Anyone use silicone tubing from BRS?

[jasonrusso]

I use 3/4" nylon tubing from HD for my 2 Eheim 1262 return pumps. Over time, it naturally gets stiff. This makes a resonance in the tank and stand. I was looking at the silicone tubing. The listing says to use a length of tubing, but would it be OK to use the silicone for the whole length? There are no sharp bends.

Does it last longer than the vinyl?

It's reviews like the screenshot that worry me. It's the ONLY one like that, so it could be user error.

White Soft Silicone Tubing (Sold by the Foot)

Sold by the Foot. Why does BRS recommend this? For ultra-quiet plumbing a small section of silicone tubing is key. We recommend at least a small piece to isolate pumps from the ridged plumbing. Silicone tubing can kink fairly easily, so it isn’t the best to use in locations with hard bends...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Mjl714]

I installed two 13” pieces (hose clamps on each end) to bring the return water from my IM AIO 30l back (Eheim Compacton 1000’s) into display area. These have been in use for just about three years. I have no complaints ,works as advertised, cleans pretty to easy, and has not changed in its flexibility while maintaining enough form rigidity. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

[Joe Rice]

That Pan World pump the reviewer uses is very powerful with a max head of 46 feet. So it's capable of creating much higher pressures that the Eheim 1262 that you use that has a max head of 12 feet. I believe that when people use a non-controllable pump like that Pan World, they control the flow with a valve of some sort. If he/she had the silicone tubing between the pump and the valve, and the valve was significantly reducing the flow, I can imagine you'd get some serious pressure inside the tubing.

I use silicone tubing with my Vectra M1 pump and have never had a problem.

 

[Hasted]

I also was weary after reading that post. Saw that BRS used it with an Ecotech pump on the BRS 160. Also, every other review is positive. Decided to go for it.

1 week in on a Varios6 pump with Zero issues. I have the plastic hose clamps on each end, also.

 

[Malcontent]

Vinyl tubing needs plasticizers to remain flexible. They seem to get washed out over time (especially with cheaper big box store tubing) and stiffen.

Silicone doesn't need plasticizers but it's too flexible for some applications.

If pressure is a concern then braid-reinforced silicone tubing would probably be ideal.

 

[jasonrusso]

I believe that when people use a non-controllable pump like that Pan World, they control the flow with a valve of some sort. If he/she had the silicone tubing between the pump and the valve, and the valve was significantly reducing the flow, I can imagine you'd get some serious pressure inside the tubing.

Vinyl tubing needs plasticizers to remain flexible. They seem to get washed out over time (especially with cheaper big box store tubing) and stiffen.

I run the pumps wide open with dual nozzle returns, I think that pressure is minimal.

 

[jasonrusso]

I have the plastic hose clamps on each end, also.

Which size? The same size that fits on the 3/4" vinyl hose?

 

[JumboShrimp]

I agree, that a Pan World pump could probably make a balloon out of just about anything if you cranked it up enough and restricted flow on one end. It does indeed sound like user error. I am using two full lengths (intake and output) of the BRS 1” silicone tubing on my Pentair 40W UV sterilizer with a more modest Jaebo pump; no problem at all.

 

[Hasted]

Which size? The same size that fits on the 3/4" vinyl hose?

I bought 1" and 3/4" clamps, but not sure which I used. Also depends on what size barb you're using. They are cheap enough to get two sizes.

 

[ca1ore]

I’ve been using it in various diameters for years. As long as you apply even a tiny measure of common sense it works just fine. I would not use it on a high pressure pump like an Iwaki/PanWorld (I run a PW 250 and it’s a monster), particularly before a choke valve. I would not use it at the bottom of a high head run. Flex PVC at a minimum for those. Agree that you should use either a plastic clamp or zip tie.

 

[ca1ore]

An addendum .... cannot say whether silicone hose lasts longer than vinyl, but it retains its flexibility where vinyl does not. Flex PVC is my preferred hose/pipe now. It’s loses flexibility over time also, but you don’t have to use all those flow-robbing barb fittings. When you’re pushing against 12 feet of gravity every little bit helps.

 

[TriggerFinger]

I use that type of hose for moving water from my brute to the tank and filling buckets, etc. I do not think it’s strong enough for a pan world pump; my pan world is hard plumbed.

 

[jasonrusso]

I installed it today, the vinyl was essentially solid plastic. I was a able to remove about 8 inches from the long run due to it being more flexible than the vinyl that comes rolled and doesn't lose its "shape."

Maybe this will inspire me to clean the pumps more. I always dreaded removing the vinyl 3/4" from the pumps.

 

[CMMorgan]

What about this as an alternative... it's silicone with a PSI of 250lbs... it's opaque, so no algae growth. For going the foot or less from the return pump to the hard plumbing, it may not be so bad.
@ca1ore I have spa flex as the drain to my sump down. I always had issues with leaks at the barbs. How are you using SpaFlex without barbs and getting it leak free?

 

[jasonrusso]

What about this as an alternative... it's silicone with a PSI of 250lbs... it's opaque, so no algae growth. For going the foot or less from the return pump to the hard plumbing, it may not be so bad.
@ca1ore I have spa flex as the drain to my sump down. I always had issues with leaks at the barbs. How are you using SpaFlex without barbs and getting it leak free?

I'm going on 6 weeks, no issues so I'm at peace so far.

 

[Joe Rice]

I always had issues with leaks at the barbs. How are you using SpaFlex without barbs and getting it leak free?

When I use SpaFlex I connect it with standard PVC fittings - the same as I use with schedule 40 PVC - glued, of course.

 

[CMMorgan]

When I use SpaFlex I connect it with standard PVC fittings - the same as I use with schedule 40 PVC - glued, of course.

Gotcha... yours is smooth on the outside. Mine came with this bumpy spa flex. It never really sealed well.

 

[ca1ore]

Yes, flex PVC solvent welded directly into sch40/80 fittings. Flex PVC isn’t as smooth as rigid, but smooth enough for a leak free welded join. Although flex and spa tend to be used interchangeably, perhaps some kinds of spa flex don’t work.

 

[x19]

Silicone tubing from BRS still holding up well? I'm looking at about 2 ft length off a Vectra S2 and the same review has given me pause.

 

[jasonrusso]

Silicone tubing from BRS still holding up well? I'm looking at about 2 ft length off a Vectra S2 and the same review has given me pause.

Still working fine. No leaks and still flexible. It is much easier maintenance now. I don't have to disconnect the hose anymore. I can lift the pump up and just turn it upright to remove the impeller,