Flex Tubing and Return Pump

[BlueKoran91]

I am in the process of setting up a new tank and I need about 4ft of 1/2" and 4ft of 1" tubing for the overflow and return. I also need a return pump, like a maxi jet 1200 or something. I thought I would check here before buying at a store. Let me know :) Thanks!!

[rrasco]

What kind of flex tubing? Vinyl or PVC? Just curious because I had to order the flex pvc under 1"...all I could find at box stores was 1" and maybe 1.25".

[BlueKoran91]

What kind of flex tubing? Vinyl or PVC? Just curious because I had to order the flex pvc under 1"...all I could find at box stores was 1" and maybe 1.25".
I honestly don't know :( What the difference?

[rrasco]

One is the standard flexible, typically clear, tubing. Flex PVC is actually PVC that's flexible that can be used with standard PVC fittings and solvent.

Vinyl Tubing
http://images.spadepot.com/shop/images/catalog/vinyl-tubing-f.jpg

Flex PVC
http://www.hottubworks.com/Images/SpaParts/Plumbing/1-TU-2FLX10.jpg

[BlueKoran91]

Which is better?


🐠Manda🐟

[rrasco]

Mostly preference. The PVC is less prone to kinking, but still possible. There is also a braided vinyl that resists kinking more as well. The main benefit to PVC is you can ditch the barbed fittings and just use regular PVC instead, that's why I am using it on my re-model for drains/return.

[BlueKoran91]

I'll probably do PVC then. Any suggestions on where to get it?


🐠Manda🐟

[rrasco]

HD and Lowes have some, but only in the sizes mentioned above. I needed 1" and 3/4". It's fairly expensive though, so be in for sticker shock if you really want to go that route...so I guess that is a disadvantage. I'm talking $2+/foot at the box stores. Mine was $1/foot online, but $34 shipping for 50 foot.

[BlueKoran91]

Ok. Thank you :)


🐠Manda🐟

[Southern Flame]

I have 10ft of braided tubing bought it yesterday and cant use it. its 1in paid $22 for it and dont know if i can return it $15 for the 10 ft

[BlueKoran91]

Pm sent


🐠Manda🐟