Hard Plumbing Canister Filters... why?

[Stu :)]

Hiya all,
I'm in the process of setting up my new planted African tank (polys/bichirs, ctenopomas, pantodons, etc). I've been looking at other peoples tanks on the internet I've seen a quite a few build logs where new tanks setups are hard plumbed with PVC pipe; this includes both sump and canister filter setups.
I understand why sumps setups are hard plumbed, but hard plumbing canister filters? Can anyone explain the rhyme and reason for this? And what are the pros and cons of hard plumbing (rigid PVC pipe) over soft plumbing (that flexible hose that comes in the box with the filter).

Kit for this setup is two canister filters, two reactors, pond UV unit and an auto doser array.

Many thanks,
Stu

 

[barrarealm]

I do this for my canisters to make the inside of my cabinet neater. I also have a T piece with a tap in my plumbing for easy water changes.

 

[JL]

I hard plumbed a pick up that ran across the bottom to pick up poo. Works well but pvc grows algae well so I just aim a powerhead to the standard canister pick up.

 

[KaiserSousay]

I didn`t like the factory intake, return.
I found with custom made parts, my tank was cleaner.
I could service the filters without repositioning the intake/return every time.
I enjoy mucking about with my equipment.
I liked the cleaner look on the back of the tank, as well.

 

[bitteraspects]

hard lining your plumbing offers a much more rigid and stable set up, especially if you have monster glassbangers in your tank that like to rearrange their homes.
it also allows you to customize the placement to your liking, where the stock piping offers limited placement.

 

[Leptar]

hard lining your plumbing offers a much more rigid and stable set up, especially if you have monster glassbangers in your tank that like to rearrange their homes.
it also allows you to customize the placement to your liking, where the stock piping offers limited placement.

X2

customize for convenience...

 

[RegalAngel]

I plumbed my entire setup using Flexible PVC...best of both worlds.
Ease of movement of connected items, and use of PVC fittings.

 

[hydrophyte]

The flexible vinyl hose that comes with most kinds of canisters can easily kink and stop flow.

 

[Egon]

I think the hard line flows better, that is, with less drag than the flex line.
It's cheap.
I personally have less leaks, no kinking, no algae growth with the hard PVC.
I like the look and the stability.
It mostly comes down to personal preference, both systems will work.

 

[cchhcc]

Actually, in most applications flex flows better due to no restrictions from fittings or unions. If you use braided flex it won't kink either.

I still prefer hard plumbed, though, as it is easy to fit unions and valves for easier servicing.