plumbing question

[markak15]

I almost have all the plumbing done on my 55 gal/20 gal sump. I'm having one last problem. My setup goes like this...pump-union-ball valve-flexible tubing - 1" PVC return. I can't figure out how to steady up the return PVC since it's attached to flexible tubing. I need to attach it to the tank somehow. There probably is no good solution...but if anyone has any ideas I'm game. thanks

mark

[SPANKYSREEF]

Not sure about this one but---A few drops of silicone to secure the line to the back of the tank?

[reef_noob]

What's the point of the flexible tubing?

[markak15]

the flexible tubing was because I needed it to come out from the sump which is directly under my main tank. I read that using elbows causes vibrations/reduces flow and that flexible tubing was better. If I used regular PVC I would have had 2 elbows just to get it out from under the stand.

[reef_noob]

well, IMO, the reduction in flow is minimal, and the stability of pvc way outweighs it. I had my whole system (refuge, main tank and sump) plumbed with flexi tubing. It got dirty, it didn't actually flex well, it was hard to work with and it was unsightly. I replumbed the whole thing with pvc and haven't looked back...man what a difference.

[markak15]

now that I've tried the flexible tubing, I agree with you. I'm going to go with the PVC.

[superwizbang]

Pretty inexpensive to go either way. All of us choose what works best. I had vibration (low, audible hum) with my elbows. The flexy tubing quieted the pump down to almost silent. Both were same diameter piping. Only difference was the gradual bends with flexy versus hard angles associated with PVC.

If you chose to try one more thing with the flexy, you can put it in your oven at 350 for a short 5 mins (your results may very...keep an *CLOSE* eye on it) to soften it up. You can then "mould" it into any shape you like...or straighten it. Likewise, if the back of your tank is glass or a glass-like substance, you can get suction cup mounts (for paper towel racks or similar) and fasion one of the PVC mounts to it...they are sold in the PVC isles of your local hardware store. They look like a half-circle with drilled flanges on each end for screws. They would normally mount to a wall with the pipe fit in the circle area. They cost like .50 each.

You all mentioned having troubles with growth in your flexy, was it clear or opaque black? If opaque, the growth should only be simiar to what you would see in standard PVC. I agree and most all of my plumbing is PVC. A fully sealed glue joint is always going to be better than a clamp. I learned there are times flexy is better suited though.

-K

[skeety]

I actually used flexible PVC up the sides of the tank, and attached it to solid PVC elbows to hook it over the tank.

Ocassionally, I have to push/pull it back to the corner, but for the most part, it stays put.

I've seen people with similar set-ups cut some acrylic to form a u, and glue it to the lip of the tank, thus holding the PVC in place.

[markak15]

I was planning on just hooking it over the side, but the "flexible" tubing is so rigid that it won't let the return PVC stay in place. I will try the oven thing and maybe some suction cups....if that doesn't do the trick I'll just go with all PVC. thanks for the insights.