Pvc Pipe For Plecs

[ghent_3rd]

I have been given some 1 3/4" PVC pipe for my plecs to hide in from my Grandad. It is a bit dirty but is black which is cool. Should I bleach it first before using in my tank to make sure nothing contaminated is coming in or will a good wash suffice??

I am going to drill holes in it so I don't get stagnant water as one end is going to be shoved into a gravel bank.

 

[SkiFletch]

I'd run some vinegar through it and poke a plastic scrubbing pad around in it, and rinse it out a lot. Then when you're tired of rinsing it out, rinse it some more

And then when you're sick of rinsing it, soak it in a pot of water

 

[ghent_3rd]

Thanks for the advice, I'll give it a go. Just normal Malt Vinegar??

 

[SkiFletch]

Yup, vinegar is mostly acetic acid with sometimes some flavoring... It will kill any bad bacteria and help rinse it out. Along with the scrubbing, that should remove any harmful toxins for freshwater fish. Just make sure you rinse it a lot to keep the acid off the pvc and keep your pH stable

 

[returnofsid]

Actually, if it's black, it's not PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), it's ABS (AntaBeutal Styrene) PVC will be white, CPVC is off-white and Electrical PVC is gray.

 

[Opcn]

When it comes time to rinse a good way to do it is to just toss in into the tank on the most often used toilet in the house, that way it gets rinsed in new water every time anyone flushes.

 

[SkiFletch]

Brilliant trick

Just another note about color. Since its a pipe, dark gray is also commonly known as schedule-80 or high density pvc. Stronger than the white schedule-40

 

[godzuki]

When it comes time to rinse a good way to do it is to just toss in into the tank on the most often used toilet in the house, that way it gets rinsed in new water every time anyone flushes.

that wouldnt work with me I have bleach in my loo hee hee hee

do plecs need tubes

kiss kiss
godzuki

 

[ghent_3rd]

I don't think they necessarily need them but it is just another hiding place for them and any other fish that want to use them.

 

[Toadfish]

I work at a fish store and we use them all the time for anything from plecos to loaches to cichlids, its great, but keep in mind you plecos is also going to need some bog wood to kepp it teeth in shape, it really keeps them healthy.

 

[sub.42]

Actually, if it's black, it's not PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), it's ABS (AntaBeutal Styrene) PVC will be white, CPVC is off-white and Electrical PVC is gray.

Hang on, if it's light grey it's PVC, if it's dark grey it's ABS, Right? reads his George Fisher and Astore catalogues.......

You lot make me laugh! I use this stuff everyday, and even I can't bloody remember what colour is which!!!

I just go into the pipe centre and say 'PVC' or 'ABS'.

They hand over correct cleaner, pipe and goop, and off I go.

Lets see if I can confuse the pipe man on Monday.......

sub.