Alternative to metal clamps (plumbing)

[Fernthereefer]

Hi,

What do you guys use as tube clamps on your return line that does not corrode? I need to find an alternative ASAP.
Good thing I run continuous Cuprisorb in the sump.

Thanks

 

[Fernthereefer]

So I found these in plastic. Don't know if the strengh compares though..

Two Little Fishies ATL5415W 6-Piece Plastic Hose Clamp Set.
Amazon product ASIN B00025674Q
Any other recommended? Thanks

 

[Hausser]

BRS has plastic clamps.

 

[Fernthereefer]

Thanks. Ordering BRS from Canada is expensive unfortunately. Need to do a large order.

 

[andrewey]

Search for plastic hose clamps. Choose from ratcheting or screw type based on preference.

 

[wcharon]

I use zip ties and haven{t have problems yet. Neither in sump or in my sea swirl.

 

[alysak6075]

I use this:
amazon.com/gp/product/B07VTMQHW9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Alternatively u can find the exact ones you have but made of titanium (a bit pricy though).

 

[Stigigemla]

If You search for Hellerman-Tyton clamps I believe You will find some retailers in Canada. They are used in many other things not only reef aquaria.

 

[Billdogg]

I don't use anything but friction.

What I do is this:
1. Start with vinyl tubing slightly smaller than the diameter of the hose barb so that it is difficult or impossible to push the two together

2. Bring a pot of water up to a roaring boil on the stove.

3. Place the end of the vinyl tubing in the boiling water for a few minutes until it is very pliable

4. Wearing heavy gloves (it's gonna be HOT!!!) push the tubing on to the barbed fitting.

5. If possible, submerge the two into a bowl of ice water - if not, a cold rag wrapped around will do the trick.

Your tubing should now be so tight that you will have to cut it off. In 30+ years of using this method I have yet to have one come off or leak.

HTH!

 

[Fernthereefer]

Interesting method. I have used hot water to prepare the tubes when I was doing the connections, but was afraid of long term seal. Also I don't want to go too small a diameter for the return pump.

To be honest, my freshwater tanks are connected without a clamp.... maybe its the reef paranoia. hahahahaha.

Thanks for all the advice. Learned a lot.

 

[Billdogg]

You have to remember that there is very minimal pressure on a typical setups plumbing, either drain or return. On the drain line it is effectively 0 because it is just falling into the sump. Gravity does the work. On your return the pressure while not 0 will still be quite low unless you are using a pressure rated pump from the basement or something similar that would create head pressure.

That's why leaks for us tend to be drips, not water spraying across the room like a pipe burst. I've lived through both - there really is no mistaking one for the other! :p ;)

 

[Stigigemla]

I do the same way as @Billdog but after a few years the hose is not sitting as hard. And after 5 years or more the coupling is practically loose.
Many common wirestrips does expand with the years too.
But not Hellerman-Tyton clamps in polyamide.

 

[Fernthereefer]

Interesting discussion. Thanks @Billdogg and @Stigigemla for the feedback.

 

[homer1475]

I have always done as @Billdogg suggested, with the addition of 2 heavy duty zip ties for the extra piece of mind.