View Full Version : advantages of hard plumbing?
tuzeman
02/18/2009, 08:35 AM
What are people's opinions of hard plumbing their returns as opposed to flex tubing? I've always soft plumbed my return, but when I had to change the return bulkhead, I decided to hard plumb it to my return pump...now the vibration noise seems to be more. I can't tell if it's my imagination or not...opinions?
an411
02/18/2009, 08:41 AM
I hard plumbed I don't really think that there are any advantages to either in my opinion. Its how ever you want to do it. With the flex tubing its easier to get weird litle angles if you need them. The hard plumb may be a little louder depending on how many 90 degree pieces you have.
rhino509
02/18/2009, 08:42 AM
i think its personal preference.anything plumbed on a tank can be done with either.other than maybe the over the back siphon overflows.but even then it could be if you had formed tubing.hard plumbing is better if you need to stay and fit specific specs.my tank has soft line so if say im cleaning in the sump i can shift the tube back n forth a few inches.although you can make all the hard plumbing removable by using union valves.
hawkfishman
02/18/2009, 10:07 AM
there are no advantages it's just harder to replumb hard plumbing
danferd2002
02/18/2009, 10:20 AM
Dont have to worrry about leaks as much IMO, once its glued.
tuzeman
02/18/2009, 10:29 AM
It's interesting...There doesn't really seem to be any advantage to hard plumbing (not sure I understand why it would be more leak-proof than well-clamped tubing), yet so many of us do it...there does seem to be some disadvantages, though: time and effort to make it, rigid placement of pump, and more perceived vibration noise...Not really big deals, but if there aren't advantages, why do it?
ZoaFan08
02/18/2009, 10:46 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14423360#post14423360 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by danferd2002
Dont have to worrry about leaks as much IMO, once its glued.
You glue spa flex as well....
I have done 3 tanks with hard PVC and I just did mynew tank with spa flex and I will NEVER go hard plumbing again, my drain is almost silent.
oldsaltman
02/18/2009, 10:53 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14423246#post14423246 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hawkfishman
there are no advantages it's just harder to replumb hard plumbing
I would say that it is a lot cheaper. I used Flex PVC and regular "hard" to plumb mine. I only used Flex where I needed the bends or for vibration issues around the pumps.
LobsterOfJustice
02/18/2009, 11:03 AM
Vinyl flex will sag over time, that can put torque/strain on bulkheads/fittings etc. It ends up kind of going wherever it wants, you can't easily keep it out of the way.
Spa flex is definitely nice though, has it's uses.
reefscape15
02/18/2009, 01:21 PM
I would think flex would take away from your flow rate a little bit as it isn't smooth inside like rigid
mcrist
02/18/2009, 01:38 PM
I used flexible tubing on my first two tanks and hard plumbing on my current tank. The tubing always had some salt creep around the fittings no matter what clamp I used. It is easier to do for the novice but I don’t want to rely on a clamp for my current tank. I never see a closed loop done with tubing due to the possibility of it leaking. The flexible PVC is nice to use when needed for tight corners but is a lot more expensive. I also never have any vibration noise/issues with hard plumbing but I don’t use Teflon tape.
ZoaFan08
02/18/2009, 01:43 PM
I wouldn't suggest flex tubing I would only suggest spa flex, it seals just like PVC.
bph0013
02/18/2009, 01:47 PM
I use hard plumbing because I was always worried my cats would get behind the tank and somehow pull the tubing out and I like to "plumb".
an411
02/18/2009, 02:08 PM
I guess for some reason also I have always liked the look of hard pluggin under a tank. again that is just personal preference.
SDguy
02/18/2009, 02:29 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14423557#post14423557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ZoaFan08
You glue spa flex as well....
I have done 3 tanks with hard PVC and I just did mynew tank with spa flex and I will NEVER go hard plumbing again, my drain is almost silent.
I have always considered using spaflex and rigid PVC to both be "hard plumbing", since both are hard and glued.
I assumed the OP was talking about vinyl tubing and barb fittings. I use these on smaller diameter stuff (no bigger than 3/4") and only if I have no choice (ie the attachments to my chiller, for example). I just don't like all the hose clamps and such.
spsfreak
02/18/2009, 02:50 PM
Just as an informational note:
When using flex PVC, keep in mind that Flex PVC pipe glues into PVC Pipe Fittings. You do not use a Barbs, Insert Fittings, nor clamps with Flexible PVC Pipe. While it's theoretically possible, it's improper use of the pipe. When using Flexible PVC Hose or Tubing, that is meant to be used with Barbs, Insert Fittings, or clamps. PVC Tubing (Clear or Braided) is not meant to be glued into PVC fittings, use a Barb or Insert fitting with a clamp. Most vendors try to distinguish between the two, I personally do not buy from someone that does not.... that way I am sure that I get exactly what I need.
HTH, Matt
d3rryc
02/19/2009, 01:39 PM
If I have the option of spending a little more money on a union for removability instead of having to wrestle vinyl tubing on and off a barb fitting, all of my plumbing will be barb-free.
spsfreak
02/19/2009, 02:09 PM
^ +1 I couldn't agree more.
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