tubing into 5 gallon bucket

[spencer11]

what type of tubing should i use if i have tubing running into a 5 gallon bucket on the ground? i would have 2-3 taps per tree going into 1 bucket. i dont know if it matters but is one better than another?

spencer

[Pibster]

I'm using the blue 5/16" tubing from CDL. It's much more durable than the clear pvc tubing and cheaper. I think it only comes in 500' rolls though. Still only $50 a roll.

[emo]

That is what I use. 5/16 tap to the blue tubing into the lid on 5qt jugs. I think it took a 7/16 drill bit through the lid allowed the tubing through, but it holds tight enough that the jugs do not blow off the tubing when it gets windy. I have been considering using 5 gallon buckets if expanding to trees not on my property.

[spencer11]

does it matter what kind of 5/16" tubing? like does leader max flex work better than the 30p? and i would need a few hundred feet so a 500' roll wouldnt be a problem.

spencer

[happy thoughts]

I don't think it matters as long as it's rated food grade or for potable water.

[spencer11]

well i guess ill just get the cheepest i can get then, since everything else in this "business" is way overpriced.

spencer

[kinalfarm]

Spencer, I would put only 2 taps to every 5 gal. Bucket because they will run over in one day if it runs good.

[maple marc]

Spencer, you might want to rethink the tubing to bucket plan. I tried it and decided I was better off just hanging the 5 gallon bucket on the 5/16 tap. Too much hassle setting up the tubing, trying to clean it for the next year. If you have a wind issue, tie a "belt" around the tree and bucket with some baling twine and a section of old innertube. If you're worried about rain and debris getting into the bucket, just use the lid and snap it on only on the side away from the tree. Keeps just about everying out.

Marc

[spencer11]

ian, i am planning on only 2 taps..only 3 for real big trees. this year i have laterals running into 5 gallon buckets with some up to 5 taps, i found out that they would probably over flow after i had set them up. wish i was thinking about it when i put them up.

marc, i was considering that but i would need twice or 3 times as many buckets. and i would have to empty 1 bucket for each tap, where as if i had 2-3 taps per bucket i would only need to empty 1 bucket for 2 or 3 taps..it just seems like a time saver for me..and i would probably need a metal bucket tap instead of a tap for tubing.(big price difference if buying alot) a friend of mine does the tubing into 5 gallons buckets and it seems like he likes it.

spencer

[maple marc]

Spencer, if you have good trees and big runs, you will need a separate 5 gallon bucket for each tap. During some runs my buckets will be filled. I would lose sap if I ran two taps into one bucket. Yes, the plastic taps for tubing are cheaper than the metal bucket taps, but it is a one-time expense. If you use drop tubing into buckets on the ground, you will have to buy lots of tubing and replace it frequently, and of course wash what you don't replace--a real pain. And as you move taps around the trees each year, it requires a different tubing length each year. And don't forget you will be buying Ts as well. Just my 2 cents!

Good luck and keep us posted,
Marc