Is ABS reef safe?

[Kenfuzed]

Are black ABS pipe fittings safe for use in a reef tank? I can't find any info saying it's not. I have a 1-1/2" "Y" that I can't find made out of PVC and this would fit perfect in my overflow setup.

[dougchambers]

Works great in my tank. And the best part... It's black!

[slipknottin]

Yes ABS is reef safe. In fact, a great deal of pumps, overflows, etc. are made of ABS. Mag drive pumps come to mind.

[mufret]

Tagging along and have some additional questions. Will the ABS last as long as pvc? Will it become brittle over time?

[slipknottin]

Originally posted by mufret
Tagging along and have some additional questions. Will the ABS last as long as pvc? Will it become brittle over time?

ABS is as, if not more durable than PVC, and should not become brittle.

[ziac]

yes abs and pvc become britttle over time how fast depends on how much uv the pipe gets from the sun i have seen abs get brittle and crack in plumbing systems that was installed in crawl spaces in 15 years pvc will last much longer

[Entropy]

I agree that PVC with last longer than ABS, but either way I think other things will wear out faster (like your tank). The only thing I would worry about is if the piece you are using is under pressure and you are mating it to a non ABS piece. You could have a leaky setup this way. If it is just a gravity feed inside the overflow, I wouldn't worry about it.

[cateyes]

where can you get ABS parts???? do they have 90's and such???
thanks,,,lisa :)

[Entropy]

Most hardware stores (Osh, Home Depot, Lowes) have a good selection of ABS, but keep in mind this stuff is for home drainage, so there is not much under 2 inch available in most cases, and most of the fittings are simple 90's or T's.

[cateyes]

thanks Entropy, i'll check out HD.... lisa

[danthemanj]

As long as the ABS is not treated with an anti-bacterial, it should be fine.