connecting two flexible tanks

[Rhosyn Mor]

Good morning to all.
I have two flexible water tanks that I wish to connect. I am thinking of just connecting to outlet of one into the inlet of the other. Then run the main outlet hose as normal from the second one.
Will this work? or is there a better way to ensure that I can use water from both tanks?
Thanks

[David M]

Is there a connection at the bottom which could be used as a crossover?

I have two rigid tanks that are connected to one another. A hose runs from the bottom of one to the bottom of the other tank. The tanks, one port, one starboard are the same height. Both tanks have breathers at the top of the tank which run up higher to an overflow fitting on the hull. The starboard tank has the fill inlet from the deck fitting. When filling, water flows through the crossover to the port tank.

[James S]

I'd put a valve at the bottom of each tank with a tee between them....open the valves and you draw from both tanks or one or the other as you like.

I'm a fan of maintaining a reserve....a popular way to do this is to always draw from one tank until its empty, then open both valves until the tanks equalize their levels then close one and use the other until empty....repeat....repeat........

If you have any problems you will still have the contents of at least one tank.

[svHyLyte]

I am assuming you are refering to flex tanks under the settees. Note that it would be unwise to connect the two without shut-off valves that allow you to isolate the tanks. When (not if) one leaks, both will empty unless you employ the valves suggested by James. Been there done that (See http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...air-14553.html ).

[s/v Jedi]

Best is a simple, self-made manifold out of 3/4" schedule 40 PVC parts available in every hardware store. For 2 tanks plus 1 common plus 1 spare (always add a spare!) you need two T's, 4 valves, 4 adapters to 3/4" thread and a foot or so of pipe. Use PVC or nylon threaded parts: 3 x 3/4" thread-to-hose for your size hoses and 1 x 3/4" plug for on the spare.

Use the valved that use cement for connecting to pipe, not the threaded ones.

It will outlast anything else aboard and is very quick and cheap to make

cheers,
Nick.