Polyethelene Tubing

[jwilson]

I was thinking of using high density flexible polyethylene tubing for plumbing (like what is used in the law sprinkler/irrigation industry) instead of doing rigid pvc. It's easy to install and unlike flex pvc it is smooth like rigid so it will have a lot lower pressure drop than either one. It's also good to 100 psi and 350F so.....

does anyone know of a reason I shouldn't use it?

[jwilson]

I just found the design guide on polypipe.com and on the front page is "Marine Use" so it's definately safe. Which begs the question - why isn't this used more often?

[DaveK]

I can think of a couple of good reasons.

First, it's going to be a lot more expensive. Remember, you can pick up PVC pipe and fittings at your local Home Depot or similar store.

Second, it doesn't have the same general availability. See above.

Now the real question is what do you hope to gain by using it in your reef system? In other words is it going to be cost effective?

I'd go with PVC, even with the it's few minor faults.

[jwilson]

It's not [edit] "that" expensive - about $50 for 100 feet. What I was hoping to accomplish was ease of installation and far fewer joints / possible leak points and ultimately lower pressure drop resulting in a less expensive pump. This is probably only worth it for special cases like mine where I'm designing a system with the sump in the basement and there is about 23 feet of pipe and 5 elbows that would be required. With the HDPE I can get away with a much less restrictive flow with long gentle bends and only have a few connections.

[olsaltybastard]

I use two pieces of spa-flex and it's smooth on the inside though it has ridges on the outside. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.

[jwilson]

Oh - thanks - I thought the spa flex was ridged on the inside too. Good to know. Thanks OSB