Materials in a tank

[CodeMonkey]

What materials are safe for using in a marine tank?

what sort of plastics?

what type of metals? (if any)

I am assuming glass is okay always but ...

[KennyD]

I would say the least metal, the better http://www.ultimatereef.net/ibv3/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif
IMHO, the only metal which I regard as 'safe' is Stainless Steel, as others tend to corrode and leach toxic chemicals.
Food grade Stainless is better, but this is just my preference.
Most plastics are OK, (PTFE 'soaks up' chemicals and again leaches these out, so don't use if you don't know the items history.
I use push-fit piping (B&Q stylee) for my External PF with no problems.
Hope this helps and doesn't confuse!

Kenny

[zag]

Hey KennyD

What brand of push fittings do you use from B&Q?

Speedifit?
Equator?
PolyPlumb?

I used the Equator Range manufactured by Marley, as I had e-mailed then asking about suitability of the overflow range.

Heres a copy of the E-mail with the reply:

-----Original Message-----
From: garry [mailto:Garry@hallam47.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: 09 January 2002 21:37
To: Marketing
Subject: Product Info


I am considering using your 21.5mm PVCu overflow piping and fittings on my saltwater aquarium.

Do you know if they are safe to marine life in saltwater?

Do they leach any Chemicals?

Thanks

Garry@hallam47.fsnet.co.uk

The Reply:
Dear Garry,

Thank you for your e-mail.

In answer to your question, if it was a small tank recycling the same water, we feel that there is a small risk of chemical leakage. We do not carry food hygiene certificates for our overflow range. However, if the size is not critical then our Equator range would be ideal, as this is food grade. Equator comes in 10, 15, 22 and 28mm sizes. If you would like further information on this range, please visit our Equator-specific website www.equator.co.uk or contact me with your address details and I will forward some literature for you.

Kind reagrds,

Sam Park
Marketing Communications Assistant

[KennyD]

I use the Speedfit ones, 22mm.
Easy to use, but remember to cut the pipe correctly.
I used a pipecutter (no swarf or uneven edges).
The pipe work was installed about 9 months ago and no problems to reprt. They can take some pressure, but don't remember the spec. sorry!
Good luck in your project!
Kenny