Drip tube problem(s)

firefly · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 01:14 PM

Could someone please tell me how drip tubes are installed and work?

I have read a lot on several forums, but can't seem to find a clear explanation of how they work. I accidently dislodged one of the little black drip tubes on a 20 gal Oceanic cube I recently bought which was already set up. I cannot figure out how it connects to the other half of the back wall of the viv. I've tried and tried and can't find pictures of how they're connected to two areas of the back wall; a waterfall and a dripey wall.

The large (1"?) tube from the pump on a shelf in the cabinet has two outflow black drip tubes - one connects to control the waterfall and is working fine the other one is the one I dislodged. How do I make it control the drip wall? Simply putting it in the water at the bottom (behind the waterfall) would only act like a bubbler or airstone - right? Where or how could it have been connected within the false cork back to create a drip? I'm sorry, I just can't figure it out. I don't know how else to explain my problem. Please help if you can. Thanks.

beckdg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:03 PM

i do, but don't understand. do you have any pics you can post?

firefly · #3 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:16 PM

Thanks. I'll try to post some pictures - they're not very good but here they are:

Picasa Web Albums - Ruth - Recently Updated

RecycledAgain · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:25 PM

The 1 '' has me baffled, Drip lines are commonly used in my hobby. They are generally 1/4- 3/8 max tubing that is connected with small hose barbs .

The little lines are generally run by a exterior .. higher pressure pump.

Pictures would be a special kind of help as suggested.

Dan

RecycledAgain · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:29 PM

Is Picture 3 and 4 an actual horizontal spray?

Dan

firefly · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:32 PM

Sorry, I'm showing my ignorance - Must be 3/8 = I was guessing, so 1/2 is probably closer to actual size than an inch. It is a white 3/8 " tube with a connecter or splitter with 2 black drip tubes connected. The black tubes drop from the exterior to the interior behind the little waterfall. I did post a link to pics - I hope you can understand what I'm trying to explain. Thanks so much.

beckdg · #7 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:42 PM

typically one would silicone or glue a couple things together to hid the tube coming out of the background. another way is to drill a hole from the back side of the b/g at a downward angle toward the front and just slip the tube in far enough you can't see it.

now in the case it's not connected to the pump in any way it's gonna have to be reconnected or it's useless.

did they ever both work? maybe it's time for a clean up.

firefly · #8 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:49 PM

Yes, they did (all three) work until I accidently dislodged the tube which feeds (somehow) the right side of the background. It dripped - there was even a good bit of moss growing, now gone. I tried to answer about the size of the white tube and it probably is 3/8" and connected directly to the pump with two black tubes dropping into the back behind the waterfall. The thick white tube IS the waterfall. In the pictures you are looking down into and behind the waterfall (forgot the captions), Sorry.

firefly · #9 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 11:11 PM

O.K. I rearranged the pics and added captions. I hope this helps. Thank you.
P.S. Last pic is irrelevant - just too cute.
Picasa Web Albums - Ruth - Recently Updated

RecycledAgain · #10 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 11:18 PM

I haven't a clue ..on this, I'm so sorry and so confused. I would start with becks suggestion .. Pictures ,, start with pictures of the pump to the tank. lets see if we can determine how this tank is laid out with some photos.

Dan