Flexible PVC plumbing

[snowrip]

I'm in the planning stages for my 120-gal reef tank. At this point I'm thinking about using flexible pipe for all the plumbing due to the increase in overall system flow (no 90deg. bends)... Does anyone have any experience/tips/feedback on this idea?

Thanks for any advice... I can sure use it!

[Geoff]

i have used it sparingly in the past. mainly because of expense. it does get unweildy in long lengths because it like to coil back up on you.

G~

[snowrip]

The expense does suck!

I've used it on boats before... if you heat it up with a blower, its more tame.

[javafish]

Here is a good and cheap place to get flex pvc
http://www.savko.com/partlist.asp?pgid=4&ptid=19&pid=36

[110galreef]

I am using some on my CLS project right now. I should now all the details tomorrow.

I have also heard it's good to use some at least at the pump to lessen vibration noise.

[Geoff]

yes being flexible it does act like a vibration dampener, so it lessens the noise being transmitted to the rest of the plumbing.

G~

[tdwyatt]

If it is summer, lay it on the drivway and let it get hot in the sunblight for about an hour, much easier to work with, and if cooled down with wter, will take a set in the positioin it is cooled down in. When gluing the fittings, make sure to prime both pieces and hold the fitting to the pipe until the solvent has fully set (this may take up to 5 minutes for each fitting) to assure a leakproof fit the first time. Make sure to twist the fittings 1/4 turn to get a foolproof seal with each application.

I like the stuff a lot, but it can be difficult to work with.

[snowrip]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna plumb the whole thing (or as much as it makes sense to) with the flexi. Javafish I checked out that site... looks good and even w/shipping should be cheaper than my local box store, which I'll be checkin' out this afternoon.

[doody]

If I were to come strait off my BH's in the back of the tank with flex and no 90* elbow, would'nt the bend down add stress to the BH's?

[110galreef]

You would probably need the elbow on the BH....unless really small BH~1/2". The radius of a 1" of 1 1/2" flex is going to be big! Unless your tank is in wall w/ lots of room behind it you wouldn't want to do it.

[doody]

Originally Posted by 110galreef

You would probably need the elbow on the BH....unless really small BH~1/2". The radius of a 1" of 1 1/2" flex is going to be big! Unless your tank is in wall w/ lots of room behind it you wouldn't want to do it.

Thats what I figured. Thanks!

[110galreef]

Here is a picture of how I used it...can give you some idea of the radiuses.