DSwofford

I've read quite a few posts about people making caves out of PVC and was wondering if ABS is safe to use in aquariums. I'm planning on using Tahitian moon for my substrate and and the ABS would blend much better since it is black. Any ideas?

pepetj

I had no idea what ABS was until googling it after reading your post. I found this in wikipedia:
ABS polymers are resistant to aqueous acids, alkalis, concentrated hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, alcohols and animal, vegetable and mineral oils, but they are swollen by glacial acetic acid, carbon tetrachloride and aromatic hydrocarbons and are attacked by concentrated sulfuric and nitric acids. They are soluble in esters, ketones and ethylene dichloride.

Based on this information and feedback I just read on other forums, I figure it's safe for use in aquariums.

Pepetj
Santo Domingo

ray_sj

One problem that I had with making a cave out of ABS pipe was that it floats! You might have to glue some rocks or gravel to it to keep it down.

DSwofford

Yeah floating caves could be a problem. I didn't think of that but can totally see it now as light weight as it is.

peacemaker92

haha I too had no idea what ABS until pepe mentioned it. Hope to see pictures when it's done! Good luck!