Alternative to eHeim tubing?

[sheepdawg]

When I purchased my 120 gallon tank close to 3 years ago, I got an eHeim canister tank filter package with it (from Big Al's). The package included some gray coloured hose that matched the 16/22 mm requirement for the filter, rather than the traditional ugly bright green. However, in returning to the store, he will not bring in the gray stuff as he has to buy it in 200' rolls and it doesn't sell. In looking online, both at the Big Al's website (both Canadian and American), as well as other sites, I can't find the stuff - or any other alternative (black or clear would be nice). I've also tried Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, and Princess Auto - all with no success. Everything is done in inches, and upon conversion doesn't match the size.

Does anyone of a place I can get something other than the awful green, or has successfully used another size in these filters?

Thanks,

T.

[James]

What is the tube size, I am wondering if Fluval hose might be the same size. The Fluval hose I have is grey and 5/8 dia.

And I agree with you, its the little things that count. I too prefer the grey hose even though its not really seen much.

James

Sorry just saw you listed the size in metric, now if I could just find a ruler with metric.

[PPulcher]

i don't know if it would work for sure, but people paint the white CPVC pipes with Krylon Fusion plastic paint. This way, you could perhaps paint the green tubing the same colour as your background. I'm not sure about how it might work as the Eheim tubing is flexible, and the paint might flake off. Of course the other option is to make your own intake and return from the CPVC stuff and paint it to match.

[Katalyst]

I've heard of people using Masterkleer as an alternative to Ehiem tubing but have never inquired into it personally.

http://www.jab-tech.com/Masterkleer-Tubing-7-16-ID-5-8-OD-pr-3079.html

I have eheim tubing as on my sump but am able to hide it pretty well behind my tank and under plants. It is pretty ugly.

Hope this helps!

[sheepdawg]

Thanks for the suggestions. It is really odd sizing at the 16mm internal, and 22mm external. Doing the math this is about 0.6299" versus 5/8" (0.625) internal, and 0.8661" versus 7/8" (0.875") external - the closest I've been able to find which was a reenforced, but clear tube from Canadian Tire, which might suffice, but I don't know how picky these things are. I thought before trying to fiddle around I would ask other experiences.

Pipes sounds interesting, I could use rigid - painted (non toxic I take it) pipes inside the tank, and run the tubing outside. Hmm. That could be the ticket!

I don't know that I can hide the thing (have to set it up yet). If I come to a solution I will pass it on for the world to hear.

Tx all,

T.

[Melody]

That would be great. What possessed them to make the tubing bright green anyway, I wonder? The vast majority wouldn't want their tubing that colour... strange.

[PPulcher]

sheepdawg (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/member.php?u=442) , I _think_ I read about the Krylon fusion paint on a reefkeeping site. You might check out some of those places to see. If the reef guys use the paint, it's sure to be okay.