Are garden hoses safe?

[GrimReefersDad]

I have about 60 feet between where my RO is generated and stored and where my system is. I'm making water now for my new 340g total system volume tank. Would a dedicated garden hose be suitable for the transfer? easier to store and such. Asking now as I have 100's of gallons of water to transfer this weekend and need to get tubing of some sorts!

 

[ptrusk]

I have used one for the past 15 years. Cut off the brass ends and use plastic barbed fitting.

 

[Uncle99]

I have about 60 feet between where my RO is generated and stored and where my system is. I'm making water now for my new 340g total system volume tank. Would a dedicated garden hose be suitable for the transfer? easier to store and such. Asking now as I have 100's of gallons of water to transfer this weekend and need to get tubing of some sorts!

Sure that’s fine

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have about 60 feet between where my RO is generated and stored and where my system is. I'm making water now for my new 340g total system volume tank. Would a dedicated garden hose be suitable for the transfer? easier to store and such. Asking now as I have 100's of gallons of water to transfer this weekend and need to get tubing of some sorts!

For as long as ive known, they are said to be in time a breeding ground for mold and bacteria within and reason why many water maintenance hoses such as Lee's and Python are clear. I like to see what is in the hose I use thereby sticking to clear hose

 

[Bruttall]

The output on your RODI is most likely 1/4 inch hard line. That stuff is really cheap to buy 60ft of, way cheaper than garden hose I'm thinking. It's just Refrigerator Freezer Water Line basically, and 50ft is like $20 on Amazon

 

[GrimReefersDad]

For as long as ive known, they are said to be in time a breeding ground for mold and bacteria within and reason why many water maintenance hoses such as Lee's and Python are clear. I like to see what is in the hose I use thereby sticking to clear hose

Thanks. that makes perfect sense. Have you found any efficient ways to store such a long hose?

 

[EricR]

I've always read that they can leach stuff,,, whatever is in the material to keep the structure but maintain flexibility (but not sure).
Personally, I wouldn't use it long term.
...but we used to drink from hoses all the time without a second thought and I'm still kickin'

 

[GrimReefersDad]

Sure that’s fine

regarding the other poster he mentioned mold. Bacteria is really no worry, as the tank when healthy is loaded with it. Have no idea how mold would impact anything.

 

[GrimReefersDad]

I've always read that they can leach stuff,,, whatever is in the material to keep the structure but maintain flexibility (but not sure).
Personally, I wouldn't use it long term.
...but we used to drink from hoses all the time without a second thought and I'm still kickin'

facts! haha. just let it run until you have cool water! haha, we are all lucky to be alive.

 

[FiX]

For as long as ive known, they are said to be in time a breeding ground for mold and bacteria within and reason why many water maintenance hoses such as Lee's and Python are clear. I like to see what is in the hose I use thereby sticking to clear hose

Kids from my era and earlier drank from the garden hose all summer long, and never got sick. Probably helped that those hoses regularly got baked in the sun, and flushed whenever the lawn and flowers needed watering. I see kids with imported bottled spring water these days... lol what the heck??? Anyway I guess it's safe for aquarium but using the same one from the garden might be as good or better if drained first. The garden hose i use indoors to drain humidifier water accumulates really nasty gray slime I would not want in the aquarium.

 

[EricR]

facts! haha. just let it run until you have cool water! haha, we are all lucky to be alive.

Long term, I'd maybe look into something like this:
*would just shop first for same at potentially better price (per foot) at Lowes / Home Depot / Ace Hardware /etc (maybe)

Braided Vinyl Tubing

If kinking isn't a concern, you can probably get non-braided hose that's still safe cheaper (again, maybe).

 

[Pistondog]

I have about 60 feet between where my RO is generated and stored and where my system is. I'm making water now for my new 340g total system volume tank. Would a dedicated garden hose be suitable for the transfer? easier to store and such. Asking now as I have 100's of gallons of water to transfer this weekend and need to get tubing of some sorts!

Amazon or home depot will have the 1/4" tubing and fittings.

 

[Troylee]

I’ve been using them since day one! I have stainless ends on my hose and zero issues with a full blown sps reef! I use a 100ft “giraffe tools” hose reel.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Kids from my era and earlier drank from the garden hose all summer long, and never got sick. Probably helped that those hoses regularly got baked in the sun, and flushed whenever the lawn and flowers needed watering. I see kids with imported bottled spring water these days... lol what the heck??? Anyway I guess it's safe for aquarium but using the same one from the garden might be as good or better if drained first. The garden hose i use indoors to drain humidifier water accumulates really nasty gray slime I would not want in the aquarium.

Human consumption versus aquarium use- Not worth the risk to be with garden hose made of Petroleums and vinyl and while may be safe for drinking can harbor again, contaminants. Now there is RV garden type hose Safe for drinking water which I would trust

 

[vetteguy53081]

Thanks. that makes perfect sense. Have you found any efficient ways to store such a long hose?

I coil it up and place on a hanging garden hose holder. Mine is 125 feet as I have a water station for maintenance

 

[Troylee]

Human consumption versus aquarium use- Not worth the risk to be with garden hose made of Petroleums and vinyl and while may be safe for drinking can harbor again, contaminants. Now there is RV garden type hose Safe for drinking water which I would trust

Never been a issue.. there’s a lfs that’s been using them for 20 years locally and zero issues…

 

[GrimReefersDad]

Never been a issue.. there’s a lfs that’s been using them for 20 years locally and zero issues…

Thank you. that is good to know.

 

[Troylee]

This is my setup I bought used and I’ve been using it for 3 years myself and not a single issue..

 

[exnisstech]

I use a long python water change hose left over from my freshwater days. I like it because the hose is softer than braided vinyl and even many garden hoses and once trained it's much easier to coil up for storage. I use the same hose to transfer salt water and RODI from the basement to the first floor.
If I were starting over I would probably go with a retractable unit like @Troylee uses. It would have two benefits, easy storage and it isn't clear so I wouldn't have to look at the mold inside like i see in my 10+ yo python

 

[EricR]

I use a long python water change hose left over from my freshwater days. I like it because the hose is softer than braided vinyl and even many garden hoses and once trained it's much easier to coil up for storage. I use the same hose to transfer salt water and RODI from the basement to the first floor.
If I were starting over I would probably go with a retractable unit like @Troylee uses. It would have two benefits, easy storage and it isn't clear do I wouldn't have to look at the mold inside like i see in my 10+ yo python

I love the Python hose,,, but would be too afraid to look at price for one >60' that the OP needs,,, doh!

EDIT -- I see Amazon has full Python systems at 75' for $120 and 100' for $130,,, way less than I expected.
...my bad,,, sorry