Return Plumbing - Hard line?

[kramer9]

Question about the return plumbing from the sump to the tank.

I have seen both vinyl tubing and hard line. Which is better?


Stats:
Tank: 70 gallon glass
Sump/fuge: 30 Gallon with Mag 12 Return
Chiller: none
Lighting: Sunpod Pro Series Light - 2 x 250W - 48 in (https://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/pro...40/product.web)
Skimmer: EV-120 skimmer (http://proteinskimmer.com/Product Pages/EV120.htm) - Mag 7 driver pump
Overflow: Continuous Siphon Overflow- CS102 - Two 1 in. bulkheads - 1200 gph
Flow: SCWD closed loop with a Mag 5 (http://www.melevsreef.com/closedloop.html)


Liverock: guessing 105 pounds
Argonite: guess 130 pounds (Deep sand bed wanted (tank is 48x18 with a 4 inch DSB desired)
Calcium adder: Reef Complete (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/198643/product.web)

 

[tdgates10]

I used a mixture of both so I had less 90 degree bends. Flex is kind of a pain to work with in short sections...doesn't like to be strait. Either one works fine, just depends on your needs.

 

[Krish]

I like to use flex pvc when I can. You get to make gradual bends with it without the need of 45's and 90's that can cause some restrictions on flow. In addition, it gives you some versatily when plumbing into pumps etc. With hard pvc you have to be exact or plumbing won't line up with pumps, bulkheads etc. With flex you don't have to worry about it as much. Both are great IMO and as suggested and all depends on what your needs are.

 

[kgross]

I like to use hard line myself. less expensive and creates less friction loss if done correctly. Rather than worring about the number of 45s or 90s, just upsize the plumbing. If you think you need 1 inch pipe, use 1.25, then if you add a few extra elbows you still have less friction loss than 1 inch with spaflex.

Now using a small amount of flex pvc before and after pumps is a great idea it helps make up for mistakes and isolates the vibrations so there is less noise.


Kim

 

[Maxx]

I agree with Kim, but have seen some good jobs done without pvc. I like pvc because its more durable, plumbing of anysort is not something you want to fail or come apart. I definately reccomend oversizing your plumbing. If your adding unions or ball valves, keep in mind they have internal restrictions of about 1/4 inch that can cause back pressure. So if you have 1 inch bulkheads, use 1.25 inch (1 1/4 inch) plumbing, and use 1.5 inch unions and ballvalves which are 1.25 inch diameter internally.

Thars what I did with my 120.

Nick