What size tubing, why?

[aekdbbop]

when looking at different sizes in tubing, is there any reason to get the larger, 5/16
over the 1/4th?

any pros/cons?

 

[Jack]

Some of the more senior members will probably mumble something about aeration being a problem, but I use 1/2" and I'm happy with it. I figured the faster I can rack from the beer the less time it is exposed to the air and stray microbial no-gooders. Plus, it's less likely to get plugged with trub if I accidentally let it dip down too far.

The only other advantage to using smaller tubing is that smaller tubes is that it can be easier to get the siphoning started. And better control when it comes to bottling.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

For what purpose are you using the tubing?

If it's beer line for your kegerator, the debate is usually 1/4" vs 3/16." Most people use 3/16." The larger the inside diameter, the longer the beer line must be for proper balance. Here's a good reference.

 

[aekdbbop]

well, i was just wondering for a regulator... these actually....
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/342.shtml
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/842.shtml
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/regulator/double/742BF.shtml

it looks like they all use 3/8"... dont know where i got the other numbers from..

has anyone had any experience with these? Which would be your choice..

AND is there a difference in the size tubing you use for the co2 and what you use for the beer to tap line?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

The inside diameter of your gas line matters much less than that of the beer line. Unless you're using a ridiculously small (less than 1/16" I.D.) gas line, the CO2 will dispense fast enough to keep up with any pour.

Those regulators specify 3/8" O.D. line, which is probably 3/16" I.D.

 

[aekdbbop]

gotcha.. thanks

any preference between the 3? they are all about the same price...

or anywhere else that sells a cheaper one?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Seeing as they're all within a few dollars of one another, the commercial grade looks to be the best of the three. That's a pretty good price for any regulator.

 

[aekdbbop]

thanks, me 2

 

[anthrobe]

I run 1/4" I.D. for my C02 lines and 3/16" I.D. on all the liquid lines. Works out great.

 

[gnef]

3/8'' OD, is usually 1/4'' ID,

the 3/16 ID beer line is usually 7/16'' OD, i believe

 

[rdwj]

The "standard" commercial set up is 5/16 for your air line. No reason why you can't use 1/4. I went with 5/16 because I already had some of the fittings

 

[Sully_PA]

I'm using 7/16 OD 5/16 ID Gas

5/16OD 3/16 ID Liquid 5' of line min. no problems so far.

 

[gnef]

that doesn't make any sense to me. you have a larger inner diameter than your outer diameter.

 

[Sully_PA]

oops Fixed.