I put a 2.5 in piece in between the tee and the Barb but when I dry fit it, I end up with quite a bit more than .5 inches between them. Will it "shrink" once I glue them together permanently? I know the glue lubricates the pieces....
I have measured to the stopping point inside the fittings, the 3/4 fittings are 1 inch deep. So when I measure and cut a piece I measure how much I need and then add 2 inches then cut. It seems like I end up with quite a bit over what I needed.
Ya. The glue will act as a lube and make it easier to get the piece farther into the joints. When dry fitting you can never get them that far in unless you really work at it. Then its near impossible to get them apart.
When you assemble that section, try to do it outside the tank so you can get more leverage to push it in futher if you are concerned.