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Advice? Flexible PVC

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by IneptHero7, Jul 12, 2015.

  1. IneptHero7

    11
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    So, I am still doing all my research before starting my build and I had a couple of questions about Flexible PVC and people's experiences with it. I want to go with flexible versus regular Sch40 PVC for a couple of reasons. One being the reduction in number of elbows I'll have to use in my plumbing and another being able to shift the plumbing around as I need to work in the sump; instead of working around rigid plumbing.

    My first question is Flexible PVC has a working PSI of 100@68F versus Sch40 having a 400 PSI. I only plan on turning my aquarium water over about 10 times per hour and using powerheads to achieve most of the water movement in the display. Does an aquarium system even approach levels where I should worry about the PSI differences?

    Second deals with the fact that Flexible PVC is only rated NSF-51 (most all uses expect potable water) where as Sch40 is NSF-61. The various FAQs and Spec sheets I can find attribute this to the fact that when water is allowed to sit in flexible tubing for hours it can acquire a 'plastic taste' but is said to be non-toxic and they even list aquarium use as one of the things that Flexible PVC can be used for. Should I be worried about the different NSF ratings of the two pipes? Has anyone had issues with leeching from Flexible PVC?

    So if anyone has had experience with either of these concerns or thoughts; they would be greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Foo

    Foo Well-Known ReefKeeper

    524
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    I used spa flex in my set-up and have had zero issues with it. Many people have used for years and years with no issues also.
     
  3. DNW

    79
    Jesup, IA
    Ratings:
    +14 / 0 / -0
    Pressure is not issue. Spa flex tubing is a good way to go as it is somewhat rigid, the more flexible the tubing usually means more restance to flow which will drop your gph.
     
  4. Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,818 / 14 / -0
    Agreed, pressure is definitely not an issue. I use 1.5" on a plenum return at 3000 GPH

    I think that's pretty negligible though compared to the effect of a hard 90. On the same plenum return, I used the flex to sweep a corner and that is probably a magnitude of order in resistance difference

    [​IMG]
     
  5. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I use a combination of rigid and flexible PVC. In addition to the benefits already mentioned it also helps reduce pump noise and vibrations through the stand and rest of the plumbing. I use it on both sides of my external return pump.
     
  6. IneptHero7

    11
    Iowa City
    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    Thanks guys. That pretty much answers both my questions.
     
  7. abower Well-Known ReefKeeper

    466
    Ryan, Ia
    Ratings:
    +74 / 1 / -0
    I like the flexibility from tank bulkheads to other fixed equipment. Other than that I would recommend solid pvc for its cost. 10 ft or 1.5" flex pvc is $36 or so. 10' of solid plus a long 90° fitting is around $6.
    What I love about the flex pvc over vinyl is that you can use pvc glue to fix it into standard pvc fittings. Vinyl requires barbed fittings which reduce flow.

    My recommendation is to stick to solid pvc unless flex tubing is needed to allow flexing.
     

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