Rubber hose for return

[ReeferBill]

Is there any problem with using black rubber hose for my return? It is more flexible and won’t let light through. But don’t want to leech anything in my system. Let me know.
thanks

 

[flyingscampi]

I'd read this first!

Tin Leaching from Common Plastic Tubing and a Very Inert Tubing that I Found

I'm sure many of you are tired of me posting about tin leaching from plastic, but for those having "tin problems" this might be helpful. Although I found tin leaching from many plastic products, I found that plastic tubing may be the worst culprit. I performed "soak tests" where I would soak...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ReeferBill]

That talks about plastic but not rubber. Anyone have any experience with rubber hose?

 

[TokenReefer]

I wouldn't use black rubber (idk why I wouldn't but it seems ng to me). Can you find vinyl or silicon?

 

[TokenReefer]

Ask yourself if you'd drink through it would be the test for me lol and then consider over time would I still? If that makes sense.sorry no science for ya here...

 

[ReeferBill]

Well that article just said vinyl is bad. I wasn’t sure about rubber. Just about 2 feet of length so didn’t know if it would affect it.

 

[TokenReefer]

Sorry for the blasts here but the more I think about it.. Rubber breaks down pretty easy. I def wouldn't. Think of dry rot tires or a old hose... Saltwater probably exacerbates it...

 

[ReeferBill]

I was thinking the same. Looking online for silicone. Unless someone says no to that. Haha.

 

[TokenReefer]

The only thing I might add to silicon is if it has to bend too far it collapses..kind of a pia in that regard

 

[bobnicaragua]

I’ve used the black rubber hose on my return line multiple times over the years.

 

[ReeferBill]

Did you have sps/lps corals and fish?

 

[Sean Clark]

I have used this hose for years in 1/2, 3/4, and 1 inch sizes. It holds up fantasticly and no issues with leaching or the material breaking down. It is a bit expensive but worth it to me.

Parker 6722-075 X-treme High Temp Heater Hose 3/4 ID Silicone Core

https://ph.parker.com/us/en/silicone-high-temperature-heater-hose-standard-wall-series-6722

You can purchase it by the foot here:
https://www.shopcross.com/parker-6722-075-x-treme-high-temp-heater-hose-34-id-silicone-core

 

[landlubber]

i don't 100% remember offhand what it is but i use a flexible hose that is ribbed to keep it from kinking or collapsing and is reef safe, i do believe it is silicone though.
The added benefit to using it over rigid pluming is it actually cuts down vibration and noise from the return.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I used it on this old tank for years.

 

[anthonygf]

Just realize black rubber anything is pure petroleum, made from mostly refined oil. Some rubber may be good and some not, I would not chance it.

 

[edd59]

pond liners are made of gates rubber, same stuff as an inner tube. my 5000 gal pond has been in 3 yrs with the same koi

 

[anthonygf]

pond liners are made of gates rubber, same stuff as an inner tube. my 5000 gal pond has been in 3 yrs with the same koi

Must have a special coating on the rubber? Is your pond fresh water? I would think salt water may deteriorate some forms of rubber.

 

[ReeferBill]

Yeah I am not going to risk it given the cost of a silicone tube and the money that will be invested into corals. Thanks all

 

[exnisstech]

I prefer to use silicon unless there are tight bends then I go to vinyl or plastic 90s. It's easy to work with and can help reduce vibration also. I used black for years but it was on fresh water.