Tank plumbing using flexible hoses?

[Aquattro]

Using clear tubing, you'll find it fills with algae in a year. Use black if you need to use this, but rigid or at least flex is preferred.

[Tangman]

If you used clear tubing, you can just use black tape to cover it from growing algae inside it

[johncody]

Rigid hose has a hard time making a complete full seal due to expanded ringlets . I know the inside is smooth but the hose clamp is on the ringlets... Like i said just my 2 cents

[Rippin]

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Using clear tubing, you'll find it fills with algae in a year. Use black if you need to use this, but rigid or at least flex is preferred.

I'm guessing that the algae growth is from the display lights? I will not have a refugium under the tank, so no lights under there. Removing the light factor, is algae growth more susceptible in flexible tubing compared to PVC pipes

[brizzo]

I picked up some black spa flex a couple days ago in 1/2" and 3/4". I was very happy with the results of rigid pvc and flexible pvc pipe. It's very sturdy but still flexible.

[Tom R]

If I am not correct flexible tubing is not smooth inside it is saw toothed inside. It may create micro bubbles that will be very difficult to control.

Tom R

[gqlmao]

I use 1 inch spaflex tubing for the overflow and 3/4 tubing for the return pipe. I've had rigid pvc back then but i found that it was too difficult to disassemble. After I switched to flexable tubing and it has worked wonders for me because i can blend them and twist my pump off without troubles. I dont have clear tubes so alage wasnt a problem, as for the adapter, I just glued my tubes to my bulkheads and my stock return pump adapter. The only thing I would suggest is to use the purple primer along with the gray pvc cement to help melt the tubes to the bulk heads to prevent any cases of leaks. As fa as your adapter goes it would restrict flow to some degree, wouldnt be that great for a return pump since it will decrease water output.



Stanley,