[lightngsvt]

I was thinking the other day about using clear, flexible tubing instead of PVC. But that got me to wondering why everyone uses PVC and no one seems to use clear flex tubing? It seems with barbed fittings and hose clamps the lines would be secure. And the flexible nature would make pumbing that much easier and you should be able to take it apart if need be with out having to cut it up like you do with glued PVC.

So what would be down side to using clear instead of rigid PVC?

 

[acerhigh]

algae growth inside tubing......... if the tube is subjected to the light of the tank......... and the light in the sump......... you'll get algae inside tube........ only downside of using it that I know of....

JMO

Dan

 

[tszetela]

Flex PVC works well and does not have the algee problem. A big plus with the flex PVC is you can do long gradual bends instead of using elbows the reduce flow. True unions and threaded connections are also handy when setting up your plumbing.

As for the regular plastic tubing, Aquatic EcoSystems does sell it in black thus elimining the alge problem.

 

[Gillis]

I plumbed my 135 with the vinyl braided tubing from Home depot. Why vinyl braided do you ask? I don't know. it is less flexible, but alot stronger. The barbed fittings I use seal extremely well, even without hose clamps. I did add clamps as a safe guard.

Works well for me so far...but it has not been that long. I also did not want the hastle of PVC glueing and its rididity. The flex tubing works well for my applicaton.


Just my opinion.

 

[lightngsvt]

Gillis, Is that tubing clear, or "solid" colored.

 

[Gillis]

It is clear based...with white vinyl brading throughout. Kind of looks like a ladies fishet nylons.....if you know what I mean

 

[lightngsvt]

Since you put it that way. But wouldnt that be subject to the same algae problems as clear?