Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just a question on Silastic before I start joining things. Why does everyone use Silastic instead of the PVC glue. Beside the fact that it only takes 10seconds to bond. I've always used the blue for regular PCV joins and the green for high pressure.

generaly i belive the idea is so that if you get some bio mass build up in the pipe then you can quickly pull apart the joints and then quickly re join them without having to buy new fittings

also a lot of folks are very carefull about the chemicals they put into their systems cause they not want to eat them through either the fish or the vegies

personaly ill be glueing my pipes with PVC glue, clear not coloured cause thats what i have on hand.

Cheers
Pete

i use blue for all the pump lines and roof and gutter silicone for all the drain lines.

(you dont need green, the pressure from the pump isn't THAT extreme )

I use pvc glue on pipes with pump pressure behind them, pvc glue is easy and quick though changing things usually requires cutting and new fittings so I try to think ahread before gluing things together.

As to drain lines, I usually have not glued them unless they will be where I can't check them for leaks. Or I will glue them if they prove to leak and thread seal gunk doesn't take care of the problem (I have used it on slip fittings a few times and it worked.)

I don't usually have the patients to use silicone on plumbing connections since it takes so long to cure properly before one is suppose to hook it to fish tanks.

when i say i use silicone on the drain plumbing i mean a small amount smeared with a finger around the "lips" if the fittings

I use either pvc glue or a pvc welder. There is no sense in killing your fish because the dog tripped over a line when you were not looking..

How do you get the dog to stand still while you apply the glue or welder Dandi ? ....

The pool had a 3ph pump. The tenant that was renting the house let it burn out. Noticed it was leaking, didn't say anything for a month. Pump made a loud sound and died. Something about water inside the motor not being good for it. Then they replaced it with a 1/2 hp one. I've put a larger one back on now. I've got a lot of pumps spare now. And a new use for them .

Found this on another forum, works well

1. Cut off the pipe near the fitting.
2. Paint INSIDE the fitting (on the pvc pipe insert remnant)with the blue glue.
3. Light it with a match.
4. When it burns out after a few seconds insert a screwdriver or pen knife blade
between the cut off pipe and fitting and create a bend in the softened pvc.
5. Then use a pair of pliers to complete the job of removing the pipe end.

I use glue for the plumbing that feeds the GBs and moves water FROM the tank with the pump in, and mostly silicon on all other fittings

OBO ive heard you can also use a hair dryer ( ive not actualy tried it ) at work we use a heat gun which is basicaly the same thing but gets hotter.(but make sure you do it without telling the missus )
best way ive seen it done when cutting the outer fitting off the pipe is to cut with a saw to the depth of the inner fitting then apply heat and use screwdriver and long nose pliers after that

Same too DG