Best flexible hose for return line?

pacificdiver · 12/03/2016, 02:45 PM

I'm moving my sump to the basement, 1 floor below the DT. I'd like to use flexible hose of some kind for both the IN and OUT lines, since hard plumbing it would be a bit awkward and have way too many 90s. Is braided nylon what people tend to use for the OUT line (return to the DT) in this situation? Would vacuum hose be best for IN line (into the sump)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

mcgyvr · 12/03/2016, 03:32 PM

Depends on how flexible you want..
Spaflex works nice but isn't super flexible at all but regular glue/pvc fittings work right on it..
Vinyl tubing would be great too and is more flexible. It will require barb fittings/hose clamps.

laverda · 12/03/2016, 03:36 PM

Ultra flex is way more flexible them spa flex and glued like pvc and fits standard pvc fittings. I highly recommend it. Marine Depot carried it amongst others.

bhbell · 12/03/2016, 04:14 PM

For cost and functionality my choice would be vinyl tubing you buy the length off the roll that you need. Use cable clamps to secure it to the wall where you can to take the weight off the upper barb fitting and stainless hose clamps to secure the vinyl tube to the barb fittings. Pressure is not an issue on either drain or return so really no need for the braided tubing. I like to use split loom wiring covers on the tubing to keep light out and algae growth minimized. I can remove and replace them easily to check for blockage or trying to figure out where an air leak is that's causing micro bubbles in the return or drain noise.

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GQsmooth · 12/04/2016, 04:03 PM

Is black viny hose available? Or do people just spray paint them?

bhbell · 12/04/2016, 05:48 PM

It's harder to find than the clear, but yes it is.

burban94 · 12/04/2016, 09:42 PM

I've used silicone tubing ordered from BRS and ebay. Super flexible with no problems

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Adamc1303 · 12/05/2016, 12:23 AM

+1 on silicone tubing. Super easy to work with and it never loses that stretchy texture which keeps it water tight on hose barbs. Cost more then regular tubing but well worth it IMO. I found it to be cheapest on Amazon.

12/03/2016, 02:45 PM	#1
pacificdiver Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 121	Best flexible hose for return line? I'm moving my sump to the basement, 1 floor below the DT. I'd like to use flexible hose of some kind for both the IN and OUT lines, since hard plumbing it would be a bit awkward and have way too many 90s. Is braided nylon what people tend to use for the OUT line (return to the DT) in this situation? Would vacuum hose be best for IN line (into the sump)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

12/03/2016, 03:32 PM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Depends on how flexible you want.. Spaflex works nice but isn't super flexible at all but regular glue/pvc fittings work right on it.. Vinyl tubing would be great too and is more flexible. It will require barb fittings/hose clamps. __________________ Who me?

12/03/2016, 03:36 PM	#3
laverda Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 6,902	Ultra flex is way more flexible them spa flex and glued like pvc and fits standard pvc fittings. I highly recommend it. Marine Depot carried it amongst others. __________________ 240G mixed reef, 29G SPS/LPS clam tank, 50G mixed reef Current Tank Info: 300g mixed reef, 50g cube

12/05/2016, 12:23 AM	#8
Adamc1303 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 964	+1 on silicone tubing. Super easy to work with and it never loses that stretchy texture which keeps it water tight on hose barbs. Cost more then regular tubing but well worth it IMO. I found it to be cheapest on Amazon. __________________ Metal Halide Connoisseur!

12/03/2016, 04:14 PM	#4
bhbell Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO Posts: 344	For cost and functionality my choice would be vinyl tubing you buy the length off the roll that you need. Use cable clamps to secure it to the wall where you can to take the weight off the upper barb fitting and stainless hose clamps to secure the vinyl tube to the barb fittings. Pressure is not an issue on either drain or return so really no need for the braided tubing. I like to use split loom wiring covers on the tubing to keep light out and algae growth minimized. I can remove and replace them easily to check for blockage or trying to figure out where an air leak is that's causing micro bubbles in the return or drain noise. Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk

12/04/2016, 04:03 PM	#5
GQsmooth Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 153	Is black viny hose available? Or do people just spray paint them?

12/04/2016, 05:48 PM	#6
bhbell Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO Posts: 344	It's harder to find than the clear, but yes it is.

12/04/2016, 09:42 PM	#7
burban94 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 80	I've used silicone tubing ordered from BRS and ebay. Super flexible with no problems Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk