Tropical Marine Centre
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Commercial Products

Tropical Marine Centre Pipework and Fittings

» Pipework & Fittings Technical Details «

Tropical Marine Centre maintains a constant stock of a comprehensive range of white rigid pipework and fittings. As standard, we carry fittings in 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/2", 2", 3" and 4" and larger sizes can be supplied for your specific requirements

Metric fittings and adapters in standard grey are also available on request.

Technical Fact

All pipework and fittings supplied by TMC are are selected for their non-toxic properties and are therefore suitable for use with potable water (water suitable for human consumption). They have been utilised for aquatics and aquaculture installations worldwide and are suitable for use in both fresh and salt water aquatic systems.

» Pipework & Fittings Technical Details «

System Installation Tips

Plumbing Tips

Making Good Joints on Rigid Pipework

Jointing rigid pipework and fittings is easy providing the following steps are followed:-

Adaptaflex Tank Connectors
Adaptaflex Tank Connectors

DO:-

1. Cut pipe square. Remove internal burrs.

2. Chamfer the outer edge of the pipe.

3. Roughen the joint surfaces with emery cloth.

4. Degrease the joint surfaces with a suitable pipe cleaner.

5. Using the correct size of brush, apply an even layer of cement to the pipe and fitting. On larger sizes, apply a second coat to both surfaces.

6. Working quickly, push the pipe into the fitting to the stop. Hold for a few seconds before wiping off excess cement.

Note that for sizes above 3", two people are needed.

Ball Valves and Taps
Ball Valves and Taps

DON'T:-

1. Use damaged pipe.

2. Be careless cutting pipe - cut it square!

3. Thin solvent cement with cleaning fluid.

4. Leave the lid off cement when in use.

5. Use a rag to apply cement - use correct brush!

6. Smoke while working - ensure good ventilation!

7. Put any load on the joint until it is cured.

Solvent Weld Connections

pipe clips
Pipe Clips

Use a quality grade of pipe cleaner/primer and solvent cement formulated for the type of connection, with the correct size applicator.

Read and follow all of the solvent cement manufacturer's application and cure time instructions thoroughly.

Before applying cleaner and cement, appropriate safety precautions should be taken. To avoid compatibility problems when connecting rigid pipework of differing polymers i.e. ABS to PVC, we recommend that you only use Wet 'R Dry Cement which is suitable for use with both materials (see below).

How Much Solvent Cement?

Estimate the number of joints per size, then use this table to calculate how much solvent cement to order.

Pipe Size Joints per Litre
1/2" 160
3/4" - 1" 120
1 1/2" - 2" 80
3" 60
4" 40
6" 24

What Brush Size?

Pipe Size Brush Size
1/2" - 1" 8mm round
1 1/2" - 2" 25 x 10mm flat
3" - 4" 50 x 10mm flat
6" - 12" 75 x 10mm flat

Imperial to Metric Conversion

Please specify if metric conversions are required - these will be supplied with your filtration system. The table below can be used to correctly identify the equivalent metric fittings required. It includes the inch names for pipe products (called NPS or "nominal pipe size") and the corresponding metric equivalents (called DN or "diameter nominal").

NPS (") 1/2 3/4 1 11/4 11/2 2 21/2 3 4 5 6
DN (mm) 20 25 32 40 50 63 75 90 110 140 160

Pipework Support

As working temperature increases, the distance between supports is reduced. Above 60°C continuous support is required.

Pipe Size Supports Required per Metre
  20°C 40°C
1/2" 0.8 0.7
3/4" 0.8 0.7
1" 0.9 0.8
1 1/2" 1.1 1.0
2" 1.2 1.1
3" 1.5 1.4
4" 1.7 1.5
6" 2.1 1.9

Boa Strap Wrenches

Boa Wrench

The Boa Constrictor is a tough, flexible wrench designed to cope with problem jobs that require strength, flexibility and no surface damage. The reinforced polypropylene handle provides immense leverage and the rubber strap is strengthened with 33 cords of high tensile polycarbons to give a breaking strain in excess of 2000lbs. This combination gives an unbeatable grip without causing surface damage.

Boa Wrench in use

The standard Boa Constrictor will comfortably wrap around any surface from 20mm to 160mm (over 6") in diameter regardless of the material. For smaller jobs the Baby Boa will wrap around 10 to 100mm diameters and for larger applications the Monster Strap can be added to the standard Boa for diameters between 25mm and 280mm.

The Boa Constrictor can be used to undo, tighten or even hold pipes, unions, taps, valves, filters and can also be used for many other applications.

Boa Wrench Details

Wet 'R Dry Solvent Cement

Wet 'R Dry Solvent

Wet 'R Dry is a unique formula containing fast evaporating solvents which are able to withstand pressure only minutes after joints are assembled.

Strong, leak free joints within minutes of assembly.

No brush needed - can is complete with applicator suitable for 1/2" to 3" sized joints.

Wet 'R' Dry Details

Milliput Putty

milliput putty

This is a versatile putty which adheres to and will seal or bond metals, wood, plastics, glass, tile, brick and cement. Once fully cured, Milliput can be machined, drilled, tapped, turned, filed, sawn, sandpapered and painted.

Milliput Putty Details

Bison Super Glue

milliput putty

Ideal for sticking corals and other porous materials.

As it is a gel it will not seep into corals as liquid glue does.

Bison Super Glue Details

Ambroid Pro Weld

ambroid pro weld

A water-clear plastic fusing adhesive that dissolves a thin layer of each surface to form a welded joint.

Perfect for gluing acrylic breakages. Can also be used with ABS, styrene and butyrate plastics.

Ambroid Pro Weld Details