what's a good hose for the return line?

Discussion in 'Filters, Pumps, etc..' started by coyle, Nov 24, 2009.

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  1. coyle

    coyle Bristle Worm

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    Hello, I recently purchased some 5/8id 3/4od hose and it's pretty flimsy. There's several places it crimps and just isn't impressing me very much. Is there a better hose I can get, and do you know where I might buy it because around here I cannot find anything besides what I just bought unless I go with pvc tube which I'd rather not do if I can help it. I'm thinking about some eheim but that's just what I've seen at fosters site. Something that looks nice would be a plus since it's kind of visable. Happy Holidays all!!
     
    coyle, Nov 24, 2009
    coyle, Nov 24, 2009
    #1

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  2. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    I've always used clear tube from the big box stores. It's not very expensive, and works very well for our purposes.

    Good luck! :)
     
    ReefSparky, Nov 24, 2009
    ReefSparky, Nov 24, 2009
    #2
  3. mikejrice

    mikejrice 3reef Affiliate

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    Same stuff I use.
     
    mikejrice, Nov 25, 2009
    mikejrice, Nov 25, 2009
    #3
  4. salsalito25

    salsalito25 Stylophora

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    Go to your LOcal DIY store.. aka Lowes Home depot and such some times you find what you are looking for there..
     
    salsalito25, Nov 25, 2009
    salsalito25, Nov 25, 2009
    #4
  5. mattheuw1

    mattheuw1 Montipora Capricornis

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    Most hardware stores sell the fflimsy stuff that you picked up and the tubing that is slightly thicker without all the kinks.
     
    mattheuw1, Nov 25, 2009
    mattheuw1, Nov 25, 2009
    #5
  6. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    I use the tubing with the braided reinforcement in it. Some places also sell heavy wall tubing in black which is good to reduce algae growth inside the tubing.
    [​IMG]
     
    AZDesertRat, Nov 25, 2009
    AZDesertRat, Nov 25, 2009
    #6

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  7. inwall75

    inwall75 Giant Squid

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    I completely agree with you. Over the years, I've seen many cases where the regular tubing kinks and completely closes off flow, splits and causes a flood, etc.
     
    inwall75, Nov 25, 2009
    inwall75, Nov 25, 2009
    #7
  8. Reef Empire

    Reef Empire 3reef Sponsor

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    If you have to use hose, +1 on the braided reinforced stuff. No kinks = no blown off hoses...
     
    Reef Empire, Nov 25, 2009
    Reef Empire, Nov 25, 2009
    #8
  9. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Why not hard pipe it? Do you need flex? A common mis-conception, is that the flex tubing is easier to use. I, personally, find it to be a pain to use. When I have used it, boiling water and a torch are very helpful. Smaller diameter is also easier to use, but, restricts flow considerably.
     
    missionsix, Nov 25, 2009
    missionsix, Nov 25, 2009
    #9
  10. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    I prefer a mixture of both. Hard piping can cause stress on pumps, bulkheads and fittings if it is not perfectly aligned and supported. Adding some flexible tubing relieves the stresses of misalignment, reduces sound transmission due to pump and motor vibrations and allows smooth transitions where PVC elbows may not fit. I always use at least a short piece of flex off of a pump and close to a bulkhead so I reduce noise and eliminate gasket leaks due to the weight of rigid piping hanging on a bulkheads gasketed surface.
    Its always wise to oversize flex tubing though since barbed nipples often are smaller diameter and can cause additional head restrictions. If it calls for 3/4" I go with 1" etc.
     
    AZDesertRat, Nov 25, 2009
    AZDesertRat, Nov 25, 2009
    #10
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