Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm considering setting up some horizontal NFT piping and using net pots in one section of our system. Most people mention using 4"/90mm PVC pipe. Has anybody tried black ABS sewer pipe - the standard sewer pipe in U.S. homes? Black would be good for our system because we need to capture as much additional heat as we can from the sun (kind of the opposite problem most of you have). Does ABS contain something bad for fish?

I have never used it for aquaculture. I believe it would work fine. My experience with it in building has proved it more brittle than PVC. Just have to be careful cutting and such. It is almost always used underground or under a house, I read somewhere its less stable in UV light. So may break down a bit quicker.

Get hold of the MSDS or product sheet from the manufacturers frogii.... that will give you some idea.

http://www.charlottepipe.com/Default.as ... =ABSPVCDWV

Super idea Rupe

How is your system coming along?

This comment is not intended as a side discussion on pipe but a comment on plumbing/piping we all use for growing stuff in...

A while ago I discussed some of my concerns with PVC piping in relation to juvenile Abalone rearing on newly settled stock and it's residual affect on water quality. I also discussed some of the problems I was having with newly lined ponds with Polygro plastic house film and how it was taking along time for algae and bacteria buildup to occur.....
He commented that alot of countries were going away from PVC and like fittings because of health issues and fitting problems etc....
He was suggesting the use of the new generation plastic which did not have a reactive reagent but something else which set the plastic. This new plastic did not have the chemical release properties nrmal plastic has....

Some of my wording may be wrong but anyone into plastic will know what I'm talking about....

The original question just got me remembering the old discussion.

Rob @Aquagold

I agree with above - if its used U/G then UV will break it down rather quickly above ground. All the PVC pipes used above ground are usually UV stabilised.

I must say I am not entirely comfortable with the use of PVC piping in my system and would certainly not use the new foam core stuff if the core is exposed. However, I have not seen any sign off algae failing to grow on it

You would be better off (in my opinion) using pvc that is made for potable water use (nsf 61 rating) and painting over the outside for added heat retention. Krylon or similar plastic paints work well.
Most underground pipes (As stated above) are not well UV stabilized and breakdown quickly in sunlight, many do have toxic or just nasty residue that is released by this breakdown. MSDS sheets are a valuable source of information but do not give you all the information you may need. The MSDS gives you information about toxicity for the material for its intended purpose. If you dont use it for how it is intended the MSDS Sheet may or may not cover the information you are looking for.
ABS pipe is designed as a drain and vent pipe not for transfer or storage of potable water or consumables. That being said I know many people who use it in their aquarium systems without any visible problem, but I personally don't know any who are eating their fish out of those aquariums.

I use it for nft, but I painted it white.