Using Spa Hose for the Return

[Dolomiteclay]

Does anyone use Spa Hose for the return as well as for the drain? I recently got an Eshopps sump and it came with 3' of spa hose. That's way too long for my drain but will work perfectly for my return. I have always the braided vinyl before, but I would imagine that spa hose is stronger and just as flexible.

Along the same lines, I would like to connect the spa hose to a gate valve at the pump side and a cepex union ball valve right at the end of the return near my bulkhead before it enters the tank again and goes through the return pipe. I have seen several setups like this using 100% PVC systems, but I haven't ran across one like this where I would like to use PVC fittings along with Spa Hose.

Lastly, just in case something went wrong I would like to connect the spa hose at both ends using threaded fittings in case I have to remove it.

[GimpyFin]

I suppose you could. Not sure how the return flow would be pumping back up through something fairly wide and flexible like that, though. Eshopps does make a slightly shorter 2' hose as well if you still wanted to use a flex hose for the drain.

[Dolomiteclay]

Yeah I ordered a 2' spa hose from them for my drain. It's still a little longer than I need but will work better IMO.

I definitely want to attach the spa hose using unions and such so that I can remove it doesn't work the way I like.

[GimpyFin]

The threaded unions are a good idea in general. Definitely makes maintenance/fixing things much easier.

[Dolomiteclay]

yeah I just ordered two of the Cepex True Union Ball Valves. However, I think that I should have ordered 1 inch instead of 1-1/4"

[sleepydoc]

By 'spa hose' do you mean flexible PVC (http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Flex-Pipe-2---10-ft-Roll-P812C662.aspx?zmam=55673001&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=BX95200&gclid=CJv-rLnPtMsCFQQpaQodNmsIHA), or the ribbed flexible tubing (https://jet.com/product/detail/8cdb39c99cd44978baf33135fcc2540a?jcmp=pla:ggl:home_garden_a1:pool_spa_pool_spa_accessories_a1_other: na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=7cb6c828-a252-46da-b5be-e426f0bbd5ea&abkId=403-484168&gclid=CNSnidvPtMsCFZGIaQodlAYLKw)?

People use flexible PVC all the time - you can glue it just like you do regular PVC. It helps to isolate vibrations and can save fittings.

If you're thinking of the corrugated hose, I'd avoid it - the corrugations tend to cause turbulence and decrease your flow and can trap detritus. You also have to use clamp connections which make me nervous on a return.

[RobbyG]

I have been using Spa Hose for 15 years on my tank return and it has never given me any problems or shown any signs of cracking etc.

[rovster]

I used spa on my return. Treat it like PVC.

[slief]

I used spa on my return. Treat it like PVC.


I think you probably used Flex PVC which is commonly used in spa's. I think the OP is talking about this stuff which is commonly supplied as drain lines for off the shelf sumps. You certainly wouldn't want to use this stuff for your return line due to friction loss. For drain use, it's OK. I have heard of a few cases of it cracking but those are far and few between.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zpsrjdlz1y1.jpeg

[Ou8me2]

SpaFlex is okay to use and it has the same outside diameter as schedule 40 PVC rigid pipe and fits all schedule 40 fittings.

Like this:

http://www.flexiblepvc.net/Ultra_Flexible_PVC_Pipe_White_p/ultra-flex-white.htm or this https://www.plumbingsupply.com/spaflex.html or http://www.marinedepot.com/Ultra_Flex_PVC_Pipe_Tubing_Flexible_PVC_Tubing-Plumbing_Parts-FT1383-FIFTTUFP-vi.html

There is a couple of useful threads here on RC about it also.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1900864

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1319160

[daquan44]

I have used rigid PVC, spaflex PVC and pool hose. Currently I am using the pool hose for all my drains, because it is easier to route through my stand, wall, and into the garage. If you decide to use pool hose, make sure you purchase a hose where both cuffs are leak proof. I purchased a 50' hose that was only leak proof on one end and had to scrap the whole thing. Well not really. I still use it with the leaky end in the sump.

[RobbyG]

I think you probably used Flex PVC which is commonly used in spa's. I think the OP is talking about this stuff which is commonly supplied as drain lines for off the shelf sumps. You certainly wouldn't want to use this stuff for your return line due to friction loss. For drain use, it's OK. I have heard of a few cases of it cracking but those are far and few between.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zpsrjdlz1y1.jpeg

I would never use that stuff.
I use this one and it is very heavy and solid. As I said, it has been on my 90gal Tank slightly over 15 years with no problems.

http://www.flexiblepvc.net/Ultra_Fle...flex-white.htm

[rovster]

I think you probably used Flex PVC which is commonly used in spa's. I think the OP is talking about this stuff which is commonly supplied as drain lines for off the shelf sumps. You certainly wouldn't want to use this stuff for your return line due to friction loss. For drain use, it's OK. I have heard of a few cases of it cracking but those are far and few between.
http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo347/shleif/Tanks/image_zpsrjdlz1y1.jpeg

Yeah I didn't use that. I thought what I used was called spa flex hence the confusion.

[Dolomiteclay]

The stuff I'm talking about would be found at the link below. It came with my sump to use for the drain. However, I had to get a smaller section for my drain as the one they provided was too long. For my return, however, it would be perfect and I thought since it has connections similar to PVC I could get those benefits of adding a gate valve and ball union and potentially another union for removing just the pump while not having to use PVC.

Attaching this stuff to an eheim pump is not easy.


http://www.amazon.com/Eshopps-Foot-Inch-Flex-Hose/dp/B001K5IF5G

[slief]

I would never use that stuff.
I use this one and it is very heavy and solid. As I said, it has been on my 90gal Tank slightly over 15 years with no problems.

http://www.flexiblepvc.net/Ultra_Fle...flex-white.htm

Yeah I didn't use that. I thought what I used was called spa flex hence the confusion.


Yep. That stuff in the link above is flex pvc. It's readily available at Home Depot and Lowes. Like you guys, I have used Flex PVC for years without issue. In fact, I have some in my system that runs 18" underground to my garage that has been in use since I set my tank up in 1997.

[slief]

The stuff I'm talking about would be found at the link below. It came with my sump to use for the drain. However, I had to get a smaller section for my drain as the one they provided was too long. For my return, however, it would be perfect and I thought since it has connections similar to PVC I could get those benefits of adding a gate valve and ball union and potentially another union for removing just the pump while not having to use PVC.

Attaching this stuff to an eheim pump is not easy.


http://www.amazon.com/Eshopps-Foot-Inch-Flex-Hose/dp/B001K5IF5G

Using that stuff for your sump is one thing. I don't like the fact that it sags though and if it were me, I would use rigid pvc or flex pvc insead and then use some union ball valves for easy servicing. Only downside is it can be difficult to remove lids from sumps with the more rigid flex pvc which is one some prefer the stuff that came with your sump.

I would not use that stuff for a return pump though. It's no different than the stuff I posted in the picture above and you will encounter much higher friction loss plus it's just not well suited for return pump use. If you are looking for something flexible for your return pump, than I would suggest either flex pvc or vinyl hose.

[Ou8me2]

Definitely agree with slief.

I like the PVC Spa Flex Hose IMHO is the best to use. It won't sag and is very flexible. I watched a video and a guy literally tie it in a knot without it kinking. They say a 1/2 piece can flex 2 1/2 ft. I have never tested it, but I'm guessing that is pretty accurate.

I had even considered using it for my overflow to the sump. I'm not sure how that would work out and if it would be too much flow and sound like a river.

[stevesdw]

So I have been wondering if anyone has tried using flexible pvc suction hose for their plumbing lines. I came across a pvc hose called blue water suction hose which has a product code G941bw. It is a lot more flexible than the pvc spa hose. I live in Canada and was able to purchase this by the foot from a local industrial hose supplier with a corporate rate of $1.40/foot for 1"ID. The only issue is that it has on outside diameter of 1.26" which does not allow for a snug fit into hard pvc fittings. I thought I would try cementing it anyway with Weld-on 795 (I used primer as well) and ended up with a successful connection that no matter how much pulling and twisting I am unable to release the hose from the fitting. The alternative which I may try yet is to cement a piece of pipe into a fitting and then ream it out to 1.31" to give a snug fit but for now I don't think it is necessary. I see there is a product called utraflex pvc however to purchase it in Canada is not the most economical. For those not happy with using spa flex and having to heat bend I think this option would be the way to go!

[stevesdw]

in above post I meant to say ream it out to 1.26"!

[mcgyvr]

stevesdw got a link to said "blue water suction hose"
There are numerous products that come up under that name.. None that I've seen are really a suitable replacement for tubing designed specifically to be used with hard pvc fittings..
However...As this hobby is low force/low pressure,etc... there are quite a bit of things you can make work (hack) and get away with just fine..

Outside of the hobby where greater forces/life safety aspects,etc... come into play you certainly don't want to use the same "hacks"

I personally see no need to hack anything as far as plumbing is concerned.. I wouldn't spend my time reaming out a pvc fitting trying to make this all work.. I would either buy the proper flex tubing or just use hard pvc for everything.. Hard pvc is so cheap I personally see no need for the added expense of any tubing..