Plumbing return line

[serpentman]

I see often in posted pics of tanks, the return lines are plumbed with rigid pvc. I am currently using flexible tubing on my return line. Are there any additional benefits to using rigid pipe?

 

[compulou]

Nope, don't really think so except for maybe being able to add a ball valve or union easier. All of my plumbing is rigid except for my return.

 

[mke6103]

My neighbor is a union plumber and while i was plumbing my return line he told me right before the bulkhead to put flexable pipe and right out of the pump to also use flexable hose it cuts down on alot of vibration. I use a mag 7 pump for my return and touching the ball valve i cant really feel any vibration or hear any sound from the pump. Just my 2 cents hope they help.

 

[Blown 346]

Rigid PVCwill carry vibration and can be loud. I use both I have PVC and spa hose. I have the PVC run on my closed loop, and my drain.
I have the spa hose on my return line.

 

[Wryknow]

ANother advantage of flexible tubing is that you can make gradually bends instead of 90 degree turns. - that can make a big difference in head loss on the return line.

 

[ROB2005]

i just use pvc piping on myne , with the exception of where the return spout goes over the tank, i use the more gradual 45 degre elbows, to reduce the sharp contrast in turns

 

[pactrop]

I use the 45 degree doubled up on the corners also. but I try to use flex on all my corners where I have the room. It does wonders on your head pressure.

I also like to use flex near bulkheads and pumps because it gives you a some play in the configuration. regular pvc is less forgiving.

Try to use as many unions as you can. they are the ones that let you take your pipe apart by unscrewing it instead of cutting.
put them at your pump especially. that will save you a huge headache if you ever need to service or change it.