NFT / Drip combo system...

[dubble-oh]

Hey everybody,
I have been doing DWC for the last little while and 8 months ago did a drip grow. I'm looking at changing things around a bit and wondered if I there was any reason that I shouldn't build a combination drip/nft system.

I was considering using tubes like in a nft or aeroponic system but instead of misting the roots or constantly running nutes down the tubes I was going to do a top drip.

Is there any reason not to do this? It sounds like a hybrid system and to me seems like a pretty simple way to go rather than messing with misters or running my pump constantly for the NFT (when I did the drip grow, I ran the pump for 15 minutes every hour).

Anyway, what do y'all think?
Thanks in advance,
d-0

[Opie Yutts]

I don't see a problem. I have kind of a hybrid DWC, NFT or something. At least a little of my roots hang in water at all times, and every 10 minutes or so all the roots get sprayed with a fine mist. I am a huge fan of NFT, but with frequent power outages here, I can't really do NFT by itself. The key is get as much air to the roots as possible, without stressing the plants. The plants love the oxygen, and to return the favor they grow big, strong and fast.

[dubble-oh]

Thanks for your vote of confidence Opie. I'm going to go ahead and build it then since I have all the parts hanging around.
I'll post some pics etc when I get it built :)
peace, d-oh

[swisha]

might hook your pump on your lights timer. thats what i do for my drip system. plants get plenty of water during the light cycle and can dry out a bit when light are off. soak n dry cycles are great for the roots!

[Opie Yutts]

might hook your pump on your lights timer. thats what i do for my drip system. plants get plenty of water during the light cycle and can dry out a bit when light are off. soak n dry cycles are great for the roots!

This is true. More off time would be even better. Like off every hour for 15 minutes or something, depending on your rate of drip and stuff.