Flexible drip tubing

[dgr]

So far, the biggest PITA of drip seems to be the stiff 1/4" tubing available locally. Is there a softer/more flexible tubing available?

Thank you

 

[budshoteyes]

The clear blue tubing they sell in the fish/pet section at walmart or pet stores may do what you need.

 

[desertsquirrel]

The make a rubber version with a great texture, ill check the brand for you later today.

That stiff shit is ass.

 

[dgr]

That stiff shit is ass.

Couldn't have said it better myself. Let me know the brand when you get a chance.

 

[growshopfrank]

try your local hydro store they should have the proper hose be aware that emitter line comes in more than one size (diameter)
if the problem is pushing in the transfer barbs or emitters a heat gun or even a cup of very hot water (dip the end of the line in to soften it up) will work.

 

[dgr]

GSFrank,
The problem is the lines are stiff and want to pull the stakes out of the pots. It's difficult to get my open Ts right where I want them. If I move a plant, I have to redo the stake, twist the T, etc. It does hurt to get the lines together but it's doable.

Anyone else with a specific emitter tubing that is flexible like aquarium tubing?

 

[Stond_Face]

Sure...

Sure...

At Ho Depot and Lowes there are products for drip irrigation. All kinds of stakes and emitters.
There is also black tubing with about 1/4" OD. I been using that for a while. It's fairly soft rubber tube...cheap!

The manufacturer is Mister landscaper

Here's a link http://www.lowes.com/pl_Drip+Irrigation_4294822083_4294937087_

 

[rootfingers]

Since we are on the topic (kind of) - has anyone else seen emitters that look like a heavy fishing weight, the kind you would use to drop a line to the bottom of moving water?

At a greenhouse I recently saw pewter colored, teardrop shaped metal emitters that had holes for solution to come through they connected to there drip lines. Looked like the perfect situation for moving plants in and out easily. The weight of the metal would sit the dripper on top of the media and didn't require disturbing things at all.

 

[dgr]

rootfingers,
Totally off topic That's a neat idea. Maybe we should make some. I've got a ton (figuratively) of cast tire weights. Hmmm, where to find brass 1/4" T's for the drip line?

 

[growshopfrank]

rootfingers,
Totally off topic That's a neat idea. Maybe we should make some. I've got a ton (figuratively) of cast tire weights. Hmmm, where to find brass 1/4" T's for the drip line?

might be a plan but do not use brass or anything else that will corrode when exposed to nutrient solution

 

[growshopfrank]

GSFrank,
The problem is the lines are stiff and want to pull the stakes out of the pots. It's difficult to get my open Ts right where I want them. If I move a plant, I have to redo the stake, twist the T, etc. It does hurt to get the lines together but it's doable.

Anyone else with a specific emitter tubing that is flexible like aquarium tubing?

if hydro stores don't work for you try pond supply shops they often have a decent selection of irrigation gear

 

[delta9nxs]

hey, dgr, if you are talking about the cheap vinyl drip line from lowes that comes on a roll just take long pieces of it and stretch the shit out of it. tie one end to a doorknob or something.

you can feel it deform after it tightens. it is extruded straight and then put on the spools which make it take a "set".

this type of plastic has a "memory" and "wants" to return to it's extruded form.

later

 

[dgr]

frank,
Thanks for the info. I'll try pond supply

delta,
That's the type I'm talking about. I was actually looking at some pictures of yours last night. The line that you are using for your pulse manifold look a lot more flexible than the box store stuff. Where'd you get that?

 

[delta9nxs]

frank,
Thanks for the info. I'll try pond supply

delta,
That's the type I'm talking about. I was actually looking at some pictures of yours last night. The line that you are using for your pulse manifold look a lot more flexible than the box store stuff. Where'd you get that?

that is the box store stuff after stretching. 1/4" od .170 id from lowes off a spool.

 

[dgr]

thanks delta! I'll give it a shot.

 

[rootfingers]

rootfingers,
Totally off topic That's a neat idea. Maybe we should make some. I've got a ton (figuratively) of cast tire weights. Hmmm, where to find brass 1/4" T's for the drip line?

Yes I suppose it was very off topic lol. In my mind there was a perfect synchronicity with the irrigation lines I saw that day. They had an apparent strength, yet maintained a kink free appearance and sit. Very beautiful system they had and I'm sure folks here would appreciate them.

I am going to keep thinking about modified weights to create something similar too. Will keep you posted. . . .

 

[dgr]

root,
Please do. If you start a thread on it, let me know. I'm interested in following along.