Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Happy Monday all.

I am using the "standard" 1/8 inch misting fittings (that work with 1/4 inch hose) and I'm having some problems with leakage.

I am using elbows to mist through the top of the tank. Since these are plexi tanks, they have a thicker wall than the glass would be. Therefore, I've drilled out a larger hole and use a washer (with the appropriate inner opening) to put the elbow threads through the tank wall.

The coupler goes on the inside of the tank, attaching to the elbow threads. This connection is leaking on a couple of my setups. I've used teflon tape to try and get a leak free connection, but no luck yet.

I am going to take a look and see if I can find a thinner washer to do the job, since I get the feeling the problem is caused by the coupler not having a firm enough connection to the elbow.

Those of you who have used this type (and this size) of misting before - if you've run into the problem, how did you solve it?

And if you use this setup and you *have not* run into this problem, how did you set it up? I believe I'd still be having the same problem if I had used T's (instead of elbows).

Thanks.

Scott
Sanford, Maine

Are you sure it isn't leaking from the hose/barb connection. You usually have to tie a plastic strap around it to stop it from leaking.

Yep - easy access to see what is actually leaking (since it's on top of the tank rather than the back).

I've got stainless steel bands on most of the other connections. The elbows are a tight enough fit (and a [bleep] to get into the hose because of it) to not be a problem.

I'll double-check it tonight though just to be positive.

s

I use the same setup. To keep it leak free I just use a lot of silicone on the inside (I mean a big glob), it is ugly but water-tight, and you can't see the ugly silicone once the tank is finished.

Joe
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4.0.0 Tinc Patricias (darn it)
0.0.5 Aurotaenia
0.0.2836 Pea Aphids
0.0.4392 Springtails
0.0.1842 FruitFlies

That is one alternative (gooping it at the top of the coupler), but the coupler/misting head I sort of consider one unit.

I've teflon taped the misting heads good and secured them all the way into the coupler... so removing the misting head wo/ removing the coupler would be a bit of headache.

To reiterate... because the elbow is "free" (not siliconed), I am able to remove the coupler, then move the elbow from the hole, and move the tank.

I'm trying to maintain the ability to move tanks in or out of my rack as necessary.

I'm really starting to wonder about my decision to use 1/8 inch fittings. I've used the larger size previously wo/ any problem.

s