Soft vs. hard plumbing

[DDS4]

I've noticed that the majority of people have PVC pipes/valves (hard plumbing) connected to the display tank to/from the sump. Are there any pros/cons to having a flexible tube instead?

I guess the main reason why I ask is it's hard to plan for elbows and exact length of PVC whereas a flexible tube, you just cut to length. Or a mixture of both is good?

 

[collective21]

I am using a mixture of both. I was using flexible tube but it started to collapse under the pressure of the pump drawing the water out of the sump. I switched to a mixture of spaflex(flexible pvc), hard pvc, and vinyl (clear) tubing.

 

[Fmellish]

I use hard for my drain and braided vinyl tubing for my return, (between return pump and return bulkhead).

I used to use hard plumbing on my return but found that the hard plumbing radiated vibration and noise from the pump. So my pipes hummed and made everything really loud. My new philosophy, when it is touching a pump, use flexible material. Make sure to use hoseclamps of course.

Plus you will effectively reduce head pressure since you won't have elbows to worry about.

My 2 cents
Josh

 

[MCary]

I don't know the difference other than PVC is really cheap.

 

[MattG]

I like flex pvc but its pricey. Easy to work with, allows for gradual bends, accepts standard PVC fittings and since it's flexible it helps reduce noise from vibrating pumps/equipment.