Flexi hose vs hard PVC

[fishyscientist]

Hi all! It's been a while, and we are finally trying to do the plumbing of our 125g w/ 55g sump tank. We have tried to get two different aquarium experts here to make sure we are doing this properly, but they both have been unreliable in terms of showing up! Frustrating! Anyway, the tank is drilled for a closed loop system. The first guy we dealt with started plumbing the tank with PVC fixtures and thick flexible hosing. He thought we should plumb directly from the sump to the closed loop system instead of having an over-the-tank return that is separate. Now we are trying to fix this and finish it. We realize that we need to separate the closed loop system from the rest of the sump plumbing (wouldn't that be best?). But here is my major question: is there any disadvantage yo using flexible hosing? It's already plumbed quite a bit, so it would be a pain to go with reg PVC, but if there is a major difference in performance (or security for that matter), we would like to know now before going further. Thanks for any input!!

 

[bang guy]

Nothing wrong with flexible hose. If done correctly it can be better performing than rigid.

Yes, your closed loop should not be connected to your sump.

 

[2quills]

If you really want to get crazy with it flexible pvc (spa flex) is another option as well.

Agreed, plumbing to the sump would not be a closed loop.

 

[silverado61]

Just a note: If the tubing is clear, I would wrap it in tape to block out any light to prevent algae growth. Tubing is easier to do maintenance on and less angles to restrict flow. I'm thinking of changing mine from PVC to tubing for that reason.... Maybe.

 

[fishyscientist]

Thanks for the replies! Good info! We will wrap the tubes, as they are clear and I can see how that could cause a problem. Thanks again!

 

[beaslbob]

I actually prefer pvc to flex. But then I like all the cutting, fitting, glueing and so on.

If not mentioned before (in addition to cover it), be sure you don't have and sharp bends to will kink to tube.

my .02

 

[flower]

Hi,

Just my opinion...It's much easier to replace and clean the flex tubing. No matter what, sooner or later you have to change or repair something, and glued PVC is a royal pain to have to mess with. You can buy dark flex hose at any marine shop...it's too much to try and wrap the hoses, algae will grow anyway...be it PVC, clear, or black, it's only a mater of how it looks. The back of the tank it isn't going to get a lot of sunshine.

 

[silverado61]

Yes, but if there's no light, there's no algae. Just a calcium build up and with PVC or flex tubing, All you need is to soak it in a vinegar solution and get in there with a foxtail brush.
Besides, depending on the size, it could take years to get enough buildup of calcium to restrict the flow.
But, like you Flower, it's just my opinion.

 

[flower]

Yes, but if there's no light, there's no algae. Just a calcium build up and with PVC or flex tubing, All you need is to soak it in a vinegar solution and get in there with a foxtail brush.
Besides, depending on the size, it could take years to get enough buildup of calcium to restrict the flow.
But, like you Flower, it's just my opinion.

LOL...If all we ever had to worry about is calcium build-up..... Snails manage to get into the pipes, so do other floating things, bits of macros, small stuff that breaks from the rocks, and aptasia believe it or not...even a small a fish.

You can't soak a pipe affixed to your working tank with vinegar, and the brush idea is a bigger pain in the butt then you think. I believe in flex hose, because I can replace it in a pinch, and another may prefer PVC...that's an opinion...but crap that happens...well that's a fact. No matter how much we use screens and such....stuff manages to get stuck

Actually with a drilled tank, you kind of have to use PVC or at least a combo of both.

 

[bang guy]

Flex PVC is what I used for the return on my drilled tank. I used rigid for the overflows because flow rate wasn't a concern.

I also introduced Limpets to the plumbing so they would keep it clean.

 

[silverado61]

How do you keep them in the plumbing to do their job and don't limpets eat coral?

 

[bang guy]

How do you keep them in the plumbing to do their job and don't limpets eat coral?

Limpets are herbivores. You're thinking of "Keyhole Limpets" which are actually not Limpets. Sorry to be confusing.

They do escape the plumbing but they reproduce so fast there are always some in the plumbing.