Still more Noob questions
 

I take it most of you knowledgeable readers have seen my post about my dual water cooling system. This weekend I have been cruising the boards looking for info and think I may have spotted a major flaw in my system. I am using 2 brass tees and several brass elbows. If what I read is correct I would be better off using graduale (sp?) bends either out of hose or preformed out of copper tubing to lessen the restriction. Maybe soldier up a couple of "y" tubes to replace the Tees. Since I have already spent the money on the fittings I will go ahead with the original plan but wondering if you think doing the above would really make any noticeable difference? Dam dont even have the first ounce of water flowing and already planning to remake it :(

As always your input is greatly appreciated
Aardil

It depends on your pump. If you're using a weak pump, it could make a huge difference. If you're using a strong pump, it won't be as big a deal. I use 4x 1/2" elbow, 4x PVC 90 deg. bend, 3 hose conversion connectors, a 3/8" block, and a T in my res/airtrap, and I'm doing fine with a 350 GPH pump.

Eheim 1250 Pump will be in tommorrow unless Fed Ex delivers to wrong Place AGAIN

Aardil

The less fittings the better!, fittings and equal Y's are'nt as bad if they have an internal diametre that matches the tubes, usualy they have a tiny inner size AND the friction/restriction of the curve. don't use them unless you have to. I use PVC tube at the moment but am getting silicone 'soon as' :), much easier on the bends, and cheaper & better(IMO) than Tygon(unless seeing the water means THAT much to you :p)...

They must be some very tight curves if your tygon wont handle it.

It might be worth looking at some gradual bends as you mentioned, the best example i can find at the moment is some eheim ones here http://www.silverprop.com/sp/shop.asp

either using sleeve bends, or elbows that are'nt on a straight 90 degree bend. Either that, or im sure your local plumbing/hardware store will have something similar which should help the water flow smoother.

Edit: should also mention, if you can't find 'Y' fittings with a nice wide internal diameter, i've seen sections cut off a thick sheet of perspex/acrylic used, drilled out at the top from angles into a vertical inlet, just drilled and tapped with BSP hose barbs epoxied in. Difficult to explain, but the general idea is there.