Plumbing? PVC or clear tube?

[bigpoppax2]

I'm starting to buy my parts for plumbing up my sump. Should I use pvc or clear tubing. The tubing would be nice to "see" what's going on but I think I like the sturdyness of pvc.

What do most of you fishkeepers use? And why.

 

[DEmigh]

I'm gonna subscribe to this thread, because I'm getting ready to do the same thing.

Clear tubing might be inclined to get algae growth on the inside due to stray light from the main tank, where PVC will always be dark inside.

That's just an idle thought, I'm here to learn.

 

[mogurnda]

I have been using black flexible tubing, I think 5/8". And a lot of hose clamps. It is much easier to redo the plumbing than PVC, which will have to be replaced if there is a major redesign. On the other hand, you can go for larger diameters and flow rates with PVC. I use black to keep stuff from growing in it.

 

[bigpoppax2]

I'm leaning toward the pvc, just cause I can get those higher flow rates. And the alge idea was a good thought. The back of my tank will have a little direct sunlight. Although I usually use a black shower curtain for my background. I really can't make myself paint the back of a tank.

 

[OrionGirl]

I use a mix of both. For straight runs, PVC is great, but if you have angles and curves, the tubing is much easier to work with. Hard corners--such as you must have in PVC, even with 45 angles, will slow the water flow down more than a curve. You can get the flexible tubing in a variety of sizes--just contact a sauna store. Make sure that the tubing is clean--no algacides or anti-milder treatments.

Of course, this technique is the result of using all PVC on the setup, then having to make some tweaks, then some more, and more...Sigh.

 

[JasonA]

I myself have always used clear Tygon tubing. The only thing I don't like about PVC is that its there for good. Then, unless you're forced into a drastic situation, have to cut it up or change it, water spills, etc..

with flexi, lift it up out of the tank, raise it up, turn off the valve below, and no spilled water....

Now PVC is ALOT cheaper then flexi, but flexi will flow better any day of the week then PVC around anytype of bend and that to me is important!

Plus here in Cali, ya never know when we'll get a shaker so flexability is another +

 

[RTR]

OG - Bite your tongue. Haven't you heard of "sanitary elbows"? Less flow disturbance than a pair of 45-degree elbows which are less than a 90-degree elbow. Only normally available in above-small diameters, but we are talking about moving water, right?

I am a PVC addict. Sumps, refugia, whatever - how else do get from here to there? Flex tube loses pressure with distance and depending on how carefully you set and hold your radius on corners, you could be worse off than with PVC. If I absolutely have to use flex, I have been known to thread it through pressure-fit PVC to avoid sags and crimps.