Silicone hoses
In this category you will find transparent silicone hoses in industrial quality that are food-safe according to BfR and FDA. They are suitable, among other things, as air hoses or aquarium hoses and have a hardness of 60° Shore A.
Buy silicone hoses — guide & Tips
The Silicone Hoses category comprises 47 items – from fine 2-millimeter hoses for aquarium aeration to sturdy 16-millimeter variants for industrial applications. The combination of hardness, material purity, and temperature resistance is crucial for selection. All silicone hoses listed here are manufactured with a hardness of 60° Shore A (±5°), giving them an optimal balance between flexibility and dimensional stability. The transparent design allows visual inspection of the medium at any time – especially valuable in food technology or aquaristics.
A key quality feature is compliance with BfR and FDA guidelines: The hoses are food-safe, tasteless, and do not release any harmful substances. This makes them suitable not only for drinking water lines and beverage systems, but also for medical environments or laboratory applications. Industrial quality is reflected in the smooth surface that prevents deposits and in the high tear resistance of the silicone.
Selection tip: Always measure the inner and outer diameter (IØ × OØ) of your connections. Silicone hoses hardly stretch, so precise fitting over nipples or fittings is crucial. For air and aquarium hoses, thin walls are sufficient – for pump connections or lifting systems you should choose thicker-walled variants. The entire Hoses category provides an overview of various materials and pressure levels. If you are planning connections or branches, you will find options in the area Hose connectors made of POM plastic suitable push-in and screw connectors specifically designed for silicone hoses.
Popular silicone hoses
The diameters shown represent the three most common applications: The 2 mm hose is the first choice for fine air lines in aquariums, terrariums, or small incubators. The 6 mm model combines moderate wall thickness with high flow and is often used in beverage systems, laboratory filling, or as a drain hose in sanitary installations. The 16 mm hose is finally used in industrial water conveyance, compressed air systems, or larger irrigation projects. All three sizes share the same material properties: transparent, 60° Shore A, BfR/FDA compliant, and made of pure silicone (no plasticizers).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the specification “60° Shore A ±5°” mean?
Shore hardness indicates how soft or firm an elastomer is. 60° Shore A is a medium value – the hose can be bent easily but remains dimensionally stable under pressure. ±5° means that the hardness can fluctuate between 55 and 65 Shore A, which is normal due to manufacturing. For most applications (air, water, food), this value is ideal. Softer hoses kink more easily, while harder ones are more difficult to fit onto connectors.
Are all silicone hoses in this category food-safe?
Yes, the silicone hoses listed here are expressly BfR- and FDA-compliant. This means they meet German and US guidelines for materials with food contact. They can be used without concern for drinking water, beer, wine, oil or other consumer goods. For aquariums or terrariums where fish or invertebrates come into direct contact with the medium, the absence of harmful substances is also guaranteed. The only exception: fats and oils with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids can cause the silicone to swell – for such media, please choose special hoses.
Can I use silicone hoses outdoors or in frost?
Pure silicone remains flexible down to approx. −50 °C and does not break even in hard frost. However, permanent UV radiation can make the surface brittle – therefore, for pure outdoor installations, protected routing or additional UV protection is recommended. Temperature resistance ranges up to +200 °C briefly, permanently up to +180 °C. These hoses are therefore well suited for hot water systems or steam applications. With strongly fluctuating temperatures, you should ensure sufficient expansion allowances.
How do I cut silicone hoses cleanly and straight?
It is best to use a sharp pair of scissors or a special hose cutter knife. Mark the cutting point with a waterproof pen and cut through in one smooth motion. Silicone tends to 'stick' – a drop of dish soap on the blade makes cutting easier. For a particularly straight cut, place the hose on a hard surface and press the knife vertically downwards. After cutting, you can lightly deburr the edge with fine sandpaper (grit 400).
Other categories – suitable accessories and alternatives
Silicone hoses are extremely versatile, but not the optimal choice for every application scenario. If you want to pump water from a pond or cistern, you often need a Suction hose / Pressure hose with reinforced textile insert that also withstands negative pressure. For connecting multiple hose sections or attaching to fittings, Hose connectors made of POM plastic the first choice – they are corrosion-free, dimensionally stable, and suitable for food. An overview of all hose types – from drain to Storz systems – is provided by the Parent category Hoses. Whether you are looking for a flexible silicone hose for aquarium aeration or a robust pressure hose for the garden – the selection in these closely related categories helps you find exactly the right product.
In short
Silicone hoses with 60° Shore A (±5°), transparent, BfR and FDA compliant – these are the core features of these 47 items. They are food-safe, odorless and suitable for operating temperatures from −50 °C to +200 °C. Typical uses: air hose in aquaristics, drinking water line, laboratory supply line, wastewater pump or drain hose in sanitary systems. The silicone material is plasticizer-free and retains its elasticity even under continuous load. Depending on the required inner diameter and wall thickness, you will find the suitable size here – from 2 mm to 16 mm ID. Combine the hoses with the appropriate connectors and clamps from the related categories for a secure, permanent installation.