where to get silicon tubing?

[e_storm]

I need some cheap 1/2" and some 5/8" silicon tubing. anyone know where to get some?

So far in my search, I've found some places online that sell the 1/2" at about $2 per foot (I can live with it if its the lowest price), but the only place I found that sells 5/8" sells it for $3.65 per foot!!

With all the watercooling guys out there, someone must know where to get some of this stuff. I've been to 6 stores in my area including hardware stores, aquarium shops, and automotive stores... but still nothing.

[dimmreaper]

Home Depot carries just about any kind of tubing suitable for watercooling . . . .

[Holst]

Try a model shop.

1/2" silicone tube is used as an exhaust gasket on Gas engines.

If you cant find anywhere there was a place in a US model car mag I bought that did mailorder silicone stuff...I bet they could help.

[e_storm]

Originally posted by dimmreaper
Home Depot carries just about any kind of tubing suitable for watercooling . . . .

tried them already... don't have silicone tubing.

[dimmreaper]

Why not use Vynal tubing then?

[e_storm]

Originally posted by Holst
Try a model shop.

1/2" silicone tube is used as an exhaust gasket on Gas engines.

If you cant find anywhere there was a place in a US model car mag I bought that did mailorder silicone stuff...I bet they could help.

Thanks for the suggestion, actually the 1/2" tubing was easiest to find. There are a few online shops I can get that at, but the 5/8 is a bear.

[e_storm]

Originally posted by dimmreaper
Why not use Vynal tubing then?

I think vinyl is what I have in my setup right now (braided vinyl I think). My tubing is very stiff and difficult to work with. I know there is non-braided vinyl that is more flexible.

Also, I was under the impression that the additives we put in the water (coolant, waterwetter, etc..) break down vinly tubing and it corrodes. I've heard that silicone doesn't break down.

Besides, I just wanted to give silicone a shot and see how much I like it.

Also, how about Polyethylene tubing. Anyone use that?

[Random Nonsense]

silicon is better no question! doesnt kink as easily, is less likely to deteriorate due to chemicals in the water or light or anything. just its more costly than PVC

[mota]

There really is no "cheap" silicone tubing. The silicone tubing used in most PC water cooling apps.(mc master carr, danger den etc.) is the cheapest available and its still rather expensive. It has recently come to my attenton that peroxide cured silicone tubing is slightly oil permeable. People using water wetter(water soluable oil) and similar additives may notice discoloration of their tubes after a short time, ie. tubes turning pink when using water wetter. The alternative to peroxide cured tubing would be platinum cured but its going be even more expensive. The discoloration is an annoyance more than anything.

Also you should not try to save money by getting a thinner wall tubing(like 1/16") you should get at least 3/32" but 1/8" wall is recommended to prevent kinking. Getting the lowest hardness rating is also a good idea for flexibility.

I get all my tubing from mc master carr...
http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/108/html/0096.html

[BillA]

these people sell hose (reinforced tubing), still cheaper

Southern Oregon Truck Parts

link is to 5/8 in. (what I use)

be cool

[e_storm]

I gave them a call, they said the tubing is blue. This is an excellent price though. $2.20 per foot. Do you have a flow meter or something that shows that your flowing? And I'd guess there's no way to see the air bubbles lol...

Not sure yet, but I might give this a shot. Thanks for the link.

[e_storm]

Originally posted by mota
There really is no "cheap" silicone tubing. The silicone tubing used in most PC water cooling apps.(mc master carr, danger den etc.) is the cheapest available and its still rather expensive. It has recently come to my attenton that peroxide cured silicone tubing is slightly oil permeable. People using water wetter(water soluable oil) and similar additives may notice discoloration of their tubes after a short time, ie. tubes turning pink when using water wetter. The alternative to peroxide cured tubing would be platinum cured but its going be even more expensive. The discoloration is an annoyance more than anything.

Also you should not try to save money by getting a thinner wall tubing(like 1/16") you should get at least 3/32" but 1/8" wall is recommended to prevent kinking. Getting the lowest hardness rating is also a good idea for flexibility.

I get all my tubing from mc master carr...
http://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/108/html/0096.html

You say get the lowest hardness rating... I would assume thats what the 50A and 70A means on the site. Am I to assume 50A then is less hard one?

*edit* Nevermind, I just got off the phone with them. 50A is a more flexible tubing than 70A is (ie. less hard).

[BillA]

the flow meter I was using is here

its replacement is rather large

be cool

[mcduffiem]

I've ordered silicon hose from US Plastics. The prices are very resonable and they have a wide selection of hose clamps, connectors, reducers, etc.

US Plastics Silicon Tubing

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Mike