Big Dripper tubing set-up

[ridgebax1]

Here are some pictures of how I have my dripper set up on my cham cages: I used 1/4 black tubing that came with my monsoon, connectors I got on Amazon for Raindrip/Rainbird irrigation systems and some IV tubing and clamps (which are also available on Amazon if you don't have access). I got the IV tubing from outdated kits where I used to work instead of discarding them.
I attached the IV tubing with a pinch clamp and roller clamp to the dripper spout coming out of the dripper bottle. I used a straight connector to connect the clear and black tubing and secured these connections with a zip tie. Then I used a T connector and straight connector to make a circle of black tubing and connect that to the tubing coming from the dripper. In order to make it easier to push the connectors in the tubing, I used my hot glue gun. I cleaned all the glue off the outside of it and just pushed it slightly into the tubing to heat it and make it go on easier. I heated the sharp tip of a pair of scissors and made little drip holes in the circle of tubing for water to come out and that's it.
I use the roller clamp to decrease the drip rate and the pinch clamp to close it off so it doesn't drip at night.

 

[MelissaB]

Brilliant! Thank you for the instructions and pics. I have everything but the straight connector. Looks like I'm going to home depot...

 

[melble68]

first off I'm shocked that there was only one comment on your thread. I think this is great. I'd love to see a video of it in action. How big are the holes that you did w/ the hot scissors. btw, sound dangerous and fun at the same time. Kind of like deep frying a turkey. Luke loves to sit under his one drip nozzle, so a Rain Dome idea is always on my mind. Great work w/ the zip ties. I need to do that on my Big Dripper outside.

 

[ridgebax1]

Since I took these pictures I have changed things up a little. I found 1/4in soaker hose tubing on Amazon. It is made just like the bigger stuff you see in Home Depot or Lowes that you can put in your garden. I replaced the circle of tubing with holes in it with this tubing. The only difference is in the drip rate so I really need the roller clamp to control the drip rate. If I left it open I would easily empty the big dripper in less than a day. With the drip rate I have set now it empties in two or three days. I will see if I can use my phone to get some acceptable video and post it later. I just like the idea that they can access water for a drink whenever they want rather than just when the mister goes off.
The holes that I made in the regular black tubing were not very big at all, just the very tip of a small pair of scissors (like cuticle scissors). I actually tried using a staple remover too but the one set of holes was too big and dripped really fast! I like the porous tubing that I found on Amazon though it has a more consistent drip pattern.

 

[louiselowe]

Fantastic thread going to give it a go. Thankyou for sharing