Using clear vinyl hose as a temporary return line?

[South City]

I'm in the process of transitioning the sump for my 36 gallon back down to the basement as I move closer to beginning my 180 gallon build. Since this sump setup to the 36 gallon is going to be temporary, I was thinking of using 3/4" vinyl hose for my return line since I have some laying around. I hate to go through the effort of plumbing in pvc pipe only to tear it out within a month or two.

I'll be using a Jebao DC12000 to push about 500 gph up about 9 feet to the tank in the living room. My question is this. Can 3/4" vinyl hose that is rated up to 40 psi handle this load safely? I've included a link to the hose details below if it helps. My guess is that it's probably not a good idea but I wanted to see what others thought.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_652403-71925-7008PCL10_1z0vip7__?productId=50315923&pl=1&Ntt=vinyl+hose#

 

[Mr D smack]

I've used it and had it kink. I prefer the braided style, it wont kink or hasn't yet

 

[kegogut]

Im using it now on my 57 mantis,although Im using the 1" or 1 1/4"

 

[South City]

Oh I agree that the braided is better. I've used it in the past and have some shorter lengths laying around. It's usually rated up to around 150 PSI as well. It would wind up costing around $20 to $30 to buy what I need in braided and I already have this clear stuff available.

My biggest concern with using the clear vinyl is that it will burst since I'll be pushing a fair amount of water at some pressure. What I have no idea of though, is how much pressure(in PSI) would be moving through that hose.

I've used it and had it kink. I prefer the braided style, it wont kink or hasn't yet

 

[South City]

Well that is encouraging for me if yours hasn't burst yet!

Im using it now on my 57 mantis,although Im using the 1" or 1 1/4"

 

[kegogut]

I dont think its pressurized. You should be fine.

 

[Brando457]

I think you'll be fine, I use similar as my return line off my manifold and push probably 800 gph or so through it if not more.

 

[Mr D smack]

I really doubt you will be anywhere near 40psi. Unless your restricting after the vinyl tubing

 

[South City]

Thanks everyone! I feel better now about giving this a try. I truly had no idea of the pressure generated by the return flow and it's good to hear they are nowhere near 40 psi.

I dont think its pressurized. You should be fine.

I think you'll be fine, I use similar as my return line off my manifold and push probably 800 gph or so through it if not more.

I really doubt you will be anywhere near 40psi. Unless your restricting after the vinyl tubing

 

[Nanook]

It'll be no problem at all

 

[Koddie Doo]

Since it is short term I would assume you would be fine.

 

[Nanook]

That vinyl tubing could work for years

 

[Mr D smack]

Since it is short term I would assume you would be fine.

You of all should know the definition of assume :lolspin:

 

[Scubareefman]

After a while it will build up a slime coat inside of it. I have used it in the past for FOWLR tanks and never had a problem. To counter the algae slime I used the cheap black PVC foam insulation tubes. They work great at blacking out any tube that might be a eyesore or under heavy light. Just my 2 cents, I'm no reef expert.

Hope everyone's ready for hump day....
Cheers,
Tom

 

[Pife]

I've been using it on my return for 2 years now. Still works fine.

 

[Koddie Doo]

You of all should know the definition of assume :lolspin:

Oh yeah.... Your momma!

 

[South City]

Thanks!

It'll be no problem at all

Since it is short term I would assume you would be fine.

That vinyl tubing could work for years

I've been using it on my return for 2 years now. Still works fine.

 

[smoothdog]

Be sure to use a plastic tubing clamp or zip tie to hold it tight on the pump. There is not enough pressure to rupture the pipe, but there may be enough to pop the tube off the pump.

 

[South City]

Good to know. I'm hoping to only have this active for a few months but my estimates have been off in the past and time tends to go by pretty quickly! Even though most of this hose will be exposed in my unfinished basement which doesn't get any direct sunlight nor much in the way of man made lighting, I'll still take some precautions to inhibit algae growth.

Thanks!

After a while it will build up a slime coat inside of it. I have used it in the past for FOWLR tanks and never had a problem. To counter the algae slime I used the cheap black PVC foam insulation tubes. They work great at blacking out any tube that might be a eyesore or under heavy light. Just my 2 cents, I'm no reef expert.

Hope everyone's ready for hump day....
Cheers,
Tom

 

[South City]

Definitely. I've got an assortment of different sizes of nylon hose clamps. I use these anytime I secure a hose if it has any chance of coming into contact with salt water.

Be sure to use a plastic tubing clamp or zip tie to hold it tight on the pump. There is not enough pressure to rupture the pipe, but there may be enough to pop the tube off the pump.