Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I remember that members here use PVC cement to glue the PVC pipes and fittings. what product is safe to use?

there is one called "PVC Blue Pipe Cement', its brand name is iPLeX, on the bottle, there is 'POISON', so it is no safe?

thanks for any help.

Hi PL,

There are different types of PVC cement.

Use the one that is marked for "potable water". The bottle I have has a green label - I bought it from B.

thanks scottie. apparently i got the wrong one.

I'm no expert but the blue pvc glue gets used in every application for plumbers here.
I have used the green stuff myself but to be honest haven't looked at the possibility of it being bad for anything. (I was just happy to build a system).

Still, put a match to the glue and it burns like one thing (can't be good )

As I recall the green is for high pressure situations. I used that for the pool filter. Blue is not for high pressure situations but is normally potable.

I just think you are not supposed to drink the glue

...at least not until it is dry

I'm with VB....wait till it's dry...then the blue stringy bits don't get caught in your teeth
Seriously though, if you are applying the glue correctly, it will not be in contact with the water and the tiny bit that may be in contact will surely make no difference.
I used blue glue and my SP's and goldies just love their safe, secure home where someone comes twice a day with a feed of yummy pellets.
Also I have heard not one word of complaint from the vegies about the nutritious poo they enjoy for 15 minutes every hour of the day.

[quote="Jaymie"]I just think you are not supposed to drink the glue [/quote]

you sniff it durrr.

Im counting on a bio film and the clay in our water to coat the inside of the pipes to make it safe

If you are really worried about it buy a plastic welder and heat weld every joint.

My fish are still alive and I only turned the water off for about half an hour the last couple times I glued connections. I'm using the purple primer and the clear pvc cement. I would be careful not to spill any into your tank but if you are reasonably careful about how you glue your pipe connections, it should be ok so long as it is stuff meant for drinking water pipes.

I only glue pipes that will be buried or under pressure (like from the pump feeding the grow beds), My other connections, like drain lines that are not under pressure, I don't tend to glue as long as I can access them if they start to leak.