Grey teflon tape - reef safe?

[Optimist1979]

Hello all. Has anyone seen grey teflon tape sold at the big-box stores. Is it reef safe? On the package it says "for water use". Thanks!

[mcgyvr]

technically teflon tape should not be used for threaded pvc.. only proper pvc thread sealant

and typically "grey" (or gray) teflon tape is for stainless steel threads.

[Optimist1979]

For low pressure aquarium use, I always thought that teflon was ok to use on threaded pvc. As long as you don't over tighten, no harm done right? Not a big deal, just wondering if the grey teflon is safe to use.

[Kdawg_69]

no grey I only use the white Teflon tape and I've never had a problem with it but the pvc thread sealant does work as well

[Optimist1979]

Ok thanks. I'll just stick with the white teflon.

[uncleof6]

For low pressure aquarium use, I always thought that teflon was ok to use on threaded pvc. As long as you don't over tighten, no harm done right? Not a big deal, just wondering if the grey teflon is safe to use.

According to fitting manufacturers (in particular Lasco, which is representative,) teflon tape is not for use on plastic threaded fittings. The tape forces the threads apart, which warps and deforms them. Which makes them more difficult to seal, and when overdone, can cause the fitting to never seal. Teflon tape use is very widely mis-used with plastic fittings. Teflon tape is intended to be used on metal pipe, where the lubricity of teflon prevents the threads from galling.

For plastic fittings you do not want lubricity, rather sealing, and the proper material to use is a non-hardening thread sealant. This product is not teflon paste, or teflon dope. It does not lubricate the fitting, which prevents over tightening. Visit Lasco's website for the details.

[D. Winter]

Good to know! I always assumed the teflon tape would provide the "seal" I was looking for in plastic fittings (if not over tightened).

According to fitting manufacturers (in particular Lasco, which is representative,) teflon tape is not for use on plastic threaded fittings. The tape forces the threads apart, which warps and deforms them. Which makes them more difficult to seal, and when overdone, can cause the fitting to never seal. Teflon tape use is very widely mis-used with plastic fittings. Teflon tape is intended to be used on metal pipe, where the lubricity of teflon prevents the threads from galling.

For plastic fittings you do not want lubricity, rather sealing, and the proper material to use is a non-hardening thread sealant. This product is not teflon paste, or teflon dope. It does not lubricate the fitting, which prevents over tightening. Visit Lasco's website for the details.


I never knew that...You learn something new every day! Thank you!

[necessary_evil]

You can also consider using teflon paste

[uncleof6]

You can also consider using teflon paste

I think not.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21998643&postcount=6

[Newms118]

According to fitting manufacturers (in particular Lasco, which is representative,) teflon tape is not for use on plastic threaded fittings. The tape forces the threads apart, which warps and deforms them. Which makes them more difficult to seal, and when overdone, can cause the fitting to never seal. Teflon tape use is very widely mis-used with plastic fittings. Teflon tape is intended to be used on metal pipe, where the lubricity of teflon prevents the threads from galling.

For plastic fittings you do not want lubricity, rather sealing, and the proper material to use is a non-hardening thread sealant. This product is not teflon paste, or teflon dope. It does not lubricate the fitting, which prevents over tightening. Visit Lasco's website for the details.

Thanks for the details, but what exactly is the proper sealing, non-lubricating sealant to use? Any brand come to mind?

[woodnaquanut]

Thanks for the details, but what exactly is the proper sealing, non-lubricating sealant to use? Any brand come to mind?

Take a look at http://youtu.be/Auyhm7YKQEI

They use Spears Blue 75 Thread Sealant. Interestingly the last half of the video they use PTFE tape. Seems like even the industry is undecided about PTFE tape.

Important to note in the video - hand tight plus maximum of two turns!

[Newms118]

Perfect, thanks for finding this for us