulking gun sized tube.

04-03-2008, 10:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
Latitude_change Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 34	Is PVC cement/solvent safe? I am looking to use PVC pipe to create a shelf in my sump and possibly a shelf for LR to create caves, etc. Is regular PVC cement safe to use? Is there something else I should use? Thanks!

04-03-2008, 10:26 AM	#2 (permalink)
fijiwigi Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Yakima, Washington Posts: 823 Images: 7	I just used regular PVC glue for my return plumbing no problems at all. __________________ {I am excited to create my personal mini-ocean with the much needed help From AquariumAdvice.com} S.D.M.F -FijiWigi-

04-13-2008, 03:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
tamra&steven Aquarium Advice Regular Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Huntington Beach Posts: 67	ya it should be safe just not sure how much weight your shelf will be able to hold up, use supports too. __________________ 60 ga. SPS tank w/ 2 - 175w 20k halides, korallin 1502 calcium reactor w/ph contorler 24ga. SW nano w/150 HQI 180ga. FW aggresive fish 125ga. FW w/60ga. sump. VERY aggresive fish

04-17-2008, 12:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 2,499 Images: 5	Make sure to rinse the pipes off really well before putting them in your tank. Oh and the glue should be dry before use as well. __________________ Happy Reefing! *210 upgrade on the way* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here!

04-17-2008, 02:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
pitt420dude Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh! Home of the 5 Time Superbowl Champs! Posts: 913 Images: 11	How about caulk, just normal 100% silicone caulk, is this safe to use when cured? __________________ Thank you so much for all your help. I'm now going green. LOOK! A NEW LEAF!!!!!

04-14-2008, 07:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
Latitude_change Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 34	Thanks for the help and advice. I decided to just go for it this weekend. No problems, and it was pretty easy. I let it cure overnight and strong as can be.

04-17-2008, 02:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Latitude_change Aquarium Advice Apprentice Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 34	What exactly are you trying to caulk? Type I silicone is safe. Type II is not. Type II has a milder additive.

04-17-2008, 03:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
pitt420dude Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh! Home of the 5 Time Superbowl Champs! Posts: 913 Images: 11	I dunno, just anything, like PVC or wood, possibly to fix leaks in tubing or equipment. Just any use really. __________________ Thank you so much for all your help. I'm now going green. LOOK! A NEW LEAF!!!!!

04-18-2008, 10:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
Ziggy953 Aquarium Advice Addict Community Moderator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Sumerduck, Virginia Posts: 2,499 Images: 5	If you are going to have some silicone on hand then I suggest stopping by wal-mart and picking up (in the pet department) aquarium silicone. They sell tubes of it for $5 or so. It is aquarium safe and works. I keep a couple of tubes on hand just in case. This will eliminate the guessing or not knowing for sure if a product is safe for use in the aquarium. HTH __________________ Happy Reefing! *210 upgrade on the way* Visit our Article section for answers on a variety of topics. LFS, PWC, PH RO/DI what in the world? Look here!

04-18-2008, 11:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
BillD Aquarium Advice FINatic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Whitby, Ont,Canada Posts: 868	There is no guessing, GE Silicone I for windows and doors, is safe for use in aquariums, as are a number of other brands that say "ideal for aquariums" on the label and are around $4 for a caulking gun sized tube. __________________ Join a fish club. Don't have one in your area? Start one.

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