Best way to install a fitting in plastic pail?

[rrog]

I want to install fittings in 5 gallon plastic pails. Below res level. What's the best, most leakproof method? These would be 1/2" plastic threaded drain fittings

Also, I'd like to have a coarse screen "filter" on the inside to hold back submerged Hydroton. If any resident engineers have an thought on that, I'd be quite grateful

Thanks!

 

[Mickymouse]

Best way is with a tub outlet.but its for hose.If its a drain it would work some how.You can get screen you need to.

http://www.4hydroponics.com/grow_room/ebbFlowFittings.asp

 

[machinist86]

i use 3/4 but you can do the same with half inch but you use rubber gomets(http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HPMG12&eq=&Tp=) and barbs(http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HPMC12&eq=&Tp=) but all you have to do drill the hole and stick the barb in then stick your tubing in you can even put a shut off valve or quik disconnect

 

[geopolitical]

I currently use rubber grommets and barbs myself but in the past for larger connections I have used aquarium bulkhead fittings (3" pvc). I've also built my own bulkhead fittings using PVC conduit fittings and foam drain gaskets.

 

[Asil]

This is what I use on all my thru wall fittings for my RDWC.

Along with this.

Then I use two o-rings. I try to get a tight fitting o-ring so it seals around the treads well. Have used this set up many times with no leaks. I also drill the hole for the fittings so that you have to screw them thru the bucket. Hope this helps you out.

 

[rrog]

Thank you all very much.

Asil, where do you get those fittings?

 

[Asil]

I get mine at Menards, but any hardware store should have them. They are by all the rest of the pvc fittings.

 

[rrog]

I'll be damned. And these work OK on a curved bucket surface?

 

[sensiskrap]

these are the best!!!
meant to be used on curved surfaces.

http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/829/Uniseals

 

[Brazilianfire]

no no no no....these are the best and are what the prosssss use lol j/k they work very well quick disconnect too...http://www.newageindustries.com/camop_nylon.asp your gonna want to get c and f. good luck mattte

 

[rrog]

What a great bunch of replies. I'm going to get a few systems and see what works best. I'll post the results.

Thanks!

 

[rrog]

Seems like a lot of people complain about fittings. I am picturing a heat gun to soften the plastic to make flat

 

[micro gro]

Try E/F bulkhead drain fittings w/ matching screen @ hydro stores. Comes in 1/2" and 3/4".

 

[geopolitical]

bulkhead fittings are your best bet for long term reliability. That and use a HIGH quality hole saw or fostner bit to drill the hole so you have nice smooth edges. Smooth edges are easier to seal.

 

[darkhollo]

Watch the quick disconnects. I used the standard ones for 3/4" hose bibs (standard garden hose) and there is such a small orifice on the inside, almost like a filter, it clogged up and i ended up burning a 130$ pump! fscking sucked.

i say go with the standard pvc fittings, the curvature of the bucket is not an issue with dealing with 1/2" - 1" fittings, much larger and it's an issue. Those uniseals are awesome.. but damn they are proud.

--dh

 

[rrog]

Have you used the Uniseals DarkH? If they work best, the cost is small.

Good point on the clogging. Thanks!

 

[rrog]

Man! Has this ever turned into a major pain in the ass. Looking at several forums, the O-ring method has apparently the best success. Went to Lowes, Ace Hardware... nothing. I guess I'll have to order online. The curve of the 5 gal pail is the problem.

 

[DonkeyPunch]

I don't know what you are doing, but is it possible to have your plumbing on the flat bottom of the bucket, and your buckets not setting on the floor, but on a couple 2x4's a few inches above the floor, leaving room under the bucket between the 2x4's for the bulkhead?

Just an idea. May not be workable for your design.

 

[rrog]

DPunch thanks for that. Using the flat bottom would be a great plus, but I'm height limited already. Using Scrog.

 

[rrog]

By the way after researching this to an embarrassing level, I have found that more serious players use what Asil recommended than anything else.

This is what I use on all my thru wall fittings for my RDWC.

Along with this.

Then I use two o-rings. I try to get a tight fitting o-ring so it seals around the treads well. Have used this set up many times with no leaks. I also drill the hole for the fittings so that you have to screw them thru the bucket. Hope this helps you out.