Flexible tubing vs PVC

[Solman]

What are the advantages/disadvatages of using flexible tubing vs PVC for plumbing an aquarium to and from a sump

 

[naturebatslast]

Flex lets you have little or no use of 90 deg elbows, which robs flow of your pump.

 

[stevenp]

Flex cuts down on vibration and is quieter.

Steve

 

[Solman]

Thanks, I think I will go with the Flexible Tubing

Charlie

 

[Greg Hiller]

Keep in mind that you can purchase flexible PVC, it's called Spaflex. It can be glued just like PVC (supposed to use a special glue, but you really don't need to), and you can use PVC fittings wherever you like with it. Spaflex is not cheap, but it is of much higher quality than flexible vinyl tubing.

Also, FWIW, if you use flexible tubing instead of rigid PVC, when you make a 90 degree bend you can make the bend in a larger arc, and loose a lot less flow to friction losses.

 

[naturebatslast]

Also remember to use braided flex for return, non braided is OK for drain line.