Can you use Gray PVC conduit?

[stdreb27]

Can you use the conduit pvc you know the gray kind? The guy at HD said it was drinking water safe but I don't know whether to believe them

 

[fbm]

Yes you can, there shouldn't be any problem there whatsoever. But the gray kind is weaker right?

 

[chipmaker]

I would not be afraid to use it. It far exceeds any pressure requirements that would be found in a aquarium setup. I use the long sweep ells on my pond plumbing and I run pumps at much higher pressures than a marine tank runs at and have never had a problem.

 

[reefkprz]

grey conduit is generally used for running electrical, but in a low pressure system I wouldnt worry about it. your not going to get anywhere near its pressure tolerances in your average home aquarium.

 

[stdreb27]

Pressure shouldn't be a problem at all. Just wondering about water quality issues since It is mainly used as conduit.

 

[scsinet]

The only concern I have is what others mentioned.. the accuracy of the drinking water safe statement. The manufacturer of it would have no reason to use a manufacturing process that keeps it drinking water safe, so I would doubt the claim. It still will probably not cause any problems.
If the standard pipe fittings fit on the end, I'd say go for it if it suits you.

 

[reefkprz]

here is some info I found on it.
PVC-U Pipe Systems
Unplasticised poly vinyl chloride (PVC-U) is one of the most widely used thermoplastic materials for pipe installations. Being odourless and tasteless it is suitable for conveying potable water and many food products. PVC-U has excellent chemical resistance. The good flow characteristics results from the smooth bore and has good resistance to abrasion. It is light in weight, easy to join together making PVC-U a good alternative to the more traditional materials. PVC-U is resistant to most solutions of acids, alkalis, salts and solvents that can be mixed with water.
Material
Thin stabilized compound conforming to the EEC safety levels for vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and the WRc requirements for use with potable water.
The chemical resistance properties of PVC-U are excellent. It is resistant to most solutions of acids, alkalis and salts and to solvents that can be mixed with water. PVC-U is not resistant to aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons
PVC Pipe and fittings are available from stock in the following sizes .. 3/4-inch - 1-inch - 1.5-inch - 2-inch - 3-inch - 4-inch

 

[stdreb27]

So I like the nice sweeping curves of th conduit since it is designed for wire. What I was going to do is have my return pvc above my fishtank and use a 90 degree and a 90 degree curve to actually put the water in my tank. It will work so wonderfully. I'll post pictures tonight. There will be no pressure on that pipe since it is going to be where the water comes out into the tank.

 

[gwh57]

I have all my DIY bulkheads made form it. I use it because the threads are stright and not tapered like the white PVC. Use it and a couple of rubber washers ahd you have a cheap bulkhead.

 

[chipmaker]

Well the rich and famous koi keepers have no problems using it in their high dollar ponds. Its a mainstay of koi ponds with the large radius sweep ells etc it reduces lots of back pressure normally acquired with standard pressure or DWV fittings. If it was an issue I do not think those folks that pay $50,000 and upwards for a single fish and place it in a pond plumbed with grey electrical pvc fittings get concerned with it as its pretty well inert.

 

[stdreb27]

Well I'm using it. It will work perfect for outputs.

 

[stdreb27]

So this is what I'm going to do with the gray pvc. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could put on the outlets to disperse the flow?