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Return line for herbie question (1 Viewer)

mrbeachbum2

mrbeachbum2

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What other ways should I go about securing the return line for the herbie method? I had an aqua remora skimmer that disconnected once so I'm semi paranoid about this. Maybe a metal clamp for the in take return. Anything else to make sure that this does not come off? The hose is 1" so it'll have some weight to it. I'll me pushed up as far as possible (the photo doesn't show that).

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Definitely put some clamps on it - both ends. I use the stainless steel ones they sell by the sprinkler stuff. They've never given me any trouble.
 
The also make a plastic style hose clamp you can get at True Value. The ratchet down and hold pretty well.
 
Thanks for the responses. BRS must have only had 1 1" clamp left in stock.

I went to Home Depot and got 4 stainless steel clamps.


Does anyone think i should do PVC instead of the flex tubing? I'm returning that 1" inch tube and am going to buy the no kink stuff.

So now it's plastic tubing vs. PVC.
 
I personally like PVC better, as the vinyl tubing gets hard/brittle over time. PVC you can have more faith in that it will hold up to moderate abuse.
 
Spa flex must be pretty spendy?

Bulk reef supply sells Braided Nylon Flexible Tube. I wonder if that'd be sufficient or if I should just PVC plumb the return.
 
menards carries a nylon reinforced tubing as well. Probably very close to what bulkreef sells.

I can get the little plastic clamps, should probably keep a hand full of various sizes in stock. (adding those to the list)

You can't beat glued PCV pipe though. clear hose can/will grow algae if there is a light source.
 
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Merkurfan said:
menards carries a nylon reinforced tubing as well. Probably very close to what bulkreef sells.

I can get the little plastic clamps, should probably keep a hand full of various sizes in stock. (adding those to the list)

You can't beat glued PCV pipe though. clear hose can/will grow algae if there is a light source.
Click to expand...

So putting that stainless steel clamp over the ehiems return would be a bad idea? Would the PVC return be louder? I almost think it'd a little more time intensive but have less worries down the road. Plus it'd probably be cheaper.
 
the stainless clamp will work fine, but the screws in them tend to rust. noise should not be an issue with pipe. The only thing (and hypertech can answer this) I can think of that might be an issue is I think the eheims use metric pipe thread.
 
FWIW - my entire plumbing is all sched 80. Thought about flex but with the break down sooner or later and also the uncertainty of clamps......went all PVC.

Also used sched 80 for 99% of it as I am paranoid. MOA is replacing all of thier sched 40 plumbing now with sched 80 as the 40 they put in to begin with - is now failing (cracking etc)......just an example. You wont have millions of gallons running through your plumbing....

My thought was, why not spend the extra few $$ for something that is rated for 80 degree water rather than 40 degree water? JMO

Have not had an issue yet. Most at least have a lil bit of flex on thier return pump to get it out for cleaning, we just put in a split so that all I have to do is loosen 1 connector on the line and I can still pull the pump out with no issues

I also know alot use the flex by the pump to cut down on noise, but mine has always been very quiet - never needed to switch it out

Pic of what I am describing:

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Vid:
 
I used hard pipe for almost the entire run, with the exception of a piece of tubing about 10" long between the return pump and the hard pipe so the pmump could be easily removed for cleaning and to help cut down vibration/noise from the system.
 
Merkurfan said:
the stainless clamp will work fine, but the screws in them tend to rust. noise should not be an issue with pipe. The only thing (and hypertech can answer this) I can think of that might be an issue is I think the eheims use metric pipe thread.
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Yes, they are some kind of metric which is why the screw clamps are nicer - you can make 3/4" ID it nice and tight.

Vinyl tube will not break down and screw clamps will not come loose. Noise in the pipe is real and if you don't notice it, well, something else in your system is making too much noise ;)

I have about 2' of vinyl tube on my system now but I'll be changing it out to silicone tubing for even more noise and vibration insulation once I get my hands on some. The silicone is more pliable and makes a better sean with the plastic ratcheting type clamps. I will probably use those on silicone tube.

Merkur, you are right that either the screw is not stainless or its a lower grade, but I have not found that to be an issue on my tanks. I've never had one fail. If you are worried about it go to West Marine for your clamps. They sell ones that are stainless including the screws.
 
acharpenter said:
My thought was, why not spend the extra few $$ for something that is rated for 80 degree water rather than 40 degree water? JMO
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Angie, PVC is rated for 140 degrees. At 80 degrees, it is "derated" something like 10% over its nominal rating. For 1" PVC (http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pvc-cpvc-pipes-pressures-d_796.html), thats 270 PSI. Your fish tank drain is not going to create anything near that pressure.

So, why do it? How about this - sched 80 as a LOWER capacity due to the thicker walls. So, in fact, sched 80 is worse for fish tanks that 40. There is no plausible argument for using sched 80 on fish tanks other than "grey looks cooler."
 
How do you bond the flex tubing to the PVC? Also do you use anything to support the return PVC to the back of the Tank/stand? Now I'm confused of what to do.
 
On the return if I decide to go with PVC does on put any ball valves in the mix or a t to return some water to the sump?
 
mrbeachbum2 said:
How do you bond the flex tubing to the PVC? Also do you use anything to support the return PVC to the back of the Tank/stand? Now I'm confused of what to do.
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You get a barb fitting and use a clamp.
 
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