Tubes vs. PVC pipes

[bheron]

In the process of designing my sump/fuge I was wondering if there is a difference in using PVC pipe vs just flexible tubing for the Return lines to and from tank and sump?
It seems to me the water flow would be much more efficient with the tubing b/c the bends and curves would be better than with a harder PVC pipe?
Anyone have any opinions?

 

[gypsie32]

I just went thru this same situation, I just set my tank up this past weekend. I decided on the tubing because there is more flexability. If you should have to move your equipment, the flexibility of the tubing is nice where the pvc is more perminate. I am very happy with the way my tank turned out. Hope this helps

 

[scottnj]

I generally use tube from the sump to the tank and PVC on the over-flow back to the sump. Not really much of a reason behind doing so though, I love the look of a nice PVC set-up, super clean, but the tube gives you some added flexability which is nice.
-Scott

 

[dreeves]

If you use tubing...use flex PVC, usually a braided type of tubing...it is a little more expensive then the average vynyl tubing..but resist kinking tons better.
The difference between tubing and PVC would be dependant upon your situation.
My sumps are in the basement, running that much tubing didnt seem like a good option for me...so I have the flexible overflow tubes (look like vacum cleaner hose) from the overflow to a PVC junction, same with the return line...PVC up from the floor to a junction of the flex PVC to the spray bar.

 

[bheron]

thanks, are you saying that the clear stuff can erode over time?
Also, I know of the "vacumm" tubes you're talking about. But you mention "running that much tubing didnt seem like a good option for me" - why not a good option?

 

[cool clown]

Originally posted by dreeves
My sumps are in the basement,
Is you display tank in the basement or the floor above is so what size of return do you use?

 

[dreeves]

The tubing is far more expensive then PVC pipe...the clear flex PVC is about 3.10 a foot at HDepot...and the vynyl isnt much less...versus 2-3 bucks for a 10 foot section of standard schedule 40 PVC pipe...
My display's are upstairs first floor, sumps are in the basement...with that amount of distance, I found with flexible tubing, the tubing is subject to collapsing, or folding at curves...so I run the PVC pipe from the pump to about 2.5 feet from return spray bar...and from about 2.5 feet from overflow down to sumps..this is the same for both my tanks. As far as return lines go..one pump the Little Giant 5MDSC called for a 1/2 inch and the other Little Giant 4MDQXSC calls for a 1 inch. I have them both terminating at spray bars made out of 3/4 PVC.

 

[bigmac]

In the long run PVC is easier to work with. If you set it up right using ball valves and unions its really easy to take apart. I like to use all PVC from the tank to the sump. On the Returns and closed loops I like to use mostly PVC with small sections of flex to absorbe the shockvibration from the pumps.

 

[bheron]

i've decided to use the tubing b/c of the tight spaces and awkward turns i have to work with. i also think that...maybe...the flow through the smaller tube will be more efficient than through a wider pvc pipe?? the curves will be smoother?
who knows about that one. but i will be using mostly tubing. will let everyone know who it goes!

 

[murray bmf]

I used both, tubing for the return and drain lines, and PVC for the spray bar, which is connected to the tubing coming off my return pump.

 

[david s]

The tubing is far more expensive then PVC pipe...the clear flex PVC is about 3.10 a foot at HDepot...and the vynyl isnt much less...versus 2-3 bucks for a 10 foot section of standard schedule 40 PVC pipe...
what you guys are looking for is sked 40 spa flex I can get it for 26 bucs for a 50ft roll. find a pool guy and he can get it much cheaper