Watering System Checklist

I'm about to order the parts to a watering system for my DIY rat rack. It's 4 levels and is the standard 2x2 and home depot mixing tub design. I'm not totally mechanical and was hoping for someone who has done this before to pat me on the head and tell me it's going to be OK. Did I miss anything? Should I get extras of any of these things in anticipation of replacement?


Vari-Flow Drinking Valve = 4
Clamp Loop = 8
3/16" T-Fitting =4
Flexible Tubing = 20 ft
Mounting Clip for Vari-Flow and RBI Valves = 4
Quick-Connect Drain Valve = 1

And I'll need to get a bucket for a reservoir.

That it?

Might want to add some elbows to the list. That way it routes the tube a little better. Also, a drain at the bottom. Good luck!

It depends how you want to do the hose work. You can either run it down one side and then T over to tub, or you can snake it around the rack and only T at the tub. I'll explain better below. Also as for the drain at the bottom, I skipped that and just have the very end going into my last sipper and if you need to drain I just pull my last sipper out. As for extras I would do an extra sipper or two just in case.

Two different tube methods... First you take it from the bucket down let's say the left side all the way to the last tub. Then you cut where level 1 goes and put a T in there and a tube running along the 2x2 to the middle of the tub then up into the tub. Then do that on the next 2 levels and the last level you can just swing it around and into the tub.
The other method is snaking it all the way down the rack. Go from bucket down the left side and then all the way across the first level then down the right leg and then all the way across the 2nd level and then down the left leg and so on. You only use a T where the sipper will go in each level. I feel like I get better "water pressure" this way. I may be wrong but that's the way I like more. If you're still confused I can draw something up when I get home from work to show you in more detail.

Get at least two extra of sippers and Ts and at least 20ft of tubing. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Get at least two extra of sippers and Ts and at least 20ft of tubing. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

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I second that. Nothing more frustrating that needing additional parts and having to wait for them to come in.