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