tubing strength

[viking84]

Hello all...i was wondering the minimum recommended PSI strength for tubing used in a WC setup. I have a Hydor L20 pump and a maze3. Would the clear stuff at 45PSI max from Home Depot work, or should I look for something stronger

[Shadowcat]

I don't think you will be getting anywhere even near 45psi, so the clear vinyl tubing from Home Depot would work however it is not very flexible. A popular (and better choice) would be Clearflex or Tygon, DangerDen (www.dangerden.com) stocks them both.

[Caffinehog]

My local homebrew store also stocks Foxx Superflex tubing, which I can say is very comparable to tygon.

[Diggrr]

Yeah, the thicker wall tubing that people are talking about isn't to get a higher psi rating (magdrive pumps have very little psi) but the thicker wall tubing doesn't collapse so easily when curved.
This collapse will stop your waterflow quickly.

I don't mind vinyl tubing at all, just make sure to get the one with the 1/8" wall thickness, and not the 1/16" stuff.

Personally, I use the old school silicone tubing because it's rocks, but it's not clear so that you can't enjoy colorants or UV effects.

[bucken77]

The home depot stuff will definitely work as I've seen some peeps have used it. I think they said it was kind of tough to work with though.

[ogboot]

i just got 10ft of Watts vinyl tubing from Lowes for $2.12 tax included. 1/2" OD, 3/8" ID, but they had all kinds. rated 55psi @ 70F. was concerned about the heat, guys that worked there couldnt tell me anything. only thing the label says is do not use with ice makers. i think it will be sufficient, my new pump will be here tomorrow so we'll see.

EDIT: i believe the ice maker warning is there because vinyl becomes brittle at low temperatures, yes?

[johan851]

Yeah, that sounds like it should work alright. Heat shouldn't be a problem - it's rated for 55psi @ 70F, but just because the water goes above 70F doesn't mean it'll break or something - it'll probably just have a lower psi rating. Nothing to be concerned about, these aren't high pressure systems. ;)

[ogboot]

funny almost every liquid cooling site i've looked at charges $2 a foot for tubing, i got 10ft for that and it appears to look/feel identical to the tubing that came with my swiftech block. even says acceptable for food/water use, as well as chemicals. go to the hardware store!!! ;P