Obtaining clear 3 inch pipe for underground tunnel

[seldin]

I had finished reading a great book, "Book of Coral Propagation". It mentioned an interesting idea.

I can take a circular clear small see through pvc or clear pipe and place it under my sand, so I can view reef inhabitants that like to go under ground. Sought of like a tunnel that I can see if I place it near the front of my tank, below the top of the sand.

So I am looking for some clear maybe plastic pipe 2-3 inch in diameter with the option of a 45 degree fitting so that I can have my little tunnel for view. I am thinking of a length of 2-3 feet for my 55 gallon FOWLR that I am converting to a Reef tank.

Do you know where I can contain saltwater safe clear plastic piping and that also has fittings for 45 degrees to do this small project.

Thanks much,

[jnarowe]

Clear PVC is available from a variety of suppliers like Savko, US Plastics, etc. Clear acrylic tubes are available also from most acrylic suppliers. I get mine from Interstate Plastics.

[seldin]

Jonathan,

For placement of this tube under my sand, is there any preference between acrylic or clear PVC.

PS. Which bonding glue or cement do you recommend?


Thanks much,

[jnarowe]

Larry,

Why do you need cement? I don't glue any of the water flow pipes inside my tank, so I can move them if needed. And as far as placing it under the sand, I am having a hard time picturing how you will be able to see into it. If you were using a rectangular acrylic tube and placed it along the viewing pane, that might work, but I would imagine that visibility will reduce rather quickly with stuff growing on it. Am I missing something?

[lecher]

I bet you would have to clean it often to be of any use. For me it would not be worth it. Try it and let us know how it works out. You might also try McMaster Carr for clear tubing.

[brackishdude]

I always thought it would be cool to connect two bulheads in the bottom of the tank with two 90's and a stretch of clear pvc. put just enough pvc on the in-tank side to rise above the sand. Essentially it would be a cave in your stand. Keep it covered/dark to slow/prevent growth unless you are wanting to look at the cave dwellers.

[jnarowe]

That's a cool idea but it won't work dude. All that will happen is it will fill up with detritus and you will have a nutrient factory. Unless it is removable in some way, every little creature in your system will make its way in there and drop dead. Maybe if you put in valves and unions you could take it apart, but then you will be spilling water and turds under your tank.

[pescadero]

yes, I was looking at McMaster the other day for clear acrylic tubing. they've got it.

[Daemonfly]

Problem with the acrylic tubing is it won't have fittings available for it like the clear PVC would.

[pescadero]

where does one source clear PVC?

[jnarowe]

SAVKO, Interstate Plastics, maybe US Plastics...most plastic suppliers should have it. I think some of the oline aquarium stores carry fittings as well.

[seldin]

Originally posted by brackishdude
I always thought it would be cool to connect two bulheads in the bottom of the tank with two 90's and a stretch of clear pvc. put just enough pvc on the in-tank side to rise above the sand. Essentially it would be a cave in your stand. Keep it covered/dark to slow/prevent growth unless you are wanting to look at the cave dwellers.

Brackishdude,

This is what the book tip is referencing.

[seldin]

Guys,

Thanks for the input and supplier info.

I will let you know how it goes...