This system uses:
- 30 gallon tank,
- 250 W stock tank heater with built in thermostat
- 130 gph 11 watt pump (130 gph is more than enough but I plan on expanding my system)
- Unseal bulkhead fitting. Just drill the hole in the tank, insert the rubber fitting, then cram a pvc pipe into it.
- 3/4 inch schedule 40 pvc pipe. Schedule 40 has thick enough walls for a tight seal with the nipple threads
For threading the nipples I used a 21/64 drill bit and tapped the threads with a 3/8 x 24 tap. Apply teflon tape and the nipple screws in.
Since nipples are inside the coop, I also installed a backsplash and a gutter to collect and drippings that drains thru the floor. The nipples don't leak but there are always a few drops that fall off the beak.