spedwards Posted May 15, 2006 Share Posted May 15, 2006 I'm sure this has been done by others, but a picture tells 1000 words. I started out heading to Bunnings to just grab a couple of taps, and I walked away with an idea to create some quick release taps without the cost. Part required are: 2 x Taps 1 x Poly tube connector 1 x Barbed snap-on adapter Enough hose to join them together Enough hose clamps to hold it together I used Pope parts, but i'm sure any would do the job fine. The barbed snap-on adapter has a standard tap connection and could be attached to any standard snap-on tap connector, I chose the poly tube connector as is has the barbed ended for easy fitting. Construction is pretty self explanatory... Just cut the hose to enough length to join the pieces together and use the clamps to make sure it doesn't fall apart. The poly tube connecter clips onto the barbard snap-on connecter (with a little force) for a nice secure fit. Final product: After checking the goodies when I got home I realised that the diameter of the hole through the barbed snap-on adapter is significantly smaller than 19mm. I will see how things go with this and if the flow is significantly reduced I'll get some screw fittings that stay 19mm all the way through. Parts for one set came in at about $15, which is a fair bit cheaper than getting the real deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10050460 Posted May 15, 2006 Share Posted May 15, 2006 have to be careful with the snap on connector if you are using it indoor on wooden or carpet floor. they do deteriote over time and leak if bent. i tried it before and felt really flimsy and i didnt want to take the risk on wooden floor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 15, 2006 Author Share Posted May 15, 2006 have to be careful with the snap on connector if you are using it indoor on wooden or carpet floor. they do deteriote over time and leak if bent. i tried it before and felt really flimsy and i didnt want to take the risk on wooden floor. ← I was worried about the leaking over time and will keep a very close eye on them. But the more I think about it, the more the reduction through the snap-on connectors annoys me. I'm going to do away with the snap-on and swap over to the threaded connectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wui39 Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 The threaded fittings are better but still reduce the flow rate. I think all up it cost me about $10 to make mine I'll try and post pics soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I like the idea. In regards to the reduced flow due to internal restrictions. Dependant of plumbing sizes used, and the availability of larger plumbing fittings for the parts required to make this, you could just plumb the whole thing up, so you make sure the ID of the narrowest part going though the taps and fittings, is equal to the diameter of the correct sized hoses being used. Maybe larger plumbing fitting could be found at an irrigation supply store which will be better than Bunnings. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 18, 2006 Author Share Posted May 18, 2006 One thing I didn't mention in the first post was there was some grating in the taps, I removed this to prevent any problems caused by gunk getting caught and causing a blockage. I ended up back at Bunning last night to swap the snap-on fittings, I've had a nasty incident when trying to get one open where it bit me and that was the end of them! The screw fitting are 19mm all the way through, they don't seem to decrease the ID at all so maybe your's are a little different wui39? Bunning have irrigation fittings in 13mm, 19mm and 25mm and also include reducing fittings between all thos sizes to mix and match. The screw fittings are also a little cheaper than the snap-on connectors. In the end I've got 19mm quick release taps for about $10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wui39 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I used the 13mm fittings so that may be correct. I was restricted to using them because they were going onto a Fluval 103. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 You can plumb things up to make sure the ID is correct, for example when going through the tap fittings (I know they come in larger than 13mm), but plumb it down to the correct size after, to go into the filter. The ID is the most important here, with an eye to not being smaller than the inlet/outlet of the pump/filter. These click on fittings usually have a rubber O ring, so if one starts to leak, check and replace. The only "double tap connectors" on the market I know of are the Eheim ones, and they cost an arm and a leg. They are extreamly good, so you get what you pay for, but if a DIY way can be done..... Spedwards, in case you don't know, you can buy taps without the strainers. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 19, 2006 Author Share Posted May 19, 2006 The only "double tap connectors" on the market I know of are the Eheim ones, and they cost an arm and a leg. They are extreamly good, so you get what you pay for, but if a DIY way can be done..... ← That was the inspiration for putting these together! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Have yours shown any signs of leaking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 19, 2006 Author Share Posted May 19, 2006 I haven't actually got the tank running yet, I'll be getting water in over the weekend and keep an eye on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 You mean the stand actually arrived?!?!! Shock horror! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted May 19, 2006 Author Share Posted May 19, 2006 Yeah, we picked it and the hood up last night. I thought that it was never going to come I haven't got any pics yet, but I'll put some up when I get it all together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrdog Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Yeah, we picked it and the hood up last night. Oh yeah . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10050460 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 hey the plumbing shop up my place has a double tap connector, its about $12, maybe abit more, im planning to try it out later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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