Lubricating peristaltic tubing?

[Vincerama2]

Hey, do you guys know of anything that can lubricate peristaltic tubing? I'm not sure what it's made of, it FEEL like latex, but I've heard the word "santoprene" somewhere. (ie; vaseline is probably not safe...according to Dr. Ruth!)

The reason I want to know is that even though the rollers on the pump are on bearings, I had a tube get ripped open (I was lame and didn't keep check it for to see if it needed replacement) I'd like the tubing to last a bit longer, since it's such a pain to find. I have a medical doser and had to order some extra "pump sets" off the net. I thought some lube would make it last longer/work better.

V

PS. Yes, ha ha, you're funny with all the lube jokes <- in anticipation and in advance.

[Wallygator]

I think you answered your own question!!! :D :D :D
How about some of that food grade silicone grease used in food machines? Or HD has some wp grease used for pool filter O rings.

HTH

[xrunner1234]

I just had the same problem. Vaseline is not good?

[Vincerama2]

Well, if the tubing is latex, the vaseline (petroleum jelly) will dissolve latex.

you think wd-40 might work?

V

[toona]

sorry but WD-40 is also petroleum based and will degrade the latex

[toona]

sorry but I can't resist maybe K-Y it is water based

[MarkM3]

Go to Home Depot, they have Slilicone grease in the plumbing section, it is clear and reef safe.

Another option is to get "Norprene" tubing, it lasts longer in peristaltic pump than silicone/latex/santoprene. It is avaliable from USplastics.com.

If your tube is getting ripped open, it seems like you may be using the wrong tickness tube. Try ordering thicker and thinner stuff to see qhat works.

[Vincerama2]

I'm using the tubing that is on the "feed bag pump sets" that are made for the pump. Of course, the bags are meant to use for a day or two only. I'll try that silicon grease stuff.

V

[manderx]

i bumped up to a larger diameter tubing (mostly because that was the first thing i found). but it had the side effect of lasting *much* longer because it needs fewer revolutions to move the same amount if liquid.

[Menards]

go to http://www.mcmaster.com

You can order tons and tons of peristaltic pump tubing!!!!!!!

just do a search for peristaltic pump and you will find the tubing! Problem solved!!!

[Highlander]

Or here:

http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/product_view.asp?pfx=EW&sku=0642465&cat=1&sel=0642465

This is the exact same tubing that reefdosingpumps.com supplies with their pumps