Hose reel

KiddoReefer · Jul 27, 2024

I'm trying to find a hose reel that will not rust to pump new saltwater into my tank and just be able to pull it out and have it retract when I'm done does anyone know one that would be safe

MnFish1 · Jul 27, 2024

KiddoReefer said:
I'm trying to find a hose reel that will not rust to pump new saltwater into my tank and just be able to pull it out and have it retract when I'm done does anyone know one that would be safe

there are very few hoses like this with PVC or other materials to connect. They are available - at many hardware stores

Inkmouse · Jan 3, 2025

Just wondering if you or anyone else ending up finding a retractable hose reel that is useable for salt water?

I've seen BRS with a setup using one of these years back and also found this youtube demonstrating one.
Youtube Eatsleepreef Hose Reel

Unfortunately the one he demonstrates on how to take apart and retro fit with python hose no longer seems to be sold.

It would be nice to know if anyone has found any other hose reels that are still being manufactured with pvc internals and replaceable hose such as the one they demonstrate in the video.

KiddoReefer · Jan 5, 2025

Inkmouse said:
Just wondering if you or anyone else ending up finding a retractable hose reel that is useable for salt water?

I've seen BRS with a setup using one of these years back and also found this youtube demonstrating one.
Youtube Eatsleepreef Hose Reel

Unfortunately the one he demonstrates on how to take apart and retro fit with python hose no longer seems to be sold.

It would be nice to know if anyone has found any other hose reels that are still being manufactured with pvc internals and replaceable hose such as the one they demonstrate in the video.

I ended up just using a hose and wrapping it up was a a lot easier but would like to have a retractable hose reel but all the ones I found had metal that would rust out over time. So just did a hose so it safe for my tank

Dr. D · Jan 8, 2025

I’m also interested in this. Surely someone must have rigged up a hose reel (or pneumatic hose reel) like this? My RO/DI and salt water supply are 90’ from my tank, and I’d like to make water changes as painless as possible since I need to snake the tubing through my house once a week.

Webbed Feet · Mar 20, 2025

Even BRS years ago had to purchase retractable hose reels and retrofit them with an appropriate hose replacement. VERY noted the BRS video that brings this up that NOTHING was said about the internal fittings of the hose reel. Today, I think you have a crap shoot of ordering amazon reels, taking them apart to analyze (if just visually you cannot confirm they are a no go immediately) and then send back the rejects. A few say they have no go copper fittings. might be a bet that one that does not mention the fittings that they are plastic. None of them discuss if replacing the hose, that ALL auto-retracting reels come with, is user replaceable.

MnFish1 · Mar 22, 2025

There are hose reels out there that have aluminum fittings - which I don't think would cause a problem. There are also (were) some made by Suncast that are only nonmetallic

TankAndTurbines · May 20, 2026

Looking to add a hose reel as well. What do you think of this one from Amazon? https://a.co/d/0aAk9TJx
Polypropylene good?

oakcityreefer · May 20, 2026

Not sure of the brand I have, got it off Amazon, but I removed the hose that came with it and replaced it with an RV drinking water hose. Its got stainless steel connectors and the hose is BPA/chemical free. I pump my RODI and Saltwater using the same hose. So I make sure to flush with RODI water after each use.

UncommonSense · May 20, 2026

It’s worth chiming in to mention that factory metal ends can be cut off a hose and replaced with plastic hose repair ends!

However, the materials used in hose construction do matter; some leech undesirable things into the water passing through them…

MnFish1 · May 21, 2026

I have used standard hoses for transferring water for a long time - I do not believe that a quick run through a hose is likely to cause problems - especially if there is other filtration. If you need a long 'hose' - get a python - and a 50 foot 'hose' - with plastic connectors.