Any Reason Not To

[Mmiller2001]

Use the vinyl tubing sold at places like Home Depot for canister filter tubing?

Edited February 26, 2022 by Mmiller2001

[Guppysnail]

I use it to siphon gravel or substrate out of running tanks and have never had an issue. I just rinse it with hot water and use it. 

[Mmiller2001]

On 2/25/2022 at 6:16 PM, Guppysnail said:

I use it to siphon gravel or substrate out of running tanks and have never had an issue. I just rinse it with hot water and use it. 

It doesn't leach anything nasty?

[Guppysnail]

I have never had an issue. I’ve used that same tube off the roll from the hardware store for years. I have not used it for your application though a ton our water has gone back in the tank with fish in it while doing my siphoning. It looks just like what Zenzo uses for his pumps in this video but don’t quote me

 

[Mmiller2001]

On 2/25/2022 at 6:28 PM, Guppysnail said:

I have never had an issue. I’ve used that same tube off the roll from the hardware store for years. I have not used it for your application though a ton our water has gone back in the tank with fish in it while doing my siphoning. It looks just like what Zenzo uses for his pumps in this video but don’t quote me

 

Sold!

[Andy's Fish Den]

As long as is safe for potable water, you'll be good. I've made my own custom length siphon hoses with the 3/4" vinyl hose from the depot. 

[Odd Duck]

Used it for years with both fresh and saltwater tanks.  Never an issue other than it eventually gets stiff and needs replacing.  I’ve never found ANY tubing that didn’t eventually get stiff.

[lefty o]

On 2/26/2022 at 10:11 AM, Odd Duck said:

Used it for years with both fresh and saltwater tanks.  Never an issue other than it eventually gets stiff and needs replacing.  I’ve never found ANY tubing that didn’t eventually get stiff.

the stuff that comes with the python doesnt seem to get stiff. had mine 25+ years, tubing is still flexible.

[Odd Duck]

On 2/26/2022 at 10:12 AM, lefty o said:

the stuff that comes with the python doesnt seem to get stiff. had mine 25+ years, tubing is still flexible.

Hmmm.  I bought a generic python and it seems like I can tell a very slight difference already.  Just a trace, though.  Might be because I’m too lazy sometimes to fully drain it since I’ll just be using it the next day again.  The tubing on siphons in general seems to stay more flexible.  If I could find that tubing, I’d for sure go for it.  I do have some siphons with tubing that’s getting stiff.  It takes a lot longer to get stiff, but I always hang it up to drain so it doesn’t have continuous exposure to water.

[eatyourpeas]

I use the hardware store generic vinyl 1/2" tubing (Ace, it is what I have on the island) in all my canister filters, the SW V-Sump and chiller, and no problems. I also use the small 1/8" as airline tubing on my sponge filters an airstones.

Edited February 26, 2022 by eatyourpeas

[Mmiller2001]

On 2/26/2022 at 9:11 AM, Odd Duck said:

Used it for years with both fresh and saltwater tanks.  Never an issue other than it eventually gets stiff and needs replacing.  I’ve never found ANY tubing that didn’t eventually get stiff.

That's the problem I'm having now and I don't want to pay a premium for tubing.

Thank you!

On 2/26/2022 at 9:12 AM, lefty o said:

the stuff that comes with the python doesnt seem to get stiff. had mine 25+ years, tubing is still flexible.

Where can you buy it? I've haven't seen the python tubing anywhere except actually buying a python.

On 2/26/2022 at 9:33 AM, eatyourpeas said:

I use the hardware store generic vinyl 1/2" tubing (Ace, it is what I have on the island) in all my canister filters, the SW V-Sump and chiller, and no problems. I also use the small 1/8" as airline tubing on my sponge filters an airstones.

Thank you.

Edited February 26, 2022 by Mmiller2001

[eatyourpeas]

On 2/26/2022 at 8:42 AM, Mmiller2001 said:

Where can you buy it? I've seen the python tubing anywhere except actually buying a python.

BRS or Petco appear to carry it.

[Biotope Biologist]

Buy the extension (I think it only comes in 20’(?)) and cut the ends off. My python is older than I am and still works as good as new. The only thing is the tubing gets very soft after all these years, I prefer rigid tubing for my drainage hose.

 

Also I have used home depot stuff it works great, I prefer the kitchen grade stuff seems to be more durable.