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Unread 10/08/2017, 02:10 PM   #1
tygger
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O-ring Lubricant

I use o-ring lube to extend the life of the o-rings on my rodi canisters.

Wondering if it's a good idea to use the lube on the powerhead o-rings inside the tank?

And what about the o-rings in the plumbing such as in the union joints?


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Unread 10/08/2017, 02:16 PM   #2
billdogg
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off the shelf silicone plumbers grease would be fine. I use it on all o-rings in my systems and have for years. The secret to using it properly is to use just enough to make the o-ring shiny. No globs left over.

Using Vaseline or any other petroleum based lubricant is not only harmful to the o-rings, it pollutes the tank.


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Unread 10/08/2017, 06:00 PM   #3
ca1ore
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Dow Corning Molycote 111


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Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones!

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Unread 10/08/2017, 08:53 PM   #4
tygger
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Was about to order a tube of molykote 111, but would something like this work too?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-0-5...8693/203193536


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Unread 10/09/2017, 09:56 AM   #5
Opus123
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My RO canisters are over 20 years old and I've never used lube on the o-rings.


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Unread 10/09/2017, 10:04 AM   #6
shaginwagon13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billdogg View Post
off the shelf silicone plumbers grease would be fine. I use it on all o-rings in my systems and have for years.

+1

I do this as well.


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Unread 10/09/2017, 12:49 PM   #7
ca1ore
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I bought a small tin of the Molycote because it specifically states food grade. Probably any silicone grease would work, but lots of things go wrong with 'probably'.


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Simon

Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones!

Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs
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Unread 10/09/2017, 08:13 PM   #8
tygger
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Should the o-rings in pvc unions be lubricated???


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Unread 10/10/2017, 06:24 AM   #9
billdogg
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tygger View Post
Should the o-rings in pvc unions be lubricated???
IMHO, yes


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Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer
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