Is garden hose safe to use for water changes?

[thacarter546]

I have what started life as an aqueon water changer. If your looking at getting one save yourself the time and effort and buy a python. First the pump broke twice. With the use of a couple fittings it now uses a python pump. Then the ball valve on the siphon end burst a leak. I've used it this way for over a year. I had a few eheim quick disconnects and U pipes laying around so fixed that. Now the 1/2" hose has some significant kinks in it. I want to replace it with something a little more kink resistant. I need 50 feet. I'd rather fix my contraption than buy a python for two reasons. 1 it fits my needs better now that it's modified heavily 2 fixing its cheaper

I know rv water supply hose is safe. I have to use a 6 foot section to attach the water changer to the shower (the only water supply closer than 125 feet).

Can I use a light duty garden hose or should I buy a 50 foot rv hose?

While we're at it would any type of garden hose be safe as filter returns long term? I'd like something more uv resistant on the supply side of my sterilizer.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I've used garden hoses for water changes with no problems but never as a return line from filter. I personally use HDPE tubing and its pretty cheap too

 

[tlindsey]

Used a water hose last weekend with no problems.

 

[ECW]

It's what I use.

 

[ECW]

For water changes that is. As a return line? I'm not too sure. I wouldn't worry much though. But I agree with wailua boy. The hardware store should have what you need as far as tubing.

 

[duanes]

In order to keep garden hoses supple, a chemical agent is sometimes added by the manufacturer. This chemical can sometimes leach into to water. So as a means to dump old water, it is fine. But if used over time, those chemicals can cause a problem if used on the water to your tank. Once or twice may not cause a problem, but regular use may be dangerous to your fish

 

[robham777]

In order to keep garden hoses supple, a chemical agent is sometimes added by the manufacturer. This chemical can sometimes leach into to water. So as a means to dump old water, it is fine. But if used over time, those chemicals can cause a problem if used on the water to your tank. Once or twice may not cause a problem, but regular use may be dangerous to your fish

That is good info duanes, I have been using a garden hose to fill my garage tanks for some time and never considered any safety concerns. I am planning on running a dedicated water line to a mop sink out there just for tank use but in the meantime I will discontinue use of the garden hose. Thanks to the op for bringing up the topic.

 

[thacarter546]

So better safe than sorry I will buy 50 foot of drinking water supply line.

As for the return hose I am using clear hose from the hardware store and replacing it every couple months. Any more uv resistant options? On the plus side I have 6 inches of super clean clear tubing at the sterilizer

 

[thacarter546]

My hose was too kinked to do my weekly wc so a trip to Walmart later I came out with a camco rv potable water supply hose. Lead free drinking water safe.

 

[paulW]

I am not going to argue with "better safe than sorry", but I have some tanks in my fish room that I fill up with a pocket hose (works great because it collapses and is easy to store)..
In fact, I just did a 90% water change of a 55 gallon a week ago. The fish are fine.
In the past, I have used a regular hose to fill up my 300 gallon, put the fish in a day later.
Everything was fine.

I would not worry about using a regular hose to carry water out of the tank.