PVC or Flexible hose. Which do you prefer?

[glb]

I'm in the middle of a build and need to decide about plumbing. It's a 40g breeder with a 20g tall sump. What are the pros and cons of pvc/hoses? Which do you think is better or is it really personal preference?

 

[mcarroll]

I initially used PVC but switched to vinyl tubing due to vibration noise.

If I were doing it again, I would find another way to solve the vibration, or I'd just use vinyl where the plumbing connects to the pump.

PVC should also be less likely to break down and release additives or chemicals into your water.

I'd vote PVC.

 

[AZDesertRat]

A mixture of both. Braided reinforced vinyl tubing anywhere I want to relieve any stress due to alignment issues, where a sharp 90 degree elbow and fittings would cause excessive headloss and directly off of pumps to eliminate noise due to vibrations. Threaded PVC for gate or butterfly valves, next to bulkheads and for manifolds.

 

[Scubado63]

I use PVC on everything except where it attaches to pumps, mainly for minimizing leak potential

 

[evolved]

Always PVC, and if a bit of flexibility is need, then spaflex PVC it is.

 

[kschweer]

Always PVC, and if a bit of flexibility is need, then spaflex PVC it is.

Agreed. I almost always use pvc. I think it looks better and will perform better over time. The flex pvc especially the newer superflex also comes in handy at times and is very easy to work with.

 

[143MPCo]

...personally i feel PCV is a pain to work with, I don't like it at all as you can see from my build below, but it's better than a bunch of vinyl hoses running everywhere and if you take your time can leave you with an impressive looking system that you don't mind showing off to that nosie neighbor that needs to know why you had a bundle of PVC pipe sticking out your truck bed!

 

[KingTriton]

I prefer silicone tubing on my return. Regular PVC on anything else.

 

[david540i]

As stated above a mixture of both are good. Only thing about spa flex is that it isn't as malleable which then causes extra stress on your bulk heads

 

[hybridazn]

I always use pvc, I anchor pipes to the stand when I can to help cut down on vibrations. Also using some kind of padding under the pumps eliminates vibration as well.

 

[glb]

Thanks everyone!

 

[zwulfke]

I use pvc flex hose and regular pvc it all glues together

 

[mfinn]

I prefer pvc over tubing.
It's easy to work with and IMO looks better.
Plus there is the colored pvc that really adds that something extra to plumbing jobs.

 

[ermartin]

nothing but FLEX for me although im not opposed to PVC just never used it up to now except when i had an external pump and that was just a connection to the sump the actual return was flex

 

[bigkai]

I build pools for a living so i vote pvc all the way. Its strong and easy to work with. And with a heat gun you can make it any shape and cut down on 90s

 

[glb]

I prefer pvc over tubing.
It's easy to work with and IMO looks better.
Plus there is the colored pvc that really adds that something extra to plumbing jobs.

I know. I saw the blue ones and I'm sold.

 

[mfinn]

I know. I saw the blue ones and I'm sold.

There are several different colors at Bulk reef supply.
You can even find colored pvc fittings on ebay