Rat rack drinking system question: PVC or Tubing?

I'm about to build some rat racks, and was wondering which route I should take? I'm sort of leaning towards the PVC pipe method that Tim Bailey uses, but it does seem that the tubing Reptile Basics recommends would be easier to install. It just seems that the tubing would be more prone to clogging and possible leaks with all of the elbows and T's that Rich recommends.

Any suggestions or comments regarding either or these two methods?

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Originally Posted by xdeus

I'm about to build some rat racks, and was wondering which route I should take? I'm sort of leaning towards the PVC pipe method that Tim Bailey uses, but it does seem that the tubing Reptile Basics recommends would be easier to install. It just seems that the tubing would be more prone to clogging and possible leaks with all of the elbows and T's that Rich recommends.

Any suggestions or comments regarding either or these two methods?

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Lawrence,
I have tried both options and I went with the solid PVC. I just liked how ridged and sturdy it was compared to the fex tubing. Now that could be considered a down side to some, but for my application pvc has worked the best.

hope this helps

here are a few pics of my setup

http://nafex.net/test/13.jpg
http://nafex.net/test/15.jpg

http://nafex.net/test/16.jpg

http://nafex.net/test/17.jpg

http://nafex.net/test/19.jpg

Thanks Chris! That's the exact type of info I was looking for. :) Too bad Rich doesn't sell the threaded drinking valves. Where did you get yours?

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Thanks Chris! That's the exact type of info I was looking for. :) Too bad Rich doesn't sell the threaded drinking valves. Where did you get yours?

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The drinking valves I use are top notch and are threaded, they can thread into the bendable tubing or can be threaded into a flat end pvc cap. here is the best part, they are so inepensive and the customer service is top notch. They are called "dew drop valves". No water pressure needed to run them. I have used them for adults all the way down to weanling rats, the valve is tha easy to use even the little guys can get water from them.

. oh did i mention price? At a $1.63 you will not find a cheaper price..
http://www.klubertanz.com/images/Klubertanz_Pg34.pdf look at far right of PDF and you will see them "dew drop"

I couldnt be happier with these valves...
let me know if you need any other info, as I said they customer service is top notch.

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Originally Posted by Sevo

I couldnt be happier with these valves...
let me know if you need any other info, as I said they customer service is top notch.

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Great info and great prices! Thanks again. :D

I chose the flex tubing because it was cheaper and easy. I did not want to take the time to cut PVC for 2 reasons. 1) I did not have time 2) I did not trust myself to cut it in the right lengths. It also seemed so much easier to throw some elbows on the tubing than have to cut everything to nearly perfect length. I do not have to worry about my cuts being a little too long because it bends as needed. I also liked that it was just .30 a foot from Rich. I can always just throw 30 ft of flex tubing in an empty tub in the rack whereas 30 ft of PVC might not be as easy to conceal. Go with what works for you and weigh the pros and cons of each.

I don't think potential clogs should be a deciding factor in which to go with. I use drip line and connectors from home depot (like 8 bucks for 100', and the connectors are pretty cheap too), and have never had one clog before. I took all of 20 minutes to cut and install the line on a 24 tub mouse rack. The line is stapled to the rack, so it's out of the way, and is easy to tear out and reinstall if I need to for some reason. If you do end up using this stuff, just don't buy the brand with the blue stripe (I think it's Toro), it is too stiff to go onto the barbed nipples easily. Hope this helps.

-Evan

Thanks guys for the additional input. I'm still weight the pros and cons, but leaning toward the PVC.

Evan, did you go with the 'S' setup that Rich recommends, or just a vertical line down the rack and T'd off to each bin?

I know you were not asking me, but I T'ed off for each tub.

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Originally Posted by xdeus

Thanks guys for the additional input. I'm still weight the pros and cons, but leaning toward the PVC.

Evan, did you go with the 'S' setup that Rich recommends, or just a vertical line down the rack and T'd off to each bin?

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I've done both before. The 'S' set-up does allow for easy flushing, which I try to do every few months. The T'd off is nice on my mice racks though, because it allows any row to be shut off if need be (leaky valves, not needed at the moment, etc).

-Evan