I finally got tired of the two liters and decided to go the route of the automated system. My one regret is that I didn't do this sooner. I've had one minor flood in two months, and that's it. Everything else has been pretty smooth. I took these pics right after I installed everything. I've tightened up the tubing since then. If anyone is thinking of doing this, I highly suggest it. I'd much rather do the maintenance on the system (which consists of just routinely checking the valves and connections) then to fool with water bottles.

http://www.reptileradio.net/reptileradio/picture.php?albumid=39&pictureid=173
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptileradio/picture.php?albumid=39&pictureid=172
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptileradio/picture.php?albumid=39&pictureid=174
http://www.reptileradio.net/reptileradio/picture.php?albumid=39&pictureid=175

Nice looking setup you got there!!

Nice setup and we had it like that but the stupid wild mice chewed thru the tubing every time so back to large feeding bottles

Nice system to have there. Next Spring we'll be building our 'rat house' and finally get them out of the house.

I hear the hum of a factory in the making.... nice set up bro! :letsparty:

Looks good. Now we just have to gang up on Larry and get him squared away.

Automatic water systems are the way to go! I check each valve once a week and if it quits working you will know by other signs. Just use the buckets and that way if you have a flood it will not be a constant supply........

What was the cause of the flood? Chewed through tubing?

Nice setup, by the way.

Nice setup. I'm really thinking about plumbing my racks. How much do the drinking valves run? And where is a good place to get'em?

Alan

What was the cause of the flood? Chewed through tubing?
Nice setup, by the way.

It was actually from one of the adults pushing a piece of pine into the valve causing it to stick wide open. Not sure why some of mine do that but I've watched them before try to just pick stuff up and shove it in the valve. Other then that, as long as the tubing is not accessible to the rats then there shouldn't be any chewing going on.


Nice setup. I'm really thinking about plumbing my racks. How much do the drinking valves run? And where is a good place to get'em?
Alan

The valves are the most expensive thing in the setup. I believe they run about $4 a piece. So it adds up once you buy the tubing and the T-connectors and the on/off valves for the buckets........but its not an astronomical price and its well worth it in my opinion. I got all of my stuff from http://www.agselect.com

That is where I get my stuff also! Great customer service. I buy my tubing from Lowes though and use the clear 5/16 by 3/16 and it works like a charm and you can see what is going on inside! Just dont have it exposed to direct sunlight or algae will start to grow.....

I'll definately check the site out. Thanks

Alan

I used these guys. They have the valves cheaper than agselect. They also give discounts for purchasing more than one. I have had great luck with them.
http://www.klubertanz.com/index.htm

Is there anyway to setup this up with tanks? i would guess id have to make mess covers to use instead of what i have now...

It was actually from one of the adults pushing a piece of pine into the valve causing it to stick wide open. Not sure why some of mine do that but I've watched them before try to just pick stuff up and shove it in the valve. Other then that, as long as the tubing is not accessible to the rats then there shouldn't be any chewing going on.



Did you end up with drowned rats? That's my fear with going with an auto water system. I've been wanting to implement it, but my wife has said she doesn't mind refilling the water bottles for now, and I'm worried about losing a tub of rats.

Did you end up with drowned rats? That's my fear with going with an auto water system. I've been wanting to implement it, but my wife has said she doesn't mind refilling the water bottles for now, and I'm worried about losing a tub of rats.

no drowned rats for me.......I'm sure its happened to some but I check on the rats at LEAST twice a day (usually more). There was only about an 1.5" in the tub and it was just a few mediums so they just got a bath. You'd really have to either not check for a few days and let the whole 5 gallon bucket empty into the tub or not check for a few days and let the water fill up from the main water line (if this is how you have the plumbing setup).

very nice