Silicon Vs PVC Airline Tubing - Thoughts and Opinions

[Jorgey]

Hi All,

I have used black silicon airline tubing forever and have really liked it.  I am getting ready to reconfigure some things as well as add some additional tanks and will need to get a lot more airlines setup.   

I would love to hear some opinions from those that have used both silicon airline tubing as as well the PVC tubing that the Coop sells and how they compare with each other, likes, dislike about both, etc.. 

Like I said, I love the black silicon, but the price of the PVC tubing is highly attractive as it is less that half price.  So what do you all think?

[KBOzzie59]

I have the box (large spool) of the CooP air line and love it.  I have had silicon line slip off of valves and such, has not happened with the CooP line.

[Jorgey]

Thanks @KBOzzie59 for the info, that is good to know.  

[a tired fish keeper]

In my experience the PVC tubing starts out stiffer than the silicone and gets even stiffer with time.Also it can get quite discolored especially  near the air pump.

[Jorgey]

@a tired fish keeper That has been one of my concerns as well.  I'm not so worried about any discoloration as the line is not seen in most cases (and its black), but how stiff or brittle that the PCV might get could potentially be a problem.  I guess time will tell on that one.