Wrapping Clear Tubing

Zbreefer · 07/02/2014, 09:27 PM

I have some growth in my clear tubing, and understand its recommended to wrap it to prevent light from entering. Any ideas on what to wrap with? I'd like to be able to remove whatever I use and inspect from time to time.

Thanks, ZB

billdogg · 07/03/2014, 05:10 AM

If the biofilm in your vinyl tubing is that bad, take it apart and clean it, or just replace it. You can get black tubing at HD/Lowes, or online at www.savko.com or www.usplastics.com

Shaummy · 07/03/2014, 06:53 AM

When I used clear tubing, I took black electrical tape and wrapped it in the areas where light could penetrate.

On my new setup I used black vinyl tubing.

thegrun · 07/03/2014, 08:11 AM

If you don't want to clean the clear tubing on occasion I would replace it with black tubing. Even the black will need occasional cleaning, but you will not fight the algae growth.

Donkeykong · 07/03/2014, 09:06 AM

I would think anything safe to wrap the tubing would not stay very well or look good. I would just order black tubing and replace it.

Redman88 · 07/03/2014, 03:01 PM

pipe insulation

http://www.lowes.com/pd_24433-1410-P...ion&facetInfo=

Zbreefer · 07/04/2014, 08:50 AM

Thanks everyone.

mattmann88 · 07/04/2014, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redman88

pipe insulation

http://www.lowes.com/pd_24433-1410-P...ion&facetInfo=

Good idea, easy to remove

Redman88 · 07/04/2014, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattmann88

Good idea, easy to remove

yep just leave the tape covered and use zip ties

AZBigJohn · 07/04/2014, 12:24 PM

Just to play devil's advocate here, but when I used flexible tubing, I always preferred to use clear, and leave it clear so that when (not if, but when) I developed the build up, I could where it was, and how bad it was so I could either clean it or replace it before it became an issue.

I get the argument for blocking light to prevent algae growth, but you still run the risk of sponge and/or other growth not light limited...

Redman88 · 07/04/2014, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZBigJohn

Just to play devil's advocate here, but when I used flexible tubing, I always preferred to use clear, and leave it clear so that when (not if, but when) I developed the build up, I could where it was, and how bad it was so I could either clean it or replace it before it became an issue.

I get the argument for blocking light to prevent algae growth, but you still run the risk of sponge and/or other growth not light limited...

that's why my suggestion is so good

07/02/2014, 09:27 PM	#1
Zbreefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 228	Wrapping Clear Tubing I have some growth in my clear tubing, and understand its recommended to wrap it to prevent light from entering. Any ideas on what to wrap with? I'd like to be able to remove whatever I use and inspect from time to time. Thanks, ZB

07/03/2014, 05:10 AM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	If the biofilm in your vinyl tubing is that bad, take it apart and clean it, or just replace it. You can get black tubing at HD/Lowes, or online at www.savko.com or www.usplastics.com __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

07/03/2014, 06:53 AM	#3
Shaummy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Chicago burbs Posts: 857	When I used clear tubing, I took black electrical tape and wrapped it in the areas where light could penetrate. On my new setup I used black vinyl tubing. __________________ Shaummy Current Tank Info: Current Tank Info: 90g mixed reef, hermits, snails,Lyretail Anthias,Orange back Fairy Wrasse,Blue Reef Chromis,small blue tang, Flame Hawk, Royal Gramma

07/03/2014, 03:01 PM	#6
Redman88 Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Artesia, NM Posts: 649	pipe insulation http://www.lowes.com/pd_24433-1410-P...ion&facetInfo= __________________ -Robert- 01101000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111 00100000 01110111 01101111 01110010 01101100 01100100

07/04/2014, 12:24 PM	#10
AZBigJohn Usually confused... Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,091	Just to play devil's advocate here, but when I used flexible tubing, I always preferred to use clear, and leave it clear so that when (not if, but when) I developed the build up, I could where it was, and how bad it was so I could either clean it or replace it before it became an issue. I get the argument for blocking light to prevent algae growth, but you still run the risk of sponge and/or other growth not light limited... __________________ John Current Tank Info: Currently a 29 gallon all-in-one frag tank and a 210 gallon tank slowly becoming my dream system!

07/03/2014, 08:11 AM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you don't want to clean the clear tubing on occasion I would replace it with black tubing. Even the black will need occasional cleaning, but you will not fight the algae growth.

07/03/2014, 09:06 AM	#5
Donkeykong Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Grover Beach CA Posts: 1,847	I would think anything safe to wrap the tubing would not stay very well or look good. I would just order black tubing and replace it.

07/04/2014, 08:50 AM	#7
Zbreefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 228	Thanks everyone.