rileyrk190

I needed a piece of tubing for another crazy diy idea of mine and was just curious if vinyl tubing is aquarium safe? I couldn't find clear pvc, even at lowes. The vinyl has an odd odor to it so that's what makes me question its safeness. I have had it soaking in some water with aquarium salt in it for a while, but it still smells odd. Any info would be appreciated. I don't plan on adding it to my tank until i know for sure that its safe.

milkysquirrel

well think about what could happen as a start. But really I wouldn't worry too
much.

andy65

Go to your LFS and see if they sell aquarium tubing by the foot. I would have to say that most do. most Petsmart and Petco would have some.

darkwolf29a

I use clear vinyl tubing for my water changes, as part of my pump system to refill the tank. The odd odor doesn't translate to the water itself, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

A good test though, for your peace of mind, would to soak in plain water for a few days, and see if there is a film that develops on the water or any strange smells. I don't think you'll see any of that, but it wouldn't hurt either way.

rileyrk190

thanks a lot! i've had the tube just sitting around because i was afraid it would kill my fish. Now i can finally get to work.

sirdarksol

The only worry I'd have is that vinyl is known to put off carcinogens as it degrades. Presumably it will do this into the water the same way it does into the air.

I'm not sure, however, how big of a problem this would be, since a tube is a relatively small amount of vinyl compared to what we're exposed to in our daily lives.