[characinfan]

Depending on what size and shape you want, you can get these things at any hardware store.

 

[elbereth]

I've never seen black PVC in the big hardware stores like Lowes, HomeDepot and Rona. Do you mean ABS pipe?

 

[wtac]

You wont be able to find NSF nor ASTM certified colored PVC pipe and fittings other than white and dark grey FOR POTABLE PLUMBING in North America which conform to burst pressure, chemical leaching and other environmental factors.

The colored PVC and fittings one sees are "furniture grade" and meant for outdoor and recreational applications and there is no standard of certification other than size (wall thickness) conformation of SCH40 and SCH80.Sure, its been used for the past 5+ years for a max head height of 6', but I have been called upon a handfull of situations of catastrophic failures by insurance adjusters and the claims have been denied and the aquarist has to pursue their installer or vendor for recourse. Since there havent been ANY caveats added to aquatic vendors selling colored PVC pipe and fittings, buyer/user beware.

The trick to making these NSF/ASTM pipe and fittings less visually detracting are:

• use clear cleaner/primer
• use clear solvent with white PVC pipe/fittings
• have the cleanest side of the fitting facing out
• make sure that the cert print is faced towards the back when you are "glueing" (technically solvent weld) the pipe into the fitting
  • ALWAYS chamfer the pipe ends, apply solvent/glue to both pipe and fitting and about 1/8-1/4 turn of the pipe as you insert into fitting
• wipe the squeeze-out around the pipe and fitting corner like the inner corner silicone bead of the aquarium.