Homemade Spray Bar

Hey all. In order to create more surface tension for oxygenation and bio film purposes I made a spray bar out of 1/2 in pvc pipe. The back of my aquarium is painted black so I spray painted the spray bar to match. I used krylon fusion satin black paint. I painted it 48 hours ago. Is it safe to put in my aquarium now??

 

Yes, it is safe.

 

Someone asked about an aquarium spraybar on the Krylon site. Crylon Customer support said:

None of our paints are rated for submersion nor do we test for use in aquariums. We would not recommend it best for this application.

I personally wouldn't put a spray painted item in my recirculating system unless I could find an aquarium or food safe top coat of some sort for it...

 

Someone asked about an aquarium spraybar on the Krylon site. Crylon Customer support said:

Really?? I was told specifically to get that paint

 

Really?? I was told specifically to get that paint

I'd read the same thing, but was curious so I went to the krylon site, they have a bunch of Q&A on the product. This was on the second or third page, can't direct link to the page, but if you start here, and click on the Q&A you can find it

Fusion for Plastic - | Krylon

 

Oh man I see what you mean. Well shoot. There went that idea. Has anyone else ever used it?

 

Oh man I see what you mean. Well shoot. There went that idea. Has anyone else ever used it?

Well, a lot of fish keepers use it and they never had any problems...

 

Do they make already black pvc pipe and fittings?

 

Many products aren't recommended for aquarium use that are still in fact used and safe.

When using silicone in my tanks I don't buy "aquarium" silicone I buy it from the hardware store, make sure its 100% silicone with no additives or mold/mildew inhibitors let it cure until there's no vinegar smell and its fine. Pvc pipe is another I get from the hardware store and not specifically "aquarium" safe. Saves a ton of money.

Paint.... I just don't, I can't find enough consistent information to make a decision. But just because the company doesn't advocate it for aquarium use doesn't necessarily mean that it is unsafe for your fish. It'll take some leg work and talking to people who used it before and seeing what their long-term results were.

 

Another idea for consideration is to use gray PVC pipe. It would blend in better than the white. When I use it, I just use a very fine sand paper to remove the printing. I think they call it "Schedule 80" but don't quote me on that.

 

Do they make already black pvc pipe and fittings?

Nope, but they do make ABS pipes and fittings and they are aquarium safe and are usually black.

 

I have thought about making one as well

 

I'm remaking the one I made just not going to paint it. I couldn't find a premade set up for fluvals so I'm just using white pvc pipe

 

I've used krylon fusion, dual bond, and rustoleoum paints multiple times in my aquariums many, many, many times.
Once it's cured its inert and perfectly harmless.

Krylon has to cover themselves since it's not rated or tested for aquarium usage otherwise it could welcome lawsuits.

It would be like if I sold you a marble and you asked if its ok to put in your mouth, I have to say no because if you do something wrong and choke on it, then I'm responsible.


I've used black spray paint, blue, green, rock textured etc, never an issue.

They make all colors of PVC.(including black)

ABS is naturally black and is the material used for all of the bulkheads, spray bars, filter pipes etc.

You can remove the wording from PVC pipes by using acetone. No need to sand the pipes. Acetone rapidly evaporates and is in fact used in spray paints also. So as long as you let it dry it's safe.

They also make clear PVC or acrylic tubes which I use to make my own ADA style lily pipes. I also have some for sale if interested. (In/outflow/spraybars)