And yet another plumbing question...

[Dom]

In my rebuild, I have decided to use flexible tubing for my return and drain lines as I have read that the gradual direction changes in flowing water will help the system to be quieter.

But here is the problem...

As I make turns with tubing, it tends to kink. What can I do?

This is the tubing I am using: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/black-vinyl-tubing-sold-by-the-foot.html

I selected this tubing to prevent algae growth from external light sources.

Suggestions?

 

[Tampaman]

Hello,
What size is your system. I would not recommend that tubing with any pump with real power. Or at least use hose clamps. Your local hardware store will have 90s and Ts made for different size hose. Even though its soft you can still plumb it.
Goodluck!

 

[Dom]

That defeats the purpose. The idea was to use tubing to gradually direction changes to quiet the system. And yes, I am using hose clamps.

 

[rwreef]

That defeats the purpose. The idea was to use tubing to gradually direction changes to quiet the system. And yes, I am using hose clamps.

This is why most people use PVC because typically plumbing needs to bend at some point. You might have less bends, but there will be a need for a few imo.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Have you tried heating the tubing up with some hot water? A trick I've used in the past is to soak the tubing in some near boiling water then pack it with sand to keep it from collapsing and hold it in place with the bend you want. Then cool it of with some cold water to help it keep the set shape.

 

[BackToTheReef]

If you are dead set on soft tubing have you tried the braided stuff? It is slightly less flexible and is less likely to kink.

 

[laverda]

I agree and would not use that tubing. Super flex or ultra flex PVC is very flexible, strong, will not kink and glues just like standard PVC. I once ran over my water change hose with my truck and 100 gallons of water in the back and it barely deformed it. It is still in use many years later.