hard plumbing vs soft plumbing

[the_deeb]

Which do you prefer for overflows and returns?

It seems to me that rigid PVC plumbing looks a little cleaner but seems to be much more of a pain in terms of getting everything cut and positioned just right. Flexible PVC or clear vinyl tubing seems to be more convenient and probably restricts water flow less.

Thoughts?

 

[Toby_H]

For me...

Clear Tubing:
Pro - allows gentle bends which offer less restriction, allows for easier 'cut to fit' with less measuring...
Con - must be 'glued' when used in conjuntion with PVC fittings -or- has a limited variety of slip on fittings

PCV:
Pro - accepts more bumps without resulting in leakage, makes for more organized plumbing and has an almost unlimited variety of parts & fittings available
Con - Must be cut to fit and recut when mismeasured

 

[TheFishWrestler]

I will never set-up a tank that is not clear vinyl tubing again. It is extremely easy to set-up and move. All you need is hose clamps.

 

[zennzzo]

I have done both, and there is nothing that will make me go hard line EVER again...

You need to have flexibility when you service the plumbing, and even with the extra costs of "unions" it is a ROYAL pain in the ass...

The places that the plumbing is run, is small and confined, not very conducive to turning on hard plumbing...

Soft plastics are the way to go, cost, convenience, durability, less friction loss, easier to service, and QUIETER as well...

SOFT vinyl hose and hose barbs FTW...

 

[dookie]

whenever possible, I prefer pvc over flex.

 

[Dylz]

cpvc all day bro

 

[zennzzo]

cpvc all day bro

Why hot water Plastic pipe?

 

[Bazinga]

never did pvc return alway soft

 

[Hasi]

I have done both, and there is nothing that will make me go hard line EVER again...

You need to have flexibility when you service the plumbing, and even with the extra costs of "unions" it is a ROYAL pain in the ass...

The places that the plumbing is run, is small and confined, not very conducive to turning on hard plumbing...

Soft plastics are the way to go, cost, convenience, durability, less friction loss, easier to service, and QUIETER as well...

SOFT vinyl hose and hose barbs FTW...

Very well said.

I will never go hard plumbing again as

a) once it is setup - that's it. no room for movement
b) vibration noises
c) confined space and hard to work around
d) if you ever have to move, and believe me this happens unexpectedly, you most likely will have to renovate

 

[cockroach]

i always try to mine with pvc.

Pvc because:
- looks cleaner
- with proper preparation is reliable
- small bumps and knocks don't cause leaks
- IMO it works better for complicated set ups
- when assembled with thought, can be made into easily detachable and movable sections

If you plan your tank with thoughts paid to future plans and or circumstances that can arise, it is a better option in my opinion.

I don't like soft tubing because:
- I don't like extra length on pipes I don't need
- after time the hoses harden and then become awkward to move and invariably in my in my experience are better or nicer to replace.
- you can see the bio film build up causing pipes to look dirty.

If done properly and rigid plumbing system is a much safer, reliable choice for bigger tanks and systems.