flexible PVC tubing ?

[NewSchool04]

I'm plumbing my 24 gallon nano into my main sump and saw this flexible PVC tubing on Savco.com. This would make my life a lot easier.
Has anyone used this, what do you think? Any problems that I'm not thinking of?
Thanks!

 

[artful-dodger]

flex PVC works great. It is about 10x the price of regular rigid PVC, so use it where you need it...it uses the same fittings as the rigid so you can build a system using either/both, as appropriate.

That said, Savko (note the spelling) may or may not be the most economical. If you're ordering a bunch of stuff (and they do have a great selection of hard to find plumbing parts) it may make sense. But if not, Home Depot (and other large chains, I'm sure) carry it as well and sell it by the foot. If you only need a few feet that may be cheaper.

Also, note that the Savko website shows a quantity discount price. YMMV...

 

[thrlride]

I agree with artful-dodger. HD and Lowes might be a better option since you won't need much.

 

[Bathypelagic]

I also grabbed some from Lowe's which also sells by the foot. Most places run around 1.80 to 2.10 a foot. Remember although it states, flexible PVC, it is a rigid flex to say the least. You must heat it up to work with it and it is always best when you are gluing it up to make sure you have the natural curve already going in the direction you want your plumbing to go.

 

[NewSchool04]

Is the flexible PVC very difficult to work with?

I've also seen pics of people using clear flexible vinyl. Does anyone have any advise on this?

 

[thrlride]

I'm not familar with the clear tubing. I've used the regular flex pvc and it is more difficult to work with but is beneficial to isolate vibrations and make easy bends instead of losing head pressure but 90's or 45's.

 

[NewSchool04]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies! RC comes through again!

When you say you have to heat the flexible PVC, what would you do that with? Also, I noticed that they say that you glue it to the connections. Just like normal PVC?

 

[nebraskareef]

Though I have never used the flex, I will be on my new tank. I would assume soaking it in hotwater in the bathtub would be sufficient as far as heating goes.

 

[slovan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6902186#post6902186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NewSchool04
When you say you have to heat the flexible PVC, what would you do that with? Also, I noticed that they say that you glue it to the connections. Just like normal PVC?

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees and then heat your spa flex for 5 minutes or less. Lay it flat on the counter and let it set until cool. It always comes out nice and straight for me.

As far as gluing spa flex, I've used both flex pvc cement and regular. I haven't had either fail. That being said, the regular pvc cement is widely available and cheaper so I would use that.

One more word on spa flex. The stuff from Savko is a lot more pliable than the ones found at Home Depot or Lowe's. It's a personal opinion but the hose from Savko is the best I've used so far. Hth

 

[NewSchool04]

Thanks slovan! Did you use heat the Savko flexible PVC?

 

[slovan]

Yes I heated the hose I got from them. Their flex hose comes coiled up so it'll have a nice bend to it already. Some parts I used the natural bends but for the most part I used the straightened pieces that I made. I think they carry them in black as well.