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PVC vs Tubing
- Thread starter mantis32
- Start date
To me, PVC is a much more dependable method of plumbing. Solvent welded fittings are much more reliable then barbed fittings and hose clamps. Plus, the barb fittings significantly reduce the flow. Clear tubing will also build up algae. I've never considered bacteria though.
There is also flexible PVC pipe, sometimes called Spa tubing. It is cut and glued just like normal PVC pipe, but it will bend. It's not as flexible as clear hose, but it will not kink. Also, since it's not a completely smooth surface, a lot of glue should be used with it. It also will have more resistance to flow compared to normal pipe, so where possible, use normal pipe and fittings.
Also, PVC should be be glued together by using the primer and then cement. Usually the primer is they ugly purple that show up everywhere. It's that color so a building inspector can tell it's been used in home construction. However, clear PVC primer is also available. Using it will give you a much nicer looking plumbing job, with no purple runs all over the pipe and fittings.
Also, PVC should be be glued together by using the primer and then cement. Usually the primer is they ugly purple that show up everywhere. It's that color so a building inspector can tell it's been used in home construction. However, clear PVC primer is also available. Using it will give you a much nicer looking plumbing job, with no purple runs all over the pipe and fittings.
Didn't know about the primer and then the cement. Back to lowes for some primer. Clear PVC would be great, if they have it, I'll get it, but won't go with anything to restrict flow.
Already having enough fun as it is trying to keep the makeshift sump at a steady water level. I blame the kinks and different size tubing.
Already having enough fun as it is trying to keep the makeshift sump at a steady water level. I blame the kinks and different size tubing.
Clear PVC pipe is available, see this off site like - http://www.savko.com/partlist.asp?pgid=4
However, I do not recommend using it, except for things like skimmers where you need to see what is going on inside them. Clear pipe is wonderful for growing algae, and it will be one more thing to clean and clog up. It also costs a bundle compared to normal PVC pipe and fittings.
BTW, you may find that some of the more unusual fittings will need to get ordered on the net. You often can't find things like bulkhead fittings, unions, true union valves, etc at your local Lowes or Home Depot.
However, I do not recommend using it, except for things like skimmers where you need to see what is going on inside them. Clear pipe is wonderful for growing algae, and it will be one more thing to clean and clog up. It also costs a bundle compared to normal PVC pipe and fittings.
BTW, you may find that some of the more unusual fittings will need to get ordered on the net. You often can't find things like bulkhead fittings, unions, true union valves, etc at your local Lowes or Home Depot.
If you can't find a specific fitting, the best thing to do is a search on the net for it. Prices can vary quite a lot. Look at 4 or 5 places and you get an idea of what the part goes for. Then select based on price. It may help to do a check on the vendor at "that big reef site" or at, offsite link, http://www.resellerratings.com/ if you don't know about them.
