Fittings for buckets

In a bid to optimize my latest system, I made the trade off of using 1/2" tubing with grommet/elbow connections.

It drains slow, but that isn't really the problem. I expected that.

The problem is its a little bit leaky, not majorly, it took me a bit to determine it wasn't just condensation, but I am sure now its not (the dye from the PH Up solution is a bit of a giveaway). Not only is it leaky, but, its time for a solution flush and change anyway. Perfect time to fix it.

A friend, who is of course out of town this weekend, suggested that I could redo the whole thing in pex with a trip to the hardware store, and it would be great and easy to service, something about shark bite connections being amazing.

Anyway, I have been looking around a bit online but I don't exactly see what I would want. I really would like to connect to the bottoms of my buckets, preferably with 5" or less of clearance, and then into the side of a full size 5 gallon bucket (the plant buckets are 3.5 gallon with the identical top to a 5 gallon), but I already have a 3/4" barbed fitting for that, if I can use it.

Anybody know what I want to buy? In any case, if I figure it out tomorrow, I will try to get some pics of the process.

look in distilling fittings /sites for parts........they have a drain system for mash buckets that do 5 gallons in 4 mins

u can also look in home depot in the plumbing fitting setoin for pex connectors they are used in watering systems for the yards

Gatorbite connectors are great for plumbing but not for growing. You do not want metal in the system plus they are freaking expensive. Look for uniseals.

This site has just about all the fittings, grommets, and hose you'll need.. I used 1/2" to start with but I'm upgrading to 3/4" next cycle. http://www.hydroponics.net/mc/21

I prefer 3/4 personally I use these http://www.ebay.com/itm/EBB-N-FLOW-TUB-OUTLET-FITTING-BULKHEAD-3-4-gro-grow-/230661559985?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b48016b1

They do make em in 1/2 too.

You know, I do too. I have those, but I was afraid I wouldn't be able to fit them without raising the buckets up more. I just went and tried it out, and the smallest I can make it stick out, down to the bend in the elbow, exacly 5". Perfect. I am upgrading to these tonight.

The nice thing about these is if you want to upsize to 3/4 hose later the hole in your bucket is the same size there is just less plastic in the fitting allowing more water to flow.