the red silicone hosing works just fine! I'm using the same stuff from copper elbows on my Ziroli jug,going on the second season with the same peices and they are still pliable and soft with no shrinking or hardening. I bought it at the Toledo show last year but can't remember who sells it.Maybe someone reading this thread can give a clue here.
I also used copper at first but found that if you use regular solder it will eventually come apart because the heat loosens it up unless you actually braze it together.