So I bought a Sicce Syncra 3.0 return pump. The outlet barb is 3/4"-1". What plumbing should I use? Regular aquarium tubing, flex pvc? Suggestions...It will be going over the top of my tank because I am using the Herbie method. Also If I did use PVC..how do you secure it to outlet barb and the spray connector going into tank ?
What to use for return plumbing???
- Thread starter LennyD4
- Start date
needmore-reef
New member
check the manual, or take pump and barb fitting to a hardware store and see if its a standard FPT. if so you can do all hard PVC, which will be better than using vinyl tubing. I would get a nice Spears or GF 374 true union ball valve so you can easily disconnect the pump for servicing.
You can also use a small length of vinyl tubing at the pump if you want to make it easier to plumb. also may reduce some vibration, but I think those pumps are really nice.
You can also use a small length of vinyl tubing at the pump if you want to make it easier to plumb. also may reduce some vibration, but I think those pumps are really nice.
ErikS
New member
Is the pump running in the sump? I'm guessing yes.
You can use sch 40 PVC tubing - it's clear & would make as easy transition to rigid for the over the tank portion (it can be glued just like flex or rigid). It also bends far easier than flex (& can make much tighter bends). It ain't the cheapest stuff (like $3.50/ft), but it's far better than rubbish big box tubing.
If the pump is in sump a valve is pretty much a waste, just use the tubing & pull it off to service = easy. Another advantage to using tubing for at least the 1st portion is it will absorb any vibration from the pump.
If you want to use barbed tubing look for MasterKleer or Tygon - both make good products.
You can use sch 40 PVC tubing - it's clear & would make as easy transition to rigid for the over the tank portion (it can be glued just like flex or rigid). It also bends far easier than flex (& can make much tighter bends). It ain't the cheapest stuff (like $3.50/ft), but it's far better than rubbish big box tubing.
If the pump is in sump a valve is pretty much a waste, just use the tubing & pull it off to service = easy. Another advantage to using tubing for at least the 1st portion is it will absorb any vibration from the pump.
If you want to use barbed tubing look for MasterKleer or Tygon - both make good products.
jer77
Phish Lover
Flex pvc doesn't make things easier imo. I've tried using it and I didn't like the results. Its not that flexible, harder to glue securely and doesn't look as clean as regular pvc. If your going over the top I would suggest black pvc, not ABS, but normal pvc that's black. You can find it online at some suppliers like savko.com. I would also agree with the others on a true union ball valve.
ErikS
New member
Well it does bend easier than rigid :lol: It is not all that flexible, you can google it - the max bend for 1" is over 1' IIRC. As for headloss, yes bend is better than an angle.
Also, in theory you are supposed to use a different PVC cement for flex............in theory.
