hardline vs flexible hose plumbing

[klayko]

I'm 2-3 weeks away from setting up my new 150g reef tank!!! I have acquired just about everything, I'm just waiting for the stand and canopy to be completed, my question is... Does any one have a preference for hard line pvc plumbing the main pump (Gen X) or can I use lack ultraviolet flexible 3/4" tubing? Obviously the flexible tubing would make my life easier and I would like to use it where I could but most tanks I see are hardline plumbed... Thoughts???

Thanks
Chris

 

[hsosa]

I would plumb with 1inch flexible pvc . it works great and you will be able to get away with less 90 degree elbows... i have hard line s and hard pipe as well

 

[cdeakle]

I have been using flexible tubing without a single problem for a couple of years (knock on wood) but I actually want to try and hard plumb my return line though. I just think it would be a little more secure that way.

 

[rwoolley]

Ford or Chevy?

 

[reefland]

I do a bit of both. Hard plumb the pump to the sump and include ball valve. Hard plumb a ball value on the output of the pump and then use flex tubing to the bulkhead of the tank. Flex tubing also helps to reduce vibration which reduces noise.

 

[Mogo]

I have been wondering the same thing as klayko. Right now my overflow to sump is flexible line and the returns from pump to tank are hard pvc. If I were to change these return lines to flex I could eliminate a number of 90's and my pump would work more efficiently giving me better return flow options.

Just wondering what the up/downside to flex return lines are as well. And what flex line material is acceptable to use?

 

[Anonymous]

I have the same arrangement as Rich, works great.

 

[Reef Guy11]

Flexable hose is very safe to use just use plastic hose clamps for pump that are on the water and metal hose clamps for connecting outside the water. I am going to be using on my new tanks, Spa hoses a little more dirable and you can glue them onto or into bulkheads pvc Etc. The flex hose and spa hose is also what we use on all are tank that we maintain, at the place I work at.

 

[Mogo]

Thanks Reef Guy

 

[Reef Guy11]

Your Welcome. Thanks for what.

 

[Mogo]

Thanks for your original post on this thread which will help me decide to change my hard pvc returns over to flex.

 

[Creeper]

Just be careful that you don't nick any of the flex PVC with a sharp object. It cuts very easy.

 

[klayko]

thank you all for the insight, it sounds like the consensus is plumb the main return from the sump to the bottom of the tank with hardline and do everything else with flexible hose. Thanks again everyone!

Chris