Flex tubing or PVC?

[gimmic]

So this seems like an appropriate place to ask even though I'm building my second tank currently..

Previously, I had used all PVC in plumbing. This time I'm thinking of going with mostly flex tubing because breaking down/changing PVC was a pain.

Is there a reason not to use flex, or some benefit of PVC that I'm missing?

[BurntOutReefer]

IMO personal choice......I use flex now over PVC for the same reasons as you experienced

[cakemanPA]

I use hard pvc and flexible pvc with lots of unions to help with breakdown and cleanup. I will not use the real flexible hose anymore. The stuff was just one headache after another for me.

[Just2Many]

I use hard pvc and flexible pvc with lots of unions to help with breakdown and cleanup. I will not use the real flexible hose anymore. The stuff was just one headache after another for me.

+1 PVC with unions you can always reuse it as it last forever.

[Lynnmw1208]

I like the flex tube because it was so easy to connect under the sump and I didn't have to worry about bends limiting my flow. I did use PVC to connect the fittings onto the hoses though.

[HCruzer]

^ Agree ^
When working on sump the Flex PVC is the easist to work with! Use a lot of unions and plan it out before you start putting it together.

cheers,
Henry

[potterjon]

The key to maintenance with pvc is the "zero clearance union", as stated before. These make maintenance very simple when placed appropriately. My problem with flex tubing is that most people use metal hose clamps to hold it in place. These easily rust over time and break. I have also tried zip ties but simply couldn't get them tight enough on flexible tubing. I had the flex line from a return pump popoff once when I wasn't home but luckily my gf was home and called me in time to shut off the power. Now, all I use is pvc glued together with zero clearance unions. Also, the flex tube is clear and allows light in and that can lead to algae growth in the tube.

[Dr Colliebreath]

I use braided PVC flexible tubing (foodsafe, from U.S. Plastics - http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=25114&catid=736) because it is easier to work with for me. I have used hard PVC in the past, but don't see any advantage to it.

I clamp the tubing with stainless steel clamps at the bottom of the tank for the fittings on my overflow and return lines, and I haven't had any rust problems. I double-clamp.

For fittings at the sump, I use the plastic clamps and tighten with pliers. Again, double-clamp.

[OregonReefer]

I've really enjoyed working with flexible PVC... not the vinyl tubing stuff that requires a barb fitting but real "flexible PVC"... You glue it together just like you would regular PVC pipe but it's bendable

You can get most sizes by the foot at flexpvc.com

[jkcoon]

I prefer rigid PCV but each end gets a short piece of Spaflex (flexible PVC) to help reduce vibrations and allow some play... also, as previous posters noted... lots of unions

[rad1687]

How do you connect the Flex PVC Tubing to the bulkheads or valves? Are there options besides the barb fitting?

[five O]

Simple, use spa flex. You can glue it just like regular PVC. The best stuff on the market, just a little pricey at about $2 a foot.

[rad1687]

Awesome thank you five o!

[yz250motoxrider]

you will get less head loss with flex because you have gentle curves. With pvc you have sharp 90degree turns and many unions which will reduce flow.

[CLisPRO]

so if i use flex it will give me more flow, but what if i use 45 degree angles instead