PVC tubing

[Ty1981]

Ok got a 75g tank just wanna do a lil diy on my return line. So what kind of glue/cement I should use to bond them and not have the salt creep on the connection??

[Big_Pun]

I really don't recommend using hard plumbing on returns especially if it's a internal pump. a barb on bulk head and vinyl tubing is best IMO. also instead of using Teflon tape, plumbers paste is better.

[Ty1981]

barb?

[profntbtr]

i used the blue wet n' fast with some purple primer, which made my plumbing right colorful. my plumbing is hidden mostly and i don't care about external aesthetics very much. if your plumbing is going to be visible and you are concerned about aesthetics, i'd use the clear stuff you get at home depot, and be sure to apply to both surfaces before connecting. dry fit everything, and mark it with a permanent marker, then only primer the pvc below that line. when you glue just make sure you turn all connections 1/4 turn or so and hold the connection for about 30 seconds, as the joints have a tendency to push themselves apart before they've set up. if you don't want to deal with the additional cost of unions and ball valves for pump cleaning, i agree with chris, a hose barb makes things much easier. all you need to do to replace a pump is clamp off the hose.

[Ty1981]

ok thanks, hope I do it rite.. hehehehehehe... If not I will be swimming.

[Ty1981]

anyone else have a comment on what Im about to do?

[profntbtr]

pull the trigger, man. it's not as hard as you'd imagine. worst case scenario it needs to be redone with what you learned the first time, oh yeah, and leave enough extra pvc for the inevitable redo, after you say "i could do better".