plumbing question..

KYREEFMAN · 12/22/2008, 01:36 PM

im gonna be plumbin a 29 gallon.. what is everyones preference? flex tube, or hard pvc???.. if using pvc what do u use to attach it?.. teflon tape?.. thanks

Klaus777 · 12/22/2008, 01:50 PM

I used flex on my freshwater tank and didn't like it. When I turned to salt I re-plumbed with PVC so I could aim the drain where I wanted. Flex tube is coiled and difficult to straighten out. I just used PVC glue to seal it. If you use ball valves, get the true union type. They cost a bit more but when you want to re-plumb for any reason you can re-use them.

Mr. Brooks · 12/22/2008, 01:54 PM

PVC

jon99 · 12/22/2008, 02:12 PM

I have both on the set up I'm working on. I use pvc for the drain and flex tubing for the return to minimize drag from elbows. So far I haven't had any issues with either.

On the pvc you should join with pvc cement everywhere that you can. In areas where you want to use threaded pipe so you can remove equipment for maintenance use "true unions" (as mentioned above. Many use teflon tape on threaded joints, I used 100% silicon and it's been working great. Not a single leak on any of the plumbing.

Here is a short article on plumbing that I found very helpful...

http://wetwebmedia.com/plumbingmarart.htm

Playa-1 · 12/22/2008, 04:49 PM

I also use some of both. They both have pros and cons so that's just one of the many decisions that you have to make for yourself. If connecting treaded PVC fittings then use Teflon tape to help get a good seal around the treads. External slip fitting should be primed and glued. The internal slip fittings can usually just be slipped into place depending on the design of your overflow box and plumbing.

12/22/2008, 01:36 PM	#1
KYREEFMAN Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lexington,KY Posts: 126	plumbing question.. im gonna be plumbin a 29 gallon.. what is everyones preference? flex tube, or hard pvc???.. if using pvc what do u use to attach it?.. teflon tape?.. thanks

12/22/2008, 01:50 PM	#2
Klaus777 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Kitchener, ontario Posts: 244	I used flex on my freshwater tank and didn't like it. When I turned to salt I re-plumbed with PVC so I could aim the drain where I wanted. Flex tube is coiled and difficult to straighten out. I just used PVC glue to seal it. If you use ball valves, get the true union type. They cost a bit more but when you want to re-plumb for any reason you can re-use them.

12/22/2008, 01:54 PM	#3
Mr. Brooks MASVC Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 3,477	PVC

12/22/2008, 02:12 PM	#4
jon99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Atl Ga Posts: 817	I have both on the set up I'm working on. I use pvc for the drain and flex tubing for the return to minimize drag from elbows. So far I haven't had any issues with either. On the pvc you should join with pvc cement everywhere that you can. In areas where you want to use threaded pipe so you can remove equipment for maintenance use "true unions" (as mentioned above. Many use teflon tape on threaded joints, I used 100% silicon and it's been working great. Not a single leak on any of the plumbing. Here is a short article on plumbing that I found very helpful... http://wetwebmedia.com/plumbingmarart.htm

12/22/2008, 04:49 PM	#5
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I also use some of both. They both have pros and cons so that's just one of the many decisions that you have to make for yourself. If connecting treaded PVC fittings then use Teflon tape to help get a good seal around the treads. External slip fitting should be primed and glued. The internal slip fittings can usually just be slipped into place depending on the design of your overflow box and plumbing.