Flexible PVC

[fishstix]

I was thinking it would be better to use flexible PVC from my return pumps to the bulkheads in my sump rather than hard plum them with standard PVC. Is that OK, or any reason to avoid doing that? Any benfits?

Thanks

 

[schprock]

Flexible pvc harder to make a good cement connection
On high pressure side will have greater chance of leaks

 

[S.O.MLemos]

I used all hard pvc but if I were to do it again I’d use all flexible pvc so there’s less 90’s and more give but I only have a 55 with 20 sump so my pressure isn’t that of a large tank. Although the cement I use is so strong there is no way you can pull apart a joint, it’s more likely for the piping to split than the weld come apart. I’ve used flexible on water trucks and underground piping so I highly doubt you have to worry about the pressure FYI

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

The flexible pipe isn’t as easy to work with as you might think. I always buy a few feet of it to help with sweeping angles around corners, or giving a little flexibility to line up two pieces that might be off by a fraction of an inch. But it’s not as useful if you need a straight section or tight or specific angles.

 

[S.O.MLemos]

The flexible pipe isn’t as easy to work with as you might think. I always buy a few feet of it to help with sweeping angles around corners, or giving a little flexibility to line up two pieces that might be off by a fraction of an inch. But it’s not as useful if you need a straight section or tight or specific angles.

A good heat gun makes it so much easier. And if you heat it enough and form your bend and run it under could water it will hold its bend FYI

 

[ca1ore]

I've switched completely from hard PVC and vinyl to flex PVC. In my case, I use the ultra flex versions; more than strong enough for the pressures that are run, slightly thinner walls thus better flow, and much easier to run through bends.. It's NOT harder to glue than regular PVC as long as you use a medium bodied solvent. Flex PVC will weld directly into hard PVC fittings, so it's less injurious to flow than vinyl.

 

[doughboy]

I used flexpvc in my previous tank and hard plumb pvc on my current tank. I like the hard plumbed pvc better. flexpvc gets a little unweildy when disconnecting/connecting to the return pump. hard plumbed stays in the same position.

 

[fishstix]

Thanks all for the info. I should have been a bit more clear in what I am doing. I am looking to use it from my pumps (3) into the bulkhead on top of my sump, then hard PVC out of the bulkhead. I have maybe 18 inches from each pump to the bulk head and was thinking it would be a lot easer than trying to use hard PVC

 

[[Cameron]]

I strongly suggest using flexible tubing to pumps, reactors, etc and hard plumbing with secure mounts for everything else. Flexible tubing that does not transmit light is preferred. This allows you to move items around easier and reduces noise.

Most reef keepers reorganize their sumps fairly routinely with new equipment, replacement equipment or simply changing around a layout. Making that "last mile" of plumbing flexible allows for more... flexibility.

 

[DangerDave]

I used a mixture of flex pvc and regular pvc on my current build, it worked out very well. If you go to home depot or lowes, they call it spaflex, which I think is just a name brand.

Dave

 

[fishstix]

Thanks, I think that the way I am going to go inside of my sump to the bulkheads. Just wish someone had it local. I want to get it in black, and not having any luck other than ordering it online.

 

[Neo Jeo]

I’m jumping in on this. I have 1 1/4” flex pvc that will go from my bacement to my tank for fresh saltwater. My pump in the bacmenet is 1 1/4” connector. How can I connect this pump to my pvc pipe and ensure it dose not blow off? That would be cadistrofic in my bacmenet. This pump can push up to 28 feet. What stuff can I use to seal it together.

 

[ca1ore]

Flex PVC welds into regular PVC fittings. Just don't use the DWV fittings on the pressure lines because the gluing/welding 'shoulder' is very shallow.

 

[Big G]

I used regular 1" schedule 80 pvc from the bulkhead return down into the cabinet & above my sump. Then I used soft flexible silicone tubing (from BRS) to connect directly to the return pump. Absolutely zero vibration from the pump and return pipe setup. And it allows me to wiggle the return pump around when needed for cleaning, etc.