Is vinyl tubing reef safe?
 

The tubing from my return is black vinyl. At home depot they said not to use vinyl tubing for ice makers. Is it because it's not safe, or is there another reason?

:hmm3:

Vinyl is safe for SW. Not sure why they don't want you using it for the ice maker, but my fridge said the same thing. They wanted me to use copper tubing, but I just used clear vinyl.

Could be a pressure issue. Vinyl tubing isn't as strong as the stuff used in RO-DI filters, etc, IIRC.

Yes, it's a pressure issue. Some places can have water pressure in excess of 100 psi so appliance makers have to spec worst case scenarios. As long as the stuff you're using is food grade and not of abnormally high pressure, you should be fine. (PSI is ABOUT 1/2 of head pressure [2.31TDH = 1PSI]

At my HD, they have a guide next to the plumbing materials, listing their facts and usage. The vinyl tubing is specifically stated as being food grade and typically used for aquariums.

It says that with the clear vinyl but not sure if it applies to the black vinyl as well. Does anybody know? Thanks

Vinyl is safe. Black vinyl is more UV resistant basicly. Its not safe for icemakers since it is not pressure-safe, and may burst. Thats why they recommend the stiffer polypropelene.

Thanks! I can sleep tonight!;)