Spa tech or Flex tech tubing

[Quinster]

Anyone use either of these lines of tubing for their send/return lines to their sump?
The actual name on the hose is
ARROW HOSE & TUBING INC. ARROW-FLO Hg TYPE 9P ID POOL & SPA HOSE
I thought it would give less restrictions due to the fact you could greatly reduce the need for elbows over the use of rigid pipe.

Any Opinions?
Quinn

I use alot of it, for returns too

[Quinster]

UnderWorldAquatics
Did you notice any results, good or bad with the flow?

it can increase flow dramatically!

a 5 elbow pipe run compared to a flex pvc or sweep elbow pipe run can yeild a 30% flow increase, and a 20% or so savings in electricity

[Corey]

what does tubing like that cost, and does it make the system quieter

depending on diameter, it runs about $0.20-$3.00 per foot, and it can reduce noise a fair bit depending on the application

[Quinster]

ok UnderWorldAquatics I don't want to step on any toes but placed the same topic on Reef Central and am getting the complete opposite opinion on this stuff.

reeftechie

"You know I have noticed a lot of flow restriction with this stuff. Not sure why but for some reason it just restricts the flow.. Anyone else notice this?"

Quinster

"I thought it would give less restrictions due to the fact you could greatly reduce the need for elbows over the use of rigid pipe"

reeftechie

"I thought the same thing. but i dont think its true. for some reason it was not as strong when I used PVC."

GotReef95

"I buy 1.5" pool suction hose from poolsupply shop in 40ft sections for about 35bucks they also have replacement cuffs for about 2.50ea. works great since sump and fuge are in a different room but it does restrict flow quite a bit because of the corrugated hose. makes it easy to move things if need to."

Wierd...don't know if I should go with it or not....can get it pretty cheap so it wouldn't hurt that bad if I don't like it...

they must be talking about the type with internal ribs, the stuff I use is smooth on the interior wall as well as the exterior wall and comes in white, cream, and black, it glues up with standard flex pvc glue, I suggest to use primer of course


it is used in many aquaculture applications and especially where effiency is required to reduce operating costs

it is smooth on the interior