External Filter Can I Use Copper Pipe ?

[hornyhobbit]

Hi all
I am just setting up a tropical freshwater tank (a Ferplast Cayman 80 Scenic - 150L) with a EHEIM Pro 3 External 2073 filter. The problem I have is the ridged plastic return pipe will not fit just were I want it and the spray bar to go, so I was thinking maybe I could use some copper pluming fittings, 2 or 3 swept bends would do the job a treat. Do you think it would have any detramental affect on water, fish or plants ?

regards Hobbit

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Definitely not a good idea if you ever want to have inverts (snails and shrimp) as copper is lethal to them.

Not sure if it would effect the fish. Copper is used in many fish medications but then that is only supposed to be used for a short time.

Personally I would use PVC piping instead. You can do the same thing but it would not leech anything into the tank.

Oh and welcome to the forums

 

[hornyhobbit]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice, I will have to take a trip to my local plumbers merchant. After having a quick look round the web overflow pipe might do the job if its not to big.