Vinyl hose

[barjam]

Are there any problems with running vinyl hose on my return. I plan to use a small section from the sump to the pump and another section from the pump to the PVC fitting going to the tank.

The only negatives I could find here and on the internet is that it isn't "professional" looking. I couldn't care less about that. It looks like the guy from Melev's reef uses it on some of his setups.

 

[coralnut99]

I assume you're referring to the clear, flexible vynil hose found at HD, etc.? If that's the case, the only downside I've encountered in using it over the years is that it will accumulate slime algae on the inside if exposed to light. Therefore, it does require some maintenance over time. I believe you can buy a black version of it that will overcome that, or you can cover it in some fashion with a little creativity. It's great for some tight areas where you'll never get rigid fittings to meet up correctly.

 

[barjam]

Thanks for the info.

I just noticed that I accidently posted this to the main forum when I meant to post it to the newbie forum.

 

[msn711]

I used vinyl hose for my tank set up...easier than making pvc fit.

 

[coralnut99]

There is flexible PVC available, but fwiw, I've always found the clear vynil to be a little more forgiving, and just cheap.

 

[Konadog]

If you use the clear hose, just wrap in black (any color) electrical tape to keep the algae from growing. If you want to check after a year, just peal off a section, and re-wrap when done.

Works great!

 

[HBtank]

I like vinyl hose and flex PVC for my plumbing.

Get black if you can, but in reality I plan on changing it out every year or so anyways. Algae is not the only gunk that forms, and cleaning vinyl hose is a waste of time IMO. It's cheap and comes in big roles so I will always have extra.

 

[coralnut99]

As suggested, black electrical tape retards algae growth. If you're mechanically inclined/oriented you can also cover it with automotive wire looms. Looks like outdoor drainage pipe, just scaled WAY down, and is slit down the middle to accept wires, or in this case clear tubing.

 

[imtheonlylp]

i used the vinyl tubing on my return pump, but couldnt find a suitable return section so i fashioned one out of 1" pvc, (2) 90º elbows, and a 1" 90º 5/8" barbed fitting....the hose fit right onto the barbed fitting, i drilled my siphon break about 1/2" under the water's surface, and bam! it was done...when i get home this evening i'll post a picture
(im so proud of myself - ive never ever done any plumbing work until this ref./sump project)