Is it OK to use stainless steel hose clamps submerged such as on the in-sump return pump? If not, do you have suggestions on where to get plastic clamps?
Would an auto supply store possibly have plastic clamps? I know Lowes doesn't have any, already checked there. Or could the plastic ties that are sold for plant support's be strong enough?
I would say no. I had to use one temporarily about 1 inch above the water level and I started to get some rust on it after only 2 weeks. If it is a low pressure application you can just used a plastic zip-tie, they hold up pretty well. This would work on a drain or small powerhead (ie. maxijet). Anything bigger go here, I have used these with great results and have had no luck finding good plastic clamps locally: http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_plu ... tubing.asp They have sizes up to 1" which I hope is enough for you. You have to pay for shipping but with everything else they sell there I can always find a few more things to buy that make the shipping worthwhile ( I hightly recommend the In-line TDS meter to constantly monitor your RO system, only $40 and will save you from major problems and let you know when you need a filter change while also letting you know how bad the source water is) Eric
another source is www.webaquatics.com then look under plumbing. This is also a good source for other equipment.
Thanks for the tips. I also found them at www.drsfostersmith.com which I have purchased from a lot. I generally try to support LFSs first but it's a 45-60 min drive. The inline TDS meter is cool! My current TDS meter is dead so I think I'll order it.
I just ordered some plastic hose clamps, the inline TDS meter and I threw in a Euro-Reef RS-180 skimmer too for my new tank setup.
Total Dissolved Solids -- RO/DI filtered water should be at near-zero ppm if the filter is working properly.
I have to admit that I have been guilty of using metal hose clamps from time to time. I usually really really regret it when it comes time to remove them for any reason and I would certainly never use them if I was planning to need them in a diy project. Even when they are not in water they are a pain in the ass because salt creep eventually takes them over. One of the benifits of hard plumbing with PVC is never having to deal with clamps again.
