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#1
05/23/2007, 02:50 PM
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How do you clean your PVC plumbing?
I was concidering using all PVC from my main tank to sump and back, previously used a combination of soft tubing and PVC. My problem was sponges growing in the tubing and it needed to be cleaned out from time to time. Now I know with all PVC there would be no light, but does anyone have a need to clean their PVC plumbing and if so how? There are a lot of elbows I see in most systems and once connected would be difficult to clean.
Thanks! (I did check the search but nothing)
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Jim |
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#5
05/23/2007, 11:04 PM
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Damn you mean we have to clean the pvc pipes to??!!
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#6
05/23/2007, 11:09 PM
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Quote:
 Probably not necessary, since not much sticks to the walls. But I could see a use for it from time to time. Especially with clear tubing, since algae could grow in it. PVC, I have no clue. Hence why I'm tagging along! 
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#7
05/23/2007, 11:17 PM
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Some liquid draino should get it clean..
 Seriously though I dont even know if people clean their plumbing at all.
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Dave G click on the red house for my MYSPACE page with pics of my tank |
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#8
05/23/2007, 11:20 PM
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I've never had a need to clean the pipes. There are times I do maintenance on a pump and look inside the pipes and they are for the most part fully clear (except the typical slimy stuff on the wall).
Bob |
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#9
05/23/2007, 11:22 PM
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There is never anything in my pipes when i disassemble other than a thin yellow calcium layer. I believe the flow is too great for anything to settle, let alone grow inside.
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One day I'll be so rich I'll have a closed loop and Tunzes to mix my new saltwater! |
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#11
05/24/2007, 11:19 AM
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 Ca buildup and calculous tube worms are definitely a problem in pvc piping. I think it takes a while for a real buildup to form but....it forms for sure, cutting the flow rate. Large aquariums use a device that they call a "pig" to run thru the piping to keep it clear. The device looks like a rubber bullet. It is the same diameter as the pipe and it gets sucked thru the pipe knocking everything loose. Dennis |
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#12
05/24/2007, 11:33 AM
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Nice picture, NaH2Ofreak, that has been my experience too with the four 3/4" returns to my 4 year old tank. When I took the tank down to move I had about 25% flow out of the returns.
When I set the tank back up I did so knowing that I will need to replace/clean the pipe every 2 years or so. Steve
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"When in worry, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout." |
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#13
05/24/2007, 11:42 AM
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If you can isolate the tubing and take part of it apart muric acid works well to get rid of calcium build up inside pipes. Has to be rinsed well befor being put back in service obviously. I clean my over the top closed loop every year of so to clean it. Never have cleaned the return lines though.
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tank 125, 29 gal sump, 2 250w mh, 1 175w mh, 2 110w actinics, ev-180 skimmer, Dolphin 1200, Sequence Dart closed loop |
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#14
05/24/2007, 12:52 PM
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Ok, so maybe short term you are better off due to little/no light in the PVC, but over longer periods (years) there will be buildup and cleaning may be needed. I guess the best thing to do is monitor flow rates, however many factors may account for low flow rates besides blocking. Difficut to know for sure but it appears at some point cleaning may be needed. Thanks!
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Jim |
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