Help with return hoses.

coryaquarium101 · 03/31/2010, 06:29 PM

I have clear hose for the return line and it always gets dirty pretty fast because the sump light shines on it. What is the best hose to use? I heard black is not good because you can't see inside. Also are there any easier hoses where you don't have to use barbed fittings? They are a ***** to get the hose off.

Shane Hoffman · 03/31/2010, 06:38 PM

Honestly I would do what I do, thats what I do. I use clear 3/4 inch vynal tubing and those barbed fittings. Every year or sometimes at the 7/8 month mark I shut my system down and replace the tubing. I do this at the same time I do a bunch of other yearly items on my list so its not a big deal. Since your replacing the tubing you can just cut it off the barbed fittings. Its way easier to cut the real tight fitting tubing than it is to pull it off.

sdc19982002 · 03/31/2010, 08:45 PM

Use pvc with a union or two.

FrozenSeas · 03/31/2010, 09:06 PM

I use Spa Flex for all my plumbing it is white and no algae has ever grown in it even though I have a light right beside my return line. It also comes in many sizes so it will work for any plumbing need and it is flexible enough to bend around corners or posts.

ohclereef01 · 03/31/2010, 11:19 PM

+1 Spa Flex.

terri_ann · 03/31/2010, 11:39 PM

+2 spaflex

coryaquarium101 · 04/01/2010, 12:50 AM

so where do I get spa flex?

kareem314 · 04/01/2010, 06:52 AM

You can get it at Home Depot or Lowes. I bought mine at Lowes because they sell it by the foot.

sassyfrassy · 04/01/2010, 06:17 PM

I used clear flexible hose b/c it's easy to work with. Stick in boiling water for a few seconds - slips on & off easily. I cut a strip of black plastic garbage bag & taped around hose like a sleeve and it keeps all light out, but I can look at hose & check for algae, etc. whenever I want.

Indymann99 · 04/01/2010, 06:44 PM

+1 on just replace the clear hoses once a year - mine get replaced in May

03/31/2010, 06:29 PM	#1
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	Help with return hoses. I have clear hose for the return line and it always gets dirty pretty fast because the sump light shines on it. What is the best hose to use? I heard black is not good because you can't see inside. Also are there any easier hoses where you don't have to use barbed fittings? They are a ***** to get the hose off.

03/31/2010, 06:38 PM	#2
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	Honestly I would do what I do, thats what I do. I use clear 3/4 inch vynal tubing and those barbed fittings. Every year or sometimes at the 7/8 month mark I shut my system down and replace the tubing. I do this at the same time I do a bunch of other yearly items on my list so its not a big deal. Since your replacing the tubing you can just cut it off the barbed fittings. Its way easier to cut the real tight fitting tubing than it is to pull it off. __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

03/31/2010, 11:39 PM	#6
terri_ann Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Marshalltown, IA Posts: 841	+2 spaflex __________________ Happy Reefing!! :) Current Tank Info: 180g mixed 40B Anemone 5' raceway frag tank

04/01/2010, 06:17 PM	#9
sassyfrassy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Kings Mountain, NC Posts: 912	I used clear flexible hose b/c it's easy to work with. Stick in boiling water for a few seconds - slips on & off easily. I cut a strip of black plastic garbage bag & taped around hose like a sleeve and it keeps all light out, but I can look at hose & check for algae, etc. whenever I want. __________________ Faith, hope, and love abide; but the greatest of these is love. Current Tank Info: 40g breeder DT LR & Macro Algae - 2" sand, 6 T5s & 2 fans in hood; 30gL sump/fuge w/MSX 200 skimmer & other equip.; (mangroves in DT - roots are great look)

04/01/2010, 06:44 PM	#10
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	+1 on just replace the clear hoses once a year - mine get replaced in May __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

03/31/2010, 08:45 PM	#3
sdc19982002 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Wills Point,Texas Posts: 925	Use pvc with a union or two.

03/31/2010, 09:06 PM	#4
FrozenSeas Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 58	I use Spa Flex for all my plumbing it is white and no algae has ever grown in it even though I have a light right beside my return line. It also comes in many sizes so it will work for any plumbing need and it is flexible enough to bend around corners or posts.

03/31/2010, 11:19 PM	#5
ohclereef01 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 126	+1 Spa Flex.

04/01/2010, 12:50 AM	#7
coryaquarium101 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bozeman, Montana Posts: 237	so where do I get spa flex?

04/01/2010, 06:52 AM	#8
kareem314 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Downtown Denver Posts: 56	You can get it at Home Depot or Lowes. I bought mine at Lowes because they sell it by the foot.