Watering System Resevoirs

I am heavily researching all the parts and such for a watering system now. Reptile basics has some nice stuff, but the prices seem a bit high. Did you all use parts from RBI or similar website to connect the tubing to the reservoir, a drain/bleed valve, etc?

Also, in some diagrams, I see the line continuing from the last tub at the bottom back up to the top...this doesnt make much sense to me, why is it required? In others, I don't see it...confusion.

I was thinking of something like a paint bucket for a reservoir, but some people have said that things with flat sides are easier to deal with attaching the parts to, what do you all suggest? I think I am going to use something fairly big, up to 5 gallons or so, and just not fill it all the way right off the bat.

Also, is there anywhere else to get the right flex tubing, T and L barbs, clamps, drinking valves, etc cheaper than RBI? I have not been able to find anywhere else that carries that type of drinking valve, and prices for the clamps, standoffs, etc are pretty similar, but I have not checked local prices at hardware stores etc.

Thanks,
Austin

We order from RBI. I think edstrom carries that stuff too.

I'm not sure what line you are talking about that "the line continuing from the last tub at the bottom back up to the top".
We leave a few inches on the bottom and put on a drain valve there, for when I need to clean the water bucket or drain it for any reason.

Look at the edstrom guide on RBI, in his S design, there is line going from the bottom back to the top.

Also, what are your thoughts on not using an S system. We are using a 6 cement tub rack, so only 1 column of tubs, an S system seems pretty wasteful. I am thinking of running the line straight down one of the sides with T fittings at each level to lead either directly to the valve, or to an L fitting in the middle of the rack, leading to the valve. I am planning on putting a drain valve on the end also.

So, before I ask any more questions, do you think this non-S design will work, or is an S system really the way to go.

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I was thinking of something like a paint bucket for a reservoir, but some people have said that things with flat sides are easier to deal with attaching the parts to, what do you all suggest?

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I use a 5 gallon paint bucket (purchased from walmart) and this part and have no problem at all http://www.agselect.com/ED/showdetl....D=836&CATID=12

Ok, I understand. For one column, I dont think it's necessary. If it were more than 3 or 4, I would say it would be beneficial.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ThyTempest

So, before I ask any more questions, do you think this non-S design will work, or is an S system really the way to go.

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I do not have a S design not even for the birthing rack that is 5 tubs wide by 6 tub high and it is working just fine :gj:

Deb, do you use 5/16" tubing? Everywhere else I have seen, including RBI, uses 3/16". Do you recommend the larger diameter, or was it just chance that yours was different?

Now that I think I have my design mostly set, I have to decide whether or not L fittings will be required, unnecessary or neither, but very helpful.

Basically, the line down the side of the rack would have a T fitting at each level, and the extra barb would lead to either...more tubing leading to an L fitting in the middle/front of the tub, which would connect more tubing to the valve. I think this may work better, but option two is to have the T fitting at the edges lead directly to the drinking valve. This would put the valve closer to the corner of the tub, but that is usually where the bottles are anyway, so I don't think it is going to make much difference, so long as it doesnt kink/get chewed on w/e. I just don't know how much flex I can wiggle in without needing the L barbs to keep everything clean and straight. Any thoughts?

If that doesnt make sense, let me know and I can draw it on paint really quick.

I went and check because I was not sure anymore everything I use is 3/16

For each level this is what I use (the rack being 5 tubs wide by 6 tubs high)

T T T T T T L
T T T T T T L
T T T T T T L
T T T T T T L
T T T T T T L
L T T T T T L

If you do a 1 column rack you would need

T L
T L
T L
T L
T L
L L

Aside from the tubbing, tank connector, valves and connectors you will also need those http://www.agselect.com/ED/showdetl....D=361&CATID=12 and those http://www.agselect.com/ED/showdetl....D=181&CATID=12

3 Tees per level
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...63/tiff025.jpg
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...63/tiff029.jpg

No problems with a round bucket. Lid on loose. The tank connector has a ball valve and a fine mesh screen.