We are working on accumulating the parts to plumb our new (used) 70 to the basement. We bought a bunch of tubing from mcmaster carr here McMaster Carr. We were planning to use barbed/insert fittings and hose clamps to make connections. But then I ready Flighty's thread about cement for spa flex? Is that tubing I linked Spa Flex? Whatever the answer, are we going to be OK with barbed/insert fittings and hose clamps. Or is this stuff too stiff for hose clamps to work? Flighty's thread got me worried.
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glue vs insert fittings and hose clamps
- Thread starter scubaD
- Start date
NateHanson
Non-member
The stuff you linked is for use with hose barbs and clamps. Spaflex (flexible PVC) is the same dimensions as rigid PVC pipe, and is glued into standard PVC fittings with PVC cement.
Some people prefer spaflex because it doesn't have narrow spots that can restrict flow and catch clogging items at the hose barb fittings. But on the other hand spaflex is expensive.
Try to minimize the amount of light your clear hose is exposed to, as that can sometimes foster growth of filmy gunk on the inside of the hose.
Nate
Some people prefer spaflex because it doesn't have narrow spots that can restrict flow and catch clogging items at the hose barb fittings. But on the other hand spaflex is expensive.
Try to minimize the amount of light your clear hose is exposed to, as that can sometimes foster growth of filmy gunk on the inside of the hose.
Nate
Thanks Nate, I didn't really think about that, but I should have. Where there is light, there is algae. Most of the tubing will be in the basement in the dark most of the time. The tubing in the living space, could we maybe cover it with painters masking tape or something, or electrical tape, or some kind of tape to block the light. The one thing about clear though is I can see if something is backed up in there right? I have since found online what spaflex is. Not too much more than we paid when you consider all the fittings and clamps etc. Trying to do it right the first time, but don't really want to throw away what we already bought.
NateHanson
Non-member
Yes, wrapping the tubing with tape will work. I've seen others do that.
The clear tubing will allow you to see a blockage in the tubing, but I'm guessing you'll know it's there without having to go looking.
The gallons of water on the floor will probably be a good clue.
I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about hose barb fittings because a snail got into my overflow once, and created a massive flood in my living room, and killed my corals. If I had properly screened my durso intake, then it wouldn't have gotten in there in the first place. But if it had been spaflex it would have zipped right down through to the sump without hanging up in the constriction at the hose-barb fitting.
So take that for what it's worth, and SCREEN YOUR DRAIN INTAKES!!
The clear tubing will allow you to see a blockage in the tubing, but I'm guessing you'll know it's there without having to go looking.
The gallons of water on the floor will probably be a good clue. I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about hose barb fittings because a snail got into my overflow once, and created a massive flood in my living room, and killed my corals. If I had properly screened my durso intake, then it wouldn't have gotten in there in the first place. But if it had been spaflex it would have zipped right down through to the sump without hanging up in the constriction at the hose-barb fitting.
So take that for what it's worth, and SCREEN YOUR DRAIN INTAKES!!
Sort of had that happen already. A snail got in our closed chiller loop, the flow was greatly reduced at the outlet and the chiller stopped working very well. Couldn't see any blockage. Had to take the whole thing apart to determine what had happened. Flowing like a champ now, with a screen on the intake.
I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder about hose barb fittings because a snail got into my overflow once, and created a massive flood in my living room, and killed my corals. If I had properly screened my durso intake, then it wouldn't have gotten in there in the first place. But if it had been spaflex it would have zipped right down through to the sump without hanging up in the constriction at the hose-barb fitting.
So take that for what it's worth, and SCREEN YOUR DRAIN INTAKES!!
Wow, that just totally rationalized my spaflex purchase. Thanks Nate!
NateHanson
Non-member
Hey, if my personal tragedy makes you feel better about yourself, then good for you. 
I should add to my comment about screening intakes, it's equally important that you screen your drain intakes with something really big, not a small, fine-mesh screen. For mine I took a foot of 1" PVC pipe, and ran it over the tablesaw with the blade up about 1/2", spaced about every 1/2", then turned the pipe over, and did the same down the other side of the pipe, alternating the cuts on each side. What's left is a big strainer with tons of surface area, so low suction that won't pull stuff against it. Also the slots are big enough that detritus will go down to the sump/skimmer, rather than create a mess on the screen and slowly clog it while rotting into nitrates.
I should add to my comment about screening intakes, it's equally important that you screen your drain intakes with something really big, not a small, fine-mesh screen. For mine I took a foot of 1" PVC pipe, and ran it over the tablesaw with the blade up about 1/2", spaced about every 1/2", then turned the pipe over, and did the same down the other side of the pipe, alternating the cuts on each side. What's left is a big strainer with tons of surface area, so low suction that won't pull stuff against it. Also the slots are big enough that detritus will go down to the sump/skimmer, rather than create a mess on the screen and slowly clog it while rotting into nitrates.
