Guppy Water Filled Flood Tubes

Product type: Reusable water-filled temporary flood barrier

Material: Composite PVC mesh

Material weight: 21.5 oz.; 610 GSM; 1000D 20 × 20

Construction: Thermal-bonded construction

Material properties:

• UV treated
• Waterproof
• Antistatic
• Chemical and oil resistant
• Tear and tension resistant

Fire resistance: EN 13501-B1

Operating temperature range: Approximately −32°F to 158°F

Filling method: Standard garden hose

Water: Non-potable water may be used

Standard sizes:

6-inch diameter:

• Recommended protection height: approximately 4 inches
• Available lengths: 10, 25, 50 and 100 feet
• 10-foot capacity: approximately 14.69 gallons
• 25-foot capacity: approximately 36.72 gallons
• 50-foot capacity: approximately 73.44 gallons
• 100-foot capacity: approximately 146.88 gallons

12-inch diameter:

• Recommended protection height: approximately 10 inches
• Available lengths: 10, 25, 50 and 100 feet
• 10-foot capacity: approximately 58.75 gallons
• 25-foot capacity: approximately 146.88 gallons
• 50-foot capacity: approximately 293.76 gallons
• 100-foot capacity: approximately 587.52 gallons

24-inch diameter:

• Recommended protection height: approximately 22 inches
• Standard listed lengths: 50 and 100 feet
• 50-foot capacity: approximately 1,175.04 gallons
• 100-foot capacity: approximately 2,350.08 gallons

Connection accessories: Reusable 6-inch, 12-inch and 24-inch seaming strips are available. The strip size must match the tube diameter.

Storage: Drain completely, air-dry, roll and store away from damaging objects.

Cold-weather use: If freezing is expected, fill no more than three-quarters full or follow the manufacturer’s RV-antifreeze instructions.

Guppy MAX is a separate 40-inch-high, 30-foot-long, three-chamber barrier and is not included in the specifications above.

Plan the barrier layout and position each Guppy tube before filling. A filled tube becomes extremely heavy and should not be expected to move easily.

Deployment steps:

1. Inspect the deployment area and remove sharp objects or debris that could damage the tube.
2. Move the empty Guppy to the area requiring protection.
3. Completely unroll and unfold the tube in the desired position.
4. Place the barrier as high as practical relative to the expected floodwater.
5. When ending against a wall, allow sufficient extra length to bend the tube toward the wall and reduce the opening at the end.
6. Locate and remove the black fill cap.
7. Insert a standard garden hose and begin filling.
8. Continue filling until the tube becomes rounded and stable, but do not overfill. Some flexibility should remain so the tube can conform to the surface.
9. If multiple tubes are required, overlap or connect adjoining units using the correctly sized Guppy seaming strip.
10. Where strong currents or movement are a concern, appropriate shims, stakes or the tube’s attachment points may be used for additional stabilization.

After use:

1. Direct the released water toward an appropriate drainage area.
2. Remove the drainage cap and allow the tube to empty completely.
3. Use the fill-valve backflow tab, if needed, to release water from the opposite end.
4. Roll the tube toward the drain to remove remaining water.
5. Allow the tube to air-dry completely before rolling and storing it.

If freezing conditions are expected, fill the tube no more than three-quarters full or follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding RV antifreeze. Do not use automotive antifreeze.

How is a Guppy tube filled?

Standard Guppy tubes fill through the black fill valve using a standard garden hose. The valve includes backflow protection to help prevent water from escaping when the hose is removed.

How high of a water level can each tube handle?

The 6-inch tube provides approximately 4 inches of recommended protection, the 12-inch tube approximately 10 inches and the 24-inch tube approximately 22 inches. A safety margin should be maintained below the top of the tube.

Can Guppy tubes be connected?

Yes. Reusable seaming strips can connect adjoining tubes and help keep them aligned. The seaming-strip size must match the tube diameter.

Can the tube be moved after filling?

Position the tube carefully before filling. Once filled, its water weight makes it difficult or impractical to reposition.

Does the tube need to be completely full?

Fill the tube until it is rounded and stable, but do not overfill it. Some flexibility allows the barrier to conform better to the underlying surface.

Can Guppy be used in freezing weather?

The material has a listed operating range down to approximately −32°F. If freezing is expected, the manufacturer recommends filling the tube no more than three-quarters full or using an appropriate amount of RV antifreeze according to its instructions.

Can Guppy be reused?

Yes. Drain it completely after use, rinse it if necessary and allow it to dry before rolling and storing it.

Will the barrier stop all water seepage?

Temporary barriers may permit some seepage, particularly at seams, wall connections, uneven surfaces and low spots. Proper positioning, overlapping or connecting sections, and supplemental protection can help reduce gaps. A drainage or dewatering plan is recommended for water that collects behind the barrier.

What is the difference between Guppy and Guppy MAX?

Standard Guppy is a single-tube barrier available in 6-inch, 12-inch and 24-inch diameters and fills with a garden hose. Guppy MAX is a separate 40-inch-high, 30-foot-long, three-chamber barrier that holds approximately 2,115 gallons and fills through a 2½-inch fire hose.