5/16 with small vacuum

[gmc8757]

I think I know the answer but I have to ask anyway - sorry.

Is 33 taps on a single 5/16 lateral too much? The main is a 1/2 with a shurflo vacuum setup on the end. I know the general rule of thumb is to keep it to 10 or under when on vacuum. Does the same rule go for a diy vacuum like the shurflo (not sure if it pulls less then a pro vacuum setup)?

I'm thinking the same rule does apply here and I should split it up into 3 laterals? Not sure why I didn't do it from the beginning yesterday - guess I was just excited and kept going.

[maplestudent]

It looks like you sort of answered your own question (split it up). I think it really depends on how efficient you want to be. the best practices are aimed at being the most efficient.

last year I had 92 taps on one shurflo (a first for me). all tubing was 5/16 (two main runs, with numerous side runs of varying lengths and tap counts). On some days that were just above freezing on which I would normally get little sap flow on buckets, I was getting a steady stream.

my system is probably the complete opposite of tubing efficiency, however I more than doubled the amount of sap I usually get with buckets, plus I didn't have to collect them. So for me, it WAS more efficient.

[gmc8757]

I appreciate the response and your experience. I guess it will all work - just a matter of how efficient you really want to be. I will finish tapping everything and then go back and change this. Shouldn't be too bad at all.

[maple flats]

33 taps on a 5/16 is far too many. For the best results you should have 33 taps on 6 or 7 laterals. If you have a decent drop however, 33 could go on 1 or 2 laterals if you use 3/16.

[gmc8757]

It's only about a 20-25 foot drop. I was thinking about 3/16 but didn't think the drop was enough. I'll be splitting it up tomorrow. Thank you!