Hose barb plumbing

[jlscrug]

I have an issue. I am trying to plumb my tank with clear flexible hose and barbed fittings. This issue is that the id of the flex is very close to the od of the barbs and I cannot get the hose to push on the barbs past the second barb. Is there a water soluble and safe lubricant that I can use for this?

[Doug1]

In the past I have had good luck with sticking the end in really hot water then forcing it on, it tends to mold shape yet stay snug.
a dab if food grade silicine grease should work, but might be problematic to find, I had a little foil packet of it show up with a replacement impellor once

[Loverotties]

You shouldn't use clear hose!Algea will form inside.but boil water and stick the end of hose on the water for a min.,it will make it easyier to go on.

[jlscrug]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

You shouldn't use clear hose!Algea will form inside.

The hose will never see light...what are my options?

[wharyat]

Petroleum jelly would work.

[Blorton]

Doug and Love are right. Just soak the end of the hose in some nice hot water and it will get a lot easier to work with. It will also help if you can find something with a funnel shape to it that you can use to stretch the inside of the hose out with. I've used this method lots of times with much success.

Hth!
Dan