Watering System Resevoirs

[nixer]

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

http://www.klubertanz.com/ they have the cheapest prices ive found so far

[ThyTempest]

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

6 T fittings and an L per level for a 5 wide rack? I don't understand that one, maybe a pic?

[nixer]

6 T fittings and an L per level for a 5 wide rack? I don't understand that one, maybe a pic?

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/rat_rack/ratrack.shtml towards the bottom

[Stewart_Reptiles]

6 T fittings and an L per level for a 5 wide rack? I don't understand that one, maybe a pic?

I can't back out enough to take a pick of the whole rack.

The first column is what is on the side of the rack alimenting each row, than you have 4 T and one L on each row to aliment each tub.

[littleindiangirl]

6 T fittings and an L per level for a 5 wide rack? I don't understand that one, maybe a pic?

For our one column, we have just the T fitting.... So I guess I'm confused too.

[ThyTempest]

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/rat_rack/ratrack.shtml towards the bottom

This design uses no L fittings.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Ok here is what it looks like on the rack that has watering system on 3 rows (2 tubs wide 3 tubs hight) – Again first column is what is alimenting each row the other connectors are for each tubs on the row.
T T L
T T L
L T L
In red the T in blue the L




For a column rack you can use onlythe T's however I like to put my valves in the middle and on the front, having the lines tied on the wood not getting in the way as shown in the previous pic.

[nixer]

Ok here is what it looks like on the rack that has watering system on 3 rows (2 tubs wide 3 tubs hight) – Again first column is what is alimenting each row the other connectors are for each tubs on the row.
T T L
T T L
L T L
In red the T in blue the L




For a column rack you can use onlythe T's however I like to put my valves in the middle and on the front, having the lines tied on the wood not getting in the way as shown in the previous pic.

like this



l l
l l
l l
l __o__ l
l
l
l
T-----L
l
l
T-----L
l
l
T-----L
l
l
T-----L
l
l
T-----L

[ThyTempest]

Ok here is what it looks like on the rack that has watering system on 3 rows (2 tubs wide 3 tubs hight) – Again first column is what is alimenting each row the other connectors are for each tubs on the row.
T T L
T T L
L T L
In red the T in blue the L




For a column rack you can use onlythe T's however I like to put my valves in the middle and on the front, having the lines tied on the wood not getting in the way as shown in the previous pic.

I understand this...but in your previous post you have 6 T's and an L for a 5 wide system....that still just doesnt add up for me. T on the far left for the column/vertical line, with the T barb leading to the line for that row, with T's on the first 4 tubs to keep the line going, bringing the total up to 5 t's for the row, plus the L on the end. I still don't see where the sixth T is coming in.

As for the in the middle/front idea, that is basically what I am asking for peoples suggestions on. I can run the vertical line with T's down the line, with the line for every row leading to an L in the middle/front to lead to the valve....or, just have the vertical line with the T lead to the valve with some slack to put it wherever I want it. The first way will keep everything straight and neat, but for a single column rack, I think it may be more hassle/cost than it may be worth. Even though it is only 1 tub wide, you still suggest the extra cost/work is worth it to have the valves in the middle/front?

If I don't do the front/middle thing, it will look more or less like what the tutorial described in nixer's link, which is my rack.

[ThyTempest]

Ignore the fact that I suck at keeping my hand steady, but here is the two ways I am considering, just in case I have confused some people. Purple L's, Green T's, Blue for the drinking valve, reservoir on top, yellow drain valve. Red is the tubing...most of it is pretty obvious. The one on the right would certainly cost less, but do you all think I will have issues with some of the tubing not being tight against the rack, maybe the rats being able to chew on it (assuming we don't use standoffs)--I don't think it will be a problem, but I would hate to build it and have to rebuild it the other way because of some stupid oversight.



Sorry it is so small, photobucket wont let me go bigger.