PVC Vs. Flexible Tubing

fernalfer · Feb 24, 2016

Ok guys i'm almost at the stage of plumbing my sump. I have a dual Overflow 120 gallon Tank. I like the clean look of PVC but like the ease of Flexible Tubing.

Below i have posted a video of Flexible Tubing Setup. Please go to 4:30 of the video to see the design.

Now i like how easy and simple that is. Is their any reason why i should use hard PVC instead? Seems matching the pieces, glueing, and with possibly having to use T- pieces or 90's will reduce flow seems like more of a hassle.

Please chime in with comments for or against either. Need help making my decision.

fernalfer · Feb 25, 2016

no comments :-(

DeniseAndy · Feb 25, 2016

I use both flexpvc and pvc. Depended on what was needed and worked best for a particular situation. PVC can be so rigid, that sometimes the flexpvc is just a bit more useful. Especially for vibration and such.

I also use vinyl tubing in situations where I may want to change out on regular basis.

AZDesertRat · Feb 25, 2016

I use a combination of PVC, usually threaded so it can be disassembled, and vinyl tubing. When I transition to vinyl I step up one size to reduce the headloss due the smaller inside diameter of the barbed nipples. Vinyl for bends and changes of direction has minimal headloss compared to PVC fittings plus the vinyl keeps any stress from misalignment off the pumps and reduces vibration and noise transmission.

fernalfer · Feb 26, 2016

Does anyone use unions or ball valves in their tubing setups? What if you wanted to stop the flow of water? A lot of tubing setups I just see 1 straight tube from return pump to tank and one long one from bulkhead to sump.

Waters · Feb 26, 2016

I personally like all glued PVC. There is no chance of any leaks, kinks, etc. I use multiple unions as well as ball and gate valves. On top of that, it looks much cleaner.

jsker · Feb 26, 2016

I like how the glue smells.

jsker · Feb 26, 2016

I all seriousness the flex makes more sense in some application for example, bends, corners without using joints and possible leeks. The rigid is good for running through walls, floors. for example I run my dosing lines through a 2.5" rigid pvc to protect my lines so that the line will not get damaged or crimped.

DeniseAndy · Feb 26, 2016

Of course, when you say flex pvc, I am referring to flexpvc, not vinyl. This stuff has to be glued just like pvc and has just a bit more flexibility, not much though. It is strong like pvc. It is expensive too, so only get what you need.

I have ball valves anywhere I want to control flow and around my pumps (in case something goes wrong).

fernalfer · Feb 26, 2016

I think i'm going to go with the ultra flex PVC from marine depot. I have heard nothing but good things and people are saying it is a little more flexible then regular flex PVC

ReefBum · Feb 26, 2016

Waters said:
I personally like all glued PVC. There is no chance of any leaks, kinks, etc. I use multiple unions as well as ball and gate valves. On top of that, it looks much cleaner.

I am in the same camp. Much less chance of any leaks.

fernalfer · Feb 26, 2016

OK tell me if my return plan is ok. I have a Sicce Syncra silent 5.0-->threaded 3/4 PVC-->3/4 to inch reducer (To go from 3/4 inch to 1 inch tubing)-->1 inch short piece of Ultra Flex PVC-->1 inch Ball Valve Union-->1 inch Ultra Flex PVC all the way to bulkhead almost-->into union-->Short piece of Ultra Flex PVC-->into 1 inch to 3/4 reducer-->into threaded 3/4 inch threaded PVC fitting--> into threaded 3/4 inch bulkhead.

I have dual over flows so at somepoint in my return will split with this. https://flexpvc.com/cart/agora.cgi?p=PVC-Fittings-Wyes-45degree&p_id=475-010&xm=on&ppinc=detail