Plumbing: PVC vs Hose

[clugo]

Hello.

Just wondering your preference, success/failed stories when doing your plumbing. Do you prefer total or mostly PVS plumbing with elbows, etc or, do you prefer using as much hosing as possible?

Let me know your thoughts? And, why you prefer one over the other.

Thanks alot.

 

[Reefahholic]

i like hard plumbing because i plan on running my tank long term and PVC is better for long term in my opinion.

it sucks to cut and glue, but once you have it completed, it's gonna be years before you'll ever need to do it again.

good luck my friend...

 

[clugo]

thanks alot.

Did you paste or glue?

 

[Reefahholic]

everybody gets their cement from lowes mostly.

if you want a really good brand, weld on is good. about anything works well. just remember that you have about 5 seconds before you can't move it! lol it drys quick..

 

[aleonn]

I also prefer hard plumbing with PVC, as it's easy and more leak-proof IMO. Use a lot of unions so that you have flexibility to clean the pipes or change their design.

 

[Reefahholic]

Yes yes, unions are great. Look at my recent post about plumbing, you'll see unions everywhere. This allows u to take apart ur pipe and clean it. Also, make sure u put a union just above ur return pump so you can clean or replace that pump.

 

[clugo]

Thanks for the all the great info. I'm going PVC.

 

[vorm]

It should be noted that you get better flow through the plumbing using hose, as elbows, unions and other fitting restrict flow a lot more.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

I do both, depending on what's appropriate. I almost always use hose for at least short sections, even if just for noise isolation. Plus I have a habit of moving stuff and it's easier to snip a hose than saw out the framework to move PVC. And I don't get my PVC cement at Lowes. Home Depot is closer.

Jeff

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I have done it both ways and prefer flexible tubing /hose. Easier to do, no reason for any leaks, and I never wanted to take my tubing out. I will cut and replace the tubing if necessary.

 

[SkullV]

I also prefer hard plumbing with PVC, as it's easy and more leak-proof IMO. Use a lot of unions so that you have flexibility to clean the pipes or change their design.

Using "a lot" of unions will seriously reduce flow. Have you ever looked inside a union vs. a standard section of straight PVC? It is much smaller in diameter.

 

[lordofthereef]

PVC is better for long term in my opinion.

Just curious what you are basing this on? I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer, but what makes a flexible hose less appropriate long term?

 

[carlos413]

tagging along this is good stuff.

 

[0 tds]

Just mesured a 1.5" pipe and union. The pipe was 1.59 and the union was 1.49(inside). Thats 0.1" smaller on the union.

 

[0 tds]

I just ran a head loss test from the Head Loss calculator.

Vertical length in feet = 5
Horizontal length in feet = 3
Pipe diameter in inches = .75
pump = Eheim1250
Number of 90 degree elbows = 2
Number of ball valves = 1
Number of pipe exits = 1
Number of pipe entrances = 1

Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then added 1 union

Same Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then calculated with 10 unions

Same Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then calculated with 15 unions

New result = 2.25 PSI / 135 GPH.


I would say add all the unions you want!!!!!

 

[mightymizz]

Unions traditionally have a smaller diameter in their middle section than where the water flows in and out of the union.

Most people actually get a union one size larger than what their running and the use reducers down to the preferred diameter so that no restrictions are in the line.

I run 1" pipe, so I buy a 1 1/4" or whatever it is and use a reducer down to 1".

 

[Reefahholic]

Just curious what you are basing this on? I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer, but what makes a flexible hose less appropriate long term?

PVC is more durable than flex hose in my opinion.

Flex hose can get cut, torn, chewed by my dog, etc.

I personally like PVC because of the uniform look and strength. It can't get kinked or loose it's shape. I like things that are stout and hold up for years.

 

[crvz]

I'll use oversized PVC on my drains (increased it at the point of the bulkhead), but for my returns I generally run hoses to eliminate head loss.

 

[SkullV]

I just ran a head loss test from the Head Loss calculator.

Vertical length in feet = 5
Horizontal length in feet = 3
Pipe diameter in inches = .75
pump = Eheim1250
Number of 90 degree elbows = 2
Number of ball valves = 1
Number of pipe exits = 1
Number of pipe entrances = 1

Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then added 1 union

Same Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then calculated with 10 unions

Same Result = 2.25 PSI / 136 GPH.

I then calculated with 15 unions

New result = 2.25 PSI / 135 GPH.


I would say add all the unions you want!!!!!

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18833014&postcount=8

 

[clugo]

I agree. Using hose for the return is preferable.