ABS or PVC ??

[gmwoodturner]

I am in the process of building a 2-3 barrel filter system for my new pond I put in last summer. I went to Home Depot to pick up some pipe and fittings and when the sales help asked me what I was using it for he said I should only use PVC and that the ABS could kill my fish.Can any one verify this as I really would not want to use ABS if it will lead to problems.
Thanks for any and all help

[Terri]

Welcome to KR :)

We've used both but PVC primarily - ABS mostly for waste lines - there is a mix of both with in most of our pond/tank systems... purely because when you put something together on the fly :grin: you generally use what is available right at that moment LOL

ABS pipe won't kill fish,...
but it is not great to use because it breaks down rather quickly under UV (sunlight) light and tends to become 'brittle' in colder climates (freezing temps)... ABS is fine for waste lines, used in homes around the globe for such purposes... I don't believe it is rated for potable (drinking) water. Not totally clear on this point but ABS may not be a 'pressure' rated pipe...?

PVC is the pipe of choice for the reasons ABS is not. I'm' sure there are other reasons ABS is not widely used but those comments will have to be added by someone like Ian or another member here "in the know" ;)

[Peg]

I have some ABS in my pond for the returns, But I only needed a small amout and it was what I had on hand at the time. PVC will be used this year for some up grades. Reason - 10' to 12' of ABS at HD 48.00, PVC about 14.00, good enough reason for me.