How long should PVC glue dry?

[Juxtaroberto]

Well, I glued all the PVC pipes for the overflow together, and I was wondering how long it should dry for it to be safe for aquarium use. 24 hours? 48?

Here's a funny story: I put the overflow together, put the check valve on the top loop and then applied silicon around it to make sure it didn't leak air. Well, later that day a thought occurred to me: "What if I put the check valve in the wrong direction?" So I take my overflow and I suck on the check valve... and air came out. Air reeking of glue fumes! The air TASTED bad (yes, I could taste it) and it burned the back of my throat and I was coughing and sputtering and gagging for about 10 seconds. It was nasty! I learned my lesson, I guess.

So, back to the question, how will I know when it's aquarium safe?

 

[rnocera]

When there are no more fumes, it's safe. It's not actually a glue, as much as it temporarily melts the PVC and allows the PVC to bond to itself when it hardens again. Once there are no fumes, it should be safe to use. You can run water through it within 5 minutes of putting pipes together. I would seal it all up and run water through for a minute before letting tank water go through, though, just in case there's anything in the pipe.

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Oh, well since I put it together yesterday I should run water through it for a few minutes and then smell inside it again? Once the chemical smell is gone it should be safe?

 

[Pharaoh]

I usually give it a few minutes, but then use it a few minutes later. I probably only wait about an hour.

 

[tylerperkins]

i just finished up the plumbing on my reef tank and it was fine after about 30min no loss of anything not even a coral looking bad

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Oh, okay then, I feel much more at ease (despite the nasty smell in the PVC pipes). Thanks a bunch, love this forum!

 

[Kobeclone]

Most PVC cements are good to carry safe, drinkable water after 30 seconds. I am positive, considering my father has been a plumber for the last 15 years and I work part time during summers with him...

 

[Dr Joe]

Well, I glued all the PVC pipes for the overflow together, and I was wondering how long it should dry for it to be safe for aquarium use. 24 hours? 48?

Here's a funny story: I put the overflow together, put the check valve on the top loop and then applied silicon around it to make sure it didn't leak air. Well, later that day a thought occurred to me: "What if I put the check valve in the wrong direction?" So I take my overflow and I suck on the check valve... and air came out. Air reeking of glue fumes! The air TASTED bad (yes, I could taste it) and it burned the back of my throat and I was coughing and sputtering and gagging for about 10 seconds. It was nasty! I learned my lesson, I guess.

So, back to the question, how will I know when it's aquarium safe?

Now you know how the fish feel when we add water without de-chlorinating it.

And yes you can taste it!!! Guess how I know .

Dr Joe

.

 

[Oreo]

It's safe almost imediately, HOWEVER... those fumes will not go away on their own. I usually try to flush the lines with air or water before returning them to service. Especially if you're talking about more then one or two fittings worth.

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Now you know how the fish feel when we add water without de-chlorinating it.

And yes you can taste it!!! Guess how I know .

Dr Joe

.

Probably the same way I do! Oh, it was the nastiest experience EVER! Well, maybe not as nasty as watching a certain video about two young ladies and their cup.