Idea for nozzle tube?

Hey, I'm new to this site but I'm very interested in building one of these fountains.
I have been researching for the last week and i wondered if i could use a popcorn tin as the shell. It measures 12" in diameter and is about 7.5" heigh. Would this be too big? Small? Here is a picture of one very similar.(I couldn't get my computer to upload my real photo) any comments or concerns are greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Beau. http://www.hotwicks.com/v/vspfiles/photos/POPCORN-2T.jpg

Hi and welcome to the forum

The best is maybe to use a PVC pipe..
But hi dude.. there is NO rules

The 12" size is nice to have the water travel slow up, but only 7" is not so much space to add straws ?
Maybe give it a test with some mesh and filter inside..

What are you planning to use as a nozzle output ?


Cheers and good luck..

Keep in mind that you'll need to fit straws, filter foam, an entry chamber, and an exit chamber in there somewhere.

So for a typical nozzle (keep in mind there really is no such thing as typical, just more or less common)

2" - Water entry chamber
2" - Filter Foam
7 3/8" - Straws
2" - Exit Chamber

For a total minimum length of 13 3/8" (Mine is 16" in length due to a bigger entry and exit chamber). So you'd most likely have to cut your straws down to make them fit. That will sacrifice a little laminarity but your diameter might more than make up for it. You'd just have to experiment to find out, which of course I tend to think that's half the fun

Thanks for the replies.
I was planning my output diameter to be around .5".
Which raises another question. Where can you get a brass nozzle?? Because i don't have the tools to machine one myself.

As for the straws i plan to cut them shorter to make room for the filters. I have also noticed that the professionals don't even use straws, though. They just use a series of metal screens. Maybe there is a way to eliminate the straws all together?
All i know is that I have some testing to do!
Thanks, Beau.

John - on our board - is the MAN when it comes to brass nozzles. He produces a fine product.

As for not using the straws - several board members have built and posted photos of their attempts to build straw
free fountain https://laminar.forumotion.com/laminar-nozzle-talk-and-pictures-f1/how-to-make-a-pentair-nozzle-t123.htm

Welcome

Great thanks.
I will have to talk to john.
I found a website where a man had his local manufacturing company make him one. It turned out quite nice! Here is a link to the man's website. If you scroll down it shows his brass nozzle.(In the section "Laminar Flow Fountain- Brass Nozzle insert" there is a link showing the nice nozzle up close called "Brass Nozzle")
Thanks, Beau.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp0.blogger.com/_5QGBZStMsrg/SIP_qeXOmrI/AAAAAAAAAK4/k8kBW1LdTr8/s400/CIMG6117.JPG&imgrefurl=http://mad-laboratory.com/category/fountain/page/2/&usg=__8ePDvmV5mGbvRPP0e9HzGBM-ys8=&h=300&w=400&sz=41&hl=en&start=3&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=d53u5ewzsdfFnM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlaminar%2Bflow%2Bfountain%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1

Oddly enough that same man is me! LOL! Yeah, I just had a local manufacturing shop make me some. I have some in stock right now. They are .5" output, and are made from a naval brass to resist corrosion.

Oh man! Thats crazy! Well that makes me excited because thats EXACTLY what i wanted!
Thanks John! Beau

I have a concern about the popcorn tin. I'm not sure what it is covered in (coating type), but I would be concerned about rusting. Also are you just planning on using the popcorn lid for the top? There is quite a bit of pressure in these fountains and it will pop the lid off, unless you secure it to the tin. What do you think?

Thanks John.
I don't believe tin rusts but I could be wrong.
As for the lid I thought the same thing. So I tried securing it on with two metal strips on the top and bottom and they are bolted together. However I found that the flimsy tin lid wanted to bend around the supports letting water out.
Im starting to think this tin thing was a bad idea.
Couple more tests like that and it will find itself in the garbage.
Wish me luck! Beau

Tin= Fail.
So i guess I'm moving onto some different tubing.
I will let you guys know how it works.
By the way I bought a new pump yesterday. Its rated at 450 GPH. It may seem low but I think its powerful for my size fountain.
Thanks, Beau.