Ballast Hose

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog_name=USPlastic&category_name=7 513&product_id=8742&variant_id=54251

Any reason I should not use this for my ballast system? Is there something better for less?

Never seen that stuff before, but looks like it would work. Some depends on the type of pumps you are using. Aerators are more forgiving for certain types of hose.

I like the fact it is clear...something is more cool about watching the water run through the pipes.

It won't work with Tsunami 1200 pumps, gotta have 1-1/8" for that. Otherwise looks good. Good find.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog_name=USPlastic&category_name=3 1577&product_id=33059

They also have ball valves for under $2.

Wont hold up to the vacuum drawn buy Impeller type pumps, but should work ok for aerators. The 1" I/D hose will work perfect with the Tsunami T800's as it will slip right over the threaded inlet and outlet.

I used 1" hose on my Tsunami 1200's, just heated it up with the heat gun and stretched it to fit. Used a hose clamp before it totally cooled so the grooves would set in the hose when it cooled. Works great.

I used this hose which looks very similar:
http://cgi.ebay.com/PVC-SUCTION-DISCHARGE-HOSE-1-ID-X-100_W0QQitemZ120362780021QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Def aultDomain_0?hash=item1c062e4575&_trksid=p3286.c0. m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A120 5%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

The bend radius is a little bigger than the black factory hose.

TigeMike, it's called suction hose and looks like it has spiral ribbing - no reason I can see it shouldn't work with impeller systems.

Most of my hose is 1-1/8" from Flow-Rite. It fits the T-1200's perfect and just a couple extra cranks on the hose clamp to fit 1" barb fittings, or you can wrap them with electrical tape before putting the hose on. $1.47/ft.

Spa-Flex is good stuff too, but more expensive. You can cement regular PVC fittings to it. The 1 1/2" in my system is Spa-Flex, and I have a little bit of 1" here & there.

Trace,

I wont argue till I know more about it, but my gut says it wont stand up to a pump that will "suck a golf ball through a garden hose"

I've sent a request for more info to them about the hose. We will see what the response it.

IF that hose is sturdy enough, that's a damn good price, as it's a better price then I get wholesale on a hose similar to the Shields Multi-flex.

Cool, I'm curious too.

FWIW, from a physics standpoint, vacuum pressure can never exceed -14.9 psi.

Kink resistance, durability, oil resistance, crush resistance, and minimum bend radius are also all important concerns.

Something else I like about the 1-1/8" hose is that it comes off the barb really easily when you loosen the hose clamps. I don't have any quick release fittings in my system, so to pull a sack out I have to undo 3 hose clamps.

Here is the response from USP Corp.

"> Hello
>
> The reinforcement is just the PVC. There is not other material. It can withstand 28" of mercury.
>
> Thank you for your inquiry
>
> Mindy
> United States Plastic Corp
> Technical Services
> (800) 537-9724 phone
> (800) 854-5498 fax"

No other reinforcing material, but she says it will handle absolute vacuum. I may see if I can get a couple feet as a sample and see for my self.

I used flex pvc and glued everything it works great
flexpvc.com

I've used braid-reinforced tubing with for several years with good results. Aerator system but helps out on the tight bends.

I've requested a sample piece, we'll see if I get any. If so, i'm gonna plumb it up to my mobile AC evacuator and draw a vacuum on it will resist collapsing.