Building a Aeroponic Prototype -- Need Help!

[WeedTree's]

Hello fellow Growers!

I'm begining a prototype Aeroponics setup to grow a large Tomatoe (And soon Marijuana) plant from seedling to flower.

I will be using a 5+ Gallon bucket for the initial Resevoir, and a smaller bucket which will sit on top to house the misters/sprayers/grow chamber for the plant (Or Visa Versa - 5 Gallon on top, Bigger bucket on the bottom)

The resevoir will hold the pump, an airstone, and said outfits for wiring as well as tubing. The nutrient will be pumped up from the direct middle of the top of the res, to the direct middle of the growth chamber bucket. Is this a good plan: Or should I run the PVC piping from the bottom outside, to the top inside?

I've already purchased the Misters, 4, 360 Degree knozzles which will sit in the grow chamber..Not sure on the pump capacity yet, I know more is better -- Input is greatly appreciated!

What I wanted to know was what would be the best way to construct the PVC for housing the Misters? Should I create a bar type pipe where they sit in a row, or maybe like a Cross, 1 mister on each end so the roots have room to grow down, and out and not interfier too much with the plumbing? Or possible make a flat-laying Field goal post where 2 misters on each side of the PVC spray and the roots grow down, in between them.

A Fogger system will later be incoperated upon completion and thorough testing of the prototype.


Any Feedback is much needed! Thank You! :thumbsup:

[oldmac]

Hello WeedTree's,

I really like your thinking here, aeroponics plus fog. It is the direction I'm headed in a new indoor grow set-up.

Small PVC tubing drilled to accept your misters will work. I have also seen misters mounted to the lid or top of the grow chamber directly thru the top, and smaller plastic tubing connecting them together and to a pump.

As to a pump, you don't need anything too big here, you are only using 4 misters, so a samll aqua pump of abt 250gal/hr (cost abt $25) is all you need.

I would suggest going to fogponics.com and in thier forums you'll find some DIY projects that should give you some good ideas. You'll also see what I built, it's called "fogfognugen" uses both high pressure misting nozzles plus a fog generator from Frapaplas.

Good luck with it, and keep us posted on your build.

[oldmac]

WeedTree's,

I just remembered there are some pics of "fogfognugen" on this forum, on a thread that Opie Yutts had, plus pics of what he was building.

I don't know how to put the link to it here, I never was or will be any good with a 'puter....but if you google "fogfognugen" you'll get the link.

Hope it helps too.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Man you are putting a lot of thought into this. I like that but i don't think you need both. Be carefull with the misters and like said not a big pump. I was looking at an ez clone at the hydro shop. It had just a short riser on the pump and a tee pipe with 4 misters. Too much pressure and it will blow the roots right off. I started with drip and then added air. Now I want to go fog. I got a mistic cloner I'm dieing to try out. I looked all over and found,

MainlandMart(dot)com for the small fooger in the cloner but they have many sizes. With the fogger you need to keep the water level to just the right depth. I sovled that cause they have floaters that keep the fogger on top if you have deep water. Check it out.

If I can grab some I use 10 gallon tubs with 4 to 6 netpots and an air stone with a fogger in each. You can use less water nute mix but may need to be changed more often.

I would try one of each at first and compare. Then go with what works.. Now you got me going. I will have to start a fog log.

I keep reading and I would go with a 5 gallon bucket with the netpot lid a small pump a riser pipe and maybe a tee pipe with 2 misters maybe even just one mister for a bucket an airstone. In another of the same bucket a fogger and an airstone. The bucket at the hydro shop with 8 inch netpot lids are about 10 bucks. The fogger with float about 30 bucks. I get small pumps for 10 bucks and a little pipe would be 25 bucks for mister bucket and about 40 bucks for the fogger bucket.

Peace and keep us up it's very interesting.

[oldmac]

Hey there Loc Nar,

Good idea for a 5 gallon bucket set up, using the 8" net pot lid!
For growing single large plants that is an excellent way to go, plus you could easily make it expandable by just adding more buckets.

Also MainlandMart is an excellent source of pond foggers. I have not seen a source that is cheaper.
Not too long ago I built a small 3'x3' grow tray with fog and areo for someone and I used a 5 gal bucket, plus a 3 head pond fogger in a bouy (like you said the water level to the transducers is important) and a plastic "splash guard" and moisture proof muffin fan and a flexi plastic hose. A real "bucket of fog", but it works real good.

The idea behind using two methods is redundancy, and that is a good thing when your growing a high value crop. Hopefully a well designed system would work with either the fog or the areo alone so that if one of them decided to crap out on you, theres no catastrophy or major panic to try and get something fixed.

So come on Loc Nar, I think you have a decent plan for an inexpensive fog set up. I'd love to see you do a "fog" grow log, don't think there's been any of those here yet, you could be the first!

oldmac

[LOC NAR on probation]

Hey there Loc Nar,

Good idea for a 5 gallon bucket set up, using the 8" net pot lid!
For growing single large plants that is an excellent way to go, plus you could easily make it expandable by just adding more buckets.

Also MainlandMart is an excellent source of pond foggers. I have not seen a source that is cheaper.
Not too long ago I built a small 3'x3' grow tray with fog and areo for someone and I used a 5 gal bucket, plus a 3 head pond fogger in a bouy (like you said the water level to the transducers is important) and a plastic "splash guard" and moisture proof muffin fan and a flexi plastic hose. A real "bucket of fog", but it works real good.

The idea behind using two methods is redundancy, and that is a good thing when your growing a high value crop. Hopefully a well designed system would work with either the fog or the areo alone so that if one of them decided to crap out on you, theres no catastrophy or major panic to try and get something fixed.

So come on Loc Nar, I think you have a decent plan for an inexpensive fog set up. I'd love to see you do a "fog" grow log, don't think there's been any of those here yet, you could be the first!

oldmac

I hear ya, I'm going to be ordering some things this week. I may not use the buckets because of space but I think 10 gallon tubs with 4 or 6 netpots in each. I'm thinking a controll rez and a rez tank on top of that, all hooked together like 4 units. I will put the air stone in the controll rez. Papaya city here I come.

Oh and don't tell the wife, it's easier to ask forgiveness than to ask permission.

[LOC NAR on probation]

WeedTree's , sorry I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Let us know what your plan is. We will compare and I will start the fog log. I already ordered most of what I need. Just had to relocate my grow and work on the room or build it I should say. It's like buiding the nursery for the babies. LOL

Peace man and let us know what you decide to build. It's all very interesting to me and I love a good success story.

[WeedTree's]

WeedTree's , sorry I didn't mean to hijack your thread. Let us know what your plan is. We will compare and I will start the fog log. I already ordered most of what I need. Just had to relocate my grow and work on the room or build it I should say. It's like buiding the nursery for the babies. LOL

Peace man and let us know what you decide to build. It's all very interesting to me and I love a good success story.

Hey Loc No worries! I think I have enough space to continue..;)

Well my plans are pretty much in place..almost.

Have/Purchased so far:


(1) Aqua Air Pump w/ 2 outlets
(4) 360 Degree Mister Knozzles


I still am awaiting the Misters in the mail, and have decided to go with a 5 Gallon on the bottom -- the problem is I cannot find a suitable Bucket to go on top of that 5 gallons lid (Everything I've looked for is non-stackable). And a 5 Gallon bucket is pretty large..So i'm wondering if I should just use 1, 5 Gallon bucket for the main res. as well as the plant housing. But that leaves me with more res. changes, and less space for the roots to grow, as well as potential problems for cloging/space reduction.

Here is a little picture of what I had in mind:

http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aeroponic1vn8.jpg

Now there is MUCH room for variation, expansion, and change. This is just a sketch. I can have the 1/2" PVC run from the outside up and through the side of the top bucket instead of directly up. I can also adjust the formation of the misters. They are 360 Degree Sprayers so I'm not sure if 4 is overkill in one system, or 2 or 3 might be better..

Here is an overhead view of possible Mister installs (Nothing to scale..the lines are piping, red dots are misters):

1 - http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/605/mister1uc9.jpg
2 - http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5486/mister2pk0.jpg
3 - http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4598/mister3hv9.jpg
SideView
4 -http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/3444/mister4ek2.jpg
TopView
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/8977/mister5bt0.jpg


Feedback please! I'll update this post/post again with further information later

[WeedTree's]

EDIT:

- I Also have the option of using all hard PVC piping for the nutrient lines, or using all soft Rubber tubbing. OR, using hard PVC piping for the pump fitting and mister housing, and using soft Rubber tubing where bends/turns would be needed.

- For the containers, I have the option of using SQUARE Buckets instead of ROUND ones, which may stack better depending on which kind I get. I'm browsing Plastic Tanks, Plastic Buckets, Plastic Bottles, Labware, PVC Pipe - United States Plastic Corporation ® (http://www.usplastics.com) and am seeing what would work well together. Is it a good idea to buy a lid with a spout on top for possible irrigation lines or possible Fogger addition?

[socialistpete]

Just got done building my aero setup, used all pvc line except from pump to pvc. I'm gonna throw some pics up tomorrow (no batteries for camera:() in a new thread check it out.

[WeedTree's]

Just got done building my aero setup, used all pvc line except from pump to pvc. I'm gonna throw some pics up tomorrow (no batteries for camera:() in a new thread check it out.


Great! Can't wait to see what it looks like!

On the pump -- I was recomened 250GPH by Oldmac, but is 400GPH overkill? If I plan to expand to other buckets?

[socialistpete]

The bigger the better!!!!!!!!

[LOC NAR on probation]

I have seen a stack kind of like that. However all could be in just one bucket with 2 misters on a tee pipe and air line going in near top of bucket. The roots would soon hang down into the water. If you use the bigger pump try an inline shut off valve and you will be able to adjust the flow. Only thing I would want on the outside is a clear line that elbows out the bottom with maybe a drain shutoff and back in near top to be able to see water level. And be able to drain easy. You could also just use one bucket for mister setup and hook another bucket next to it. Pipe runs near bottom to hook the 2 together and one be control rez..

Tell you what. Go to stealthhydro(dot)com and look a the system with the rez's hooked to 4 units. The control rez is cool and you could put your mister tee's in each grow container. All could be done with buckets and expand all you want or just start wit one or 2 units.

For the fog mine will look like the four unit with the rez setup. Only fog and I can put it all together real cheap. If I had more room I would go all bucket. But I can get 4 plants to a 10 gallon tub.

The only thing I would stack is for ebb and flow or nutrient film. A control rez bucket right next to your mister is easy to look in and keep the water level just the same in each or milti units. Water seeks it's own level.

[oldmac]

hey WeedTree's,

The larger pump is fine, like socialistpete said "bigger is better"....but LocNar has a good idea. Regardless of what size pump you use it's a good idea to be able to conrtol the output.

I would suggest that you put a "tee" in the pump output with one side going to your misters and the other side having the valve, and that valve output staying in or going back to your rez (depending if you use the pump submerged or inline). That way when you open the valve to lower flow to your misters you are not putting to much load on your pump. Plus the flow to the rez will keep it mixed well.

[socialistpete]

That was great advice locnar and oldmac I never even thought about using a flow valve but now it only makes sense to use one. Thanks guys:thumbsup:

Weedtree I got half my shit together will upload pics sometime between now and 4 am. lol;)

[LOC NAR on probation]

Yea I like that, stir up the rez. On the real small pumps aqua they have a valve to put in line and says it won't hurt the pump. I know back pressure is not good on larger pumps. The skies the limit.

[WeedTree's]

hey WeedTree's,

The larger pump is fine, like socialistpete said "bigger is better"....but LocNar has a good idea. Regardless of what size pump you use it's a good idea to be able to conrtol the output.

I would suggest that you put a "tee" in the pump output with one side going to your misters and the other side having the valve, and that valve output staying in or going back to your rez (depending if you use the pump submerged or inline). That way when you open the valve to lower flow to your misters you are not putting to much load on your pump. Plus the flow to the rez will keep it mixed well.

Thanks for the response!

I've got in sights a Aqua 400GPH Subermisible pump w/ filter.

I've decided to buy 2, 5 Gallon buckets and stack them. That way I can utilize a large res. as well as a large grow chamber and stack them to conserve floor space.

The pump will sit at the bottom of the res., next to a 10" Bubble stone (Bucket bottom diameter = 10.33 so it will be a tight fit). This will feed off an air pump on the outside.

I'm a little confused on your whole idea of the T piping -- I understand having the 1 outlet on the pump outlet split into a T crossing, one to the misters above and that other to a valve, but where exactly is the valves access to? Outside the res.?
Like so?:

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7171/outputvalveoc8.th.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=outputvalveoc8.jpg)

Also, I am going to drill small elbows at the bottom of the res. with an attached clear PVC rubber tube going to the top of the bucket where it will meet another elbow to show nutrient height/level.

What do you think of the new, revised Mister cage? It will have 3, 1/2"( Is 1/2" Too Big?) PVC pipe lines, about the height of the bucket, in a triangle formation, which will surround the roots growing downwards, and will also incorperate a Mister at the very middle where the pump outlet first feeds into the growth cage to spray the very tips of the roots.
Like so: Red dots are misters - Blue lines are irrigation

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9184/mister6bl1.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mister6bl1.jpg)
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9461/mister7uh3.th.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mister7uh3.jpg)

The whole Mister housing irrigation piece will screw onto a connection where the pump outlet line reaches the top of the res./bottom of the growth chamber. So it will be a completely seperate piece. Easy to remove for maintenence, as well as disasembly from the res. for res. changes/cleaning.


Are you guys still with me? :stoned::thumbsup:

What am I forgetting here?

Netpot lid or drilled hole for netpot. Probably will be a 6" to leave space from the misters instead of a huuge 10" (Overkill IMO).

Rockwell cubes as medium.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Go with hydrtron for your medium. It gets wet but won't hold waterbad. Rockwool has a rep for holding to much water and causing root rot.

I'm with ya, I see this is like a modified nutrient film with mister. On the pump in the bottom rez, the pipe coming straight up just above the pump inside the bucket put a tee pointing to the side of the bucket. Now put a 1/2 shoutoff valve there. The overflow pressure will blow out into rez and keep it stirred up. It won't be great pressure and will most likely only need to be adjusted one time to get the pressure of the misters right. No need to put any more holes to the out side than needed. Maybe just another spot to leak.

Other than that I think your plan is coming together nicely. Can't wait to see it. without doing the tube out side to see rez level you could make a control rez to hook as many of these together as needed and then easy to keep control rez checked and filled.

[WeedTree's]

Go with hydrtron for your medium. It gets wet but won't hold waterbad. Rockwool has a rep for holding to much water and causing root rot.

I'm with ya, I see this is like a modified nutrient film with mister. On the pump in the bottom rez, the pipe coming straight up just above the pump inside the bucket put a tee pointing to the side of the bucket. Now put a 1/2 shoutoff valve there. The overflow pressure will blow out into rez and keep it stirred up. It won't be great pressure and will most likely only need to be adjusted one time to get the pressure of the misters right. No need to put any more holes to the out side than needed. Maybe just another spot to leak.

Other than that I think your plan is coming together nicely. Can't wait to see it. without doing the tube out side to see rez level you could make a control rez to hook as many of these together as needed and then easy to keep control rez checked and filled.

Something like this?

ImageShack - Image Hosting :: aeroponic2la2.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aeroponic2la2.jpg)

So, I will have a seperate rez. on the outside of the 2 buckets, which will hold ALL the nutrients. The pump in the rez. will split and go to both of the buckets where each bucket will house a Misting unit (1 for each bucket/plant). Is this what you had in mind? That way, I can change/clean the rez. much easier than having to remove the lids of the buckets with the plants and easily top it off as needed?

[LOC NAR on probation]

That's it man. the level in the rez is the level in the misters. If you put a control float valve at the hieght you want your water. you can then stack another bucket on top of control rez and feed the float vavle and make the rez 5 gallons bigger. The control rez is the thing either way and easy to clean and top up. My part for that come tommarrow. I'll see if I can get pic's of the setup.

Your on the right track.

[dexxxus]

Hello WeedTree's, I myself am constructing an Aeroponic system. I've attached my design.

[WeedTree's]

So I've decided to go with the rez. on the outside of the plant chambers/buckets. How should I go about fixing the problem of draining used nutrients from the buckets holding the plants after being misted? Or will the roots soak all of that up?

The most I think I'll be spending money on is the PVC plumbing and the misters -- Should I go metal/brass construction or stay plastic?

What size Orifice should I be looking for for 1/2" piping and 400GPH?

Orbit Full Radius Nozzle Plastic Pop Up Sprinkler - 54027 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100050464&N=10000003+90401+500117)

[LOC NAR on probation]

So I've decided to go with the rez. on the outside of the plant chambers/buckets. How should I go about fixing the problem of draining used nutrients from the buckets holding the plants after being misted? Or will the roots soak all of that up?

The most I think I'll be spending money on is the PVC plumbing and the misters -- Should I go metal/brass construction or stay plastic?

What size Orifice should I be looking for for 1/2" piping and 400GPH?

Orbit Full Radius Nozzle Plastic Pop Up Sprinkler - 54027 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100050464&N=10000003+90401+500117)


You can put a drain low in your rez and as you drain the rez that will also drain all buckets. Water seek it's own level. I hope those are not the misters for your setup.Look at these. They have all different kinds.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Ok couldn't get the link on that page.

[URL="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=71214-1029-MLM-05&lpage=none"]

[the image reaper]

Loc Nar - how is that Lowes' sprayhead, as far as clogging ? ... do they require frequent cleaning, etc.. ? thx

[WeedTree's]

Am currently waiting on:

(2) 5' Gallon Buckets
(4) 360 Misters
(2) 10" Netpots

Still Need:

Hydroton (Pick up locally)
Air Tubing (Pick up locally)
Plumbing fittigns (Buy online/find locally)
Nutrients (Buy online)


What is everyones thoughts on using clear plastic tubing about 1/2" in diameter for the entire irrigation piping? This way i'll be able to see the flow of nutrients to verify that its working properly, also giving me room to customize and add/subtract/move around things without having to drill more or finding tricky corner/connecter PVC pieces.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Most would say stay away from clear tube. If light can get to it it can grow algea but then you would see that and know it. I was just looking at waterfarm buckets and they have tranlucent blue line connecting thier buckets.You can see the water. Just keep as much light out of the rez and buckets as you can.
sounds like it's almost there. As far as nutrients go all that are sold for hydro are formulated for one plant only. So more money doesn't mean you always get more. General hydroponics 3 part are what most all use. Yes peeps like canna and I would like to try dutchmasters when I get a chance.

Hang in there and good luck.

[WeedTree's]

Most would say stay away from clear tube. If light can get to it it can grow algea but then you would see that and know it. I was just looking at waterfarm buckets and they have tranlucent blue line connecting thier buckets.You can see the water. Just keep as much light out of the rez and buckets as you can.
sounds like it's almost there. As far as nutrients go all that are sold for hydro are formulated for one plant only. So more money doesn't mean you always get more. General hydroponics 3 part are what most all use. Yes peeps like canna and I would like to try dutchmasters when I get a chance.

Hang in there and good luck.

Hello all! Quick Update:

Materials I have:

(2) 5 Gallon Black buckets
(1) 4" Disc Airstone for the rez.
(1) Aqua Air Pump (2 outlets)
(1) Length Air Tubing
(1) WP1500 520GPH Water Pump w/ adjustable flow knob

Still waiting on:
(2) 10" Net pots (Coming Monday)
(4) EZ Clone 360 Degree Misters (DO NOT BUY FROM GARDEN STATE HYDROPONICS.COM! 17 Days to deliver a USPS Package from NJ! I LIVE IN NY! WTF!)
Nutrient hosing
Nutrients (Picking up Last)
Hydroton (Picking up w/ Buckets)


I'm going to pick up 2 more 5 Gallon buckets tomorrow. So I will have a total of 3 very large plants going with 1 bucket for the rez. Placed sitting in a square together.

I've decided to stay away from using PVC as the irrigation -- I believe i'll run into construction problems, as well as the Roots will most likely get clogged in them. So i've decided what will be the easiest way, easiest to dissabsemble and clean (KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID!) would be to drill the Misters into the Net pot lids and have them spray downwards from the top, so the nutrients drip downwards on the roots, so no clogging is possible.

The pump will sit in the rez. and pump upwards out the top lid and the nutrient lines will spread to the other 3 buckets.

I have yet to buy nutrient hosing, cause i'm not sure the size of the Misters. I know I need more Misters/Lids but am waiting til I can put together a test bucket before I order the rest.

QUESTIONS:

I need a way to keep the buckets in a perfect square position when they are sitting together. Any ideas to connect them? Either from the bottom or another way?

How should I go about diverting nutrient lines to the different buckets?

How should I go about draining used, sprayed nutrient from all the plant buckets?

[LOC NAR on probation]

Loc Nar - how is that Lowes' sprayhead, as far as clogging ? ... do they require frequent cleaning, etc.. ? thx

I have a bro running some and he likes them. He is in the middle of a grow and has not cleaned them yet. I will get him to look and see if output has declined.

[WeedTree's]

Is a bubble air stone in my rez. necessary for an Aeroponics setup?

[elskeetro]

Is a bubble air stone in my rez. necessary for an Aeroponics setup?

No, but it ain't gonna hurt!

[WeedTree's]

UPDATE!

I've got most of the parts for the Aeroponic bucket setup. I'm still waiting on my Net pots in the mail. I'm going out tomorrow to pickup the now 12 pack of180 Degree misters, vinyl tubing, as well as the other 2, 5 Gallon buckets w/ 1extra lid.

I've been searching around the Internet looking for a manifold that will spread the mister lines to each bucket. The pump will have a line that feeds to a backflow preventer, and then up out the top of the lid to where it will be spread to the different grow buckets misters via nutrient line. I looked and found a Dripper manifold with 8 seperate 1/4" connections that can be adjusted seperately from 0-30 PSI. The bottom connects via 1/2" Male connection I believe..

It is called the "Raindrip 13800B 8 Outlet Adjustable Manifold"

http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/018171/018171138002md.jpg

Is this suitable to deliver nutrient from my res. pump to the other grow buckets? It is a 520 GPH pump that is flow adjustable, so I will need to do some adjusting as not to let too much water through at a time.

I feel if all else fails, and the Aeroponic misting system doesn't work, I can switch to a top feed drip system instead and salvage many if not all the parts.

Instead of having a whole seperate misting unit inside each bucket grow chamber, I'm going to place 2, 180 Degree misters in each bucket. One on each side of the lid across from each other so they cover both sides of the net pots below. They will hang about 2.5-4" below the top of the lid, as to make contact with the growing roots below instead of just soaking the Hydroton. I'm going to buy rubber gromets that will fit in the wholes in the lid, then slide the tubing through with the misters connected at the other end for a light tight, snug fit.


Comments/criticism greatly appreciated! I'm going to start a new build thread as soon as all the parts are in hand --

[Daddynobucks]

this is what I have been useing

6 buckets with 4 spray heads fed with a 633gph pump
1/2" feed lines 3/4 drain to a repump bucket,that has a float switch on at 3" off at 1" maintaining a low water level

feed schedule 1-3min on 30-60min off

also a 6"airstone in res.

[elskeetro]

this is what I have been useing

That's awesome! I wish i saw this earlier. I just bought stuff to do a 3' x 5' Aero SOG. I was doing DWC buckets before. This would have been a nice move.

Skeet.

[WeedTree's]

this is what I have been useing

6 buckets with 4 spray heads fed with a 633gph pump
1/2" feed lines 3/4 drain to a repump bucket,that has a float switch on at 3" off at 1" maintaining a low water level

feed schedule 1-3min on 30-60min off

also a 6"airstone in res.

That looks great!

Where did you get that tubing that is fitted with an outlet to house your misters? Did it come in a pre-formed ring like that?

[Daddynobucks]

No its 1/2 poly from Lowes, its raindrip tubing,stuck on a T fitting held in place with GOOP brand plumbers sealant.
the lids are 6' net pot lids with the pot cut off so a seperate 6' netpot can be set in it,easy replant on a continous harvest system.

[WeedTree's]

No its 1/2 poly from Lowes, its raindrip tubing,stuck on a T fitting held in place with GOOP brand plumbers sealant.
the lids are 6' net pot lids with the pot cut off so a seperate 6' netpot can be set in it,easy replant on a continous harvest system.

Great, Thanks!

Sorry for the flurry of questions! :)

How does your drain lines function? How is the remaning nutrient in the bottom of the buckets drained from them and into the other, semi-holding bucket? And where does it go from there -- back into the res?

[Daddynobucks]

there is 1.5 " tall stands the grow buckets sit on,the drains are all interconnected with one line going into the repump bucket on the floor,it pumps back to the res. in another room.there are two 6 bucket systems returning to the repump and res.
the pump is submerged and the output line rises to about 16", with the inlet to the buckets at 10". this riser is to prevent the res. from siphoning over when the pump turns off.I figured this out the hard way but really quick.
the repump is a condensate pump with float switch(little giant)
picture is the repump bucket
I can send more detailed pics if needed

[WeedTree's]

More pictures would be amazing!

I just noticed the buckets sit on stands like that -- That is what I was most confused about. Getting the small amount of nutrient at the bottom out of the bucket but I see now it will drain from the middle using gravity. I will have to make some sort of stand to incorperate sitting the buckets on, and keeping them in place.

Could you explain this a little more..

"the pump is submerged and the output line rises to about 16", with the inlet to the buckets at 10". this riser is to prevent the res. from siphoning over when the pump turns off."

I googled the Little Giant switches, they seem pretty large, where is yours in your re-pump res? Could I somehow pump the nutrients back into my main res, instead of having another seperate one..i'm tight on space as of now!

[Daddynobucks]

the res. is a 20 or 40 gal. depending on number of plants,6 or 12, there is a 633GPH pump submerged in the res for each group of 6 buckets.first photo shows the 3/4 hose in the center rising 16"befor it goes thru the wall,other hose is 1/2" return from repump,others are air,heater
there is a 5 gal. bucket that the plants drain back into,the bucket in the corner with the fan on it.see the small 1/2" hose coming from the top,it is the outlet hose from the condensate pump in that bucket Wholesale Pumps - Fountain, Pond, & Waterfall pumps at wholesale prices! (http://www.wholesalepumps.com) model #1-ABS.
dead batteries in cameria tomorrow on the pics.

[Daddynobucks]

I have not a clue what all the highlited gobledegoop is in the prevous post:wtf:]
but here are the pics of the repump and res.
the pump came from (wholesalepumps.com)

[WeedTree's]

SUPER UPDATE!

Lets backtrack a second..

Each 5 Gal. bucket will house a 6" Net pot lid, that will outfit 2, 180 Degree misters in each bucket. The misters will be placed opposite each other coming down from the top of the lid. Rubber gromets will be placed in the nutrient line wholes on the lid, and the nutrient line will slide right through for a snug, light tight fit. The misters will be attached to the other end, which will hang about 2.5-4" from the top of the lid as to fully cover the net pot as well as the newly developing roots below.

An air pump will be outtfitted to a 6" Bubble Stone that will sit at the bottom of the nutrient res. next to a 520 GPH Water pump w/ adjustable flow knob. The pumps outlet will have a backflow prevention socket, that will lead to the top of the res. lid where on the top of the lid on the outside will sit a Raindrip 8-Outlet 1/4" Dripper feed manifold. Each dripper distribution line is adjustable from 0-30PSI.

From there each distribution line will feed to the buckets misters.

SOME GOOD STUFF!

AND SOME MORE!..

I researched trying to keep the grow buckets at a constant temperature, but came up short on answers.

The temperature in the res. will have to be maintained, and kept slightly warm, So I will most likely invest in a heater with thermostat to monitor it's temperature and adjust accordingly.

Now, keeping the grow buckets from overheating will be another problem. I do not wan't to encounter root rot!

I'm sure they will get quite hot from the temperature in the grow room, since they are just thin PVC plastic. I'm thinking start small and wrap the buckets in some sort of heat reflecting tape to keep them somewhat cool. I still have yet to construct the grow room, have things running, and take temperature readings so I don't know for certain what extent I need to go to keep them cool and at a below 70 Degree temperature.

DOESN'T END THERE!

I've figured out most everything for the plumbing. The outlet to the pump has a 3/4" female insert. I've decided 1/2" is too skinny, so I've upgraded to 1" piping. So the pump outlet to the dripper manifold will go as such -

Pump Outlet > 3/4" threaded to 1" slip Male Adapter > 3 inches of 1" PVC > Backflow preventer check valve > 4 inches of 1" PVC > 1" slip to 1/2" threaded Male reducer adapter > Dripper manifold.

The manifold that all the nutrient lines will run off of will sit atop the resevoir. I will drill a whole so the piping can run through the top. This removes any kinks, and opening the top of the resevoir is as easy as just unscrewing the dripper manifold on top.

I just recieved my 6" Net Pots today and am figuring out how I want to incorperate the misters onto them. I'm thinking I'll stick with my original plan -- Drill 2 holes in each net pot lid, insert rubber grommets, slide the nutrient lines through the top and extend them so they are at length with the bottom of the bucket net (about 6-7")

I'm also constructing a SCROG screen out of PVC and chicken wire. It will be almost as wide and long as the grow tent (31.5") but will bend slightly at each side at 45 Degree angles.

CONTINUING THE MISTER TALK!

So, today I recieved my 1/4" Rubber Grommets for the seals for nutrient tubing as well as air tubing.

Should I have gone with 360 Degree misters instead of 180? The spray spread will be facing the roots/net pot.

Here is a quick shot of the nutrient line and pot -

ImageShack - Image Hosting :: 004rkm.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=004rkm.jpg)

As you can see, the nutrient line will drop down from the top passing through a rubber grommet. What I need to now know is how to keep the nutrient line straight, instead of hanging all willy-nilly like that. Maybe a piece of stiff plastic to slide on it so it doesn't bend?

Now I was going to use Rubber Well Nuts, that have a thread at one end where I was going to screw in the misters, insert the nutrient line from the other end, then insert them into the lid. But the nuts are way too short and wouldn't cover spraying the roots efficiently enough, and I couldn't find longer ones ANYWHERE!


Thanks for stoppin by! :thumbsup:

[Daddynobucks]

FAROUT :thumbsup:
That sounds like it will work, a couple of comments/suggestions

by running the system without plants you can figure out if you need 4 emmiters instead of 2,me thinks 4 is needed.I used 360 degree only because thats what I had,be sure to angle them so they hit the netting and not up on the solid part of the netpot

the back flow valve sounds like a good idea,but you might need to remove it if you get a syphon action into the buckets,be sure to watch out for this.

I was mistaken on my pump size. they are 1056 GPH not 633s like I thought.each pump feeds 6 buckets.
put your pump in a filterbag,rather than an inline filter,as they cut the flow way down

notice the differance in the spray systems from my first proto to what I setteled on.the first was WAY to much work/cost,all those glued PVC fittings:mad:

and no matter what folks say,you will need to keep the PPMs LOW,if they don't grow with aero they don't know

Aeroponics is not DWC/EB FLOW/FLOOD/DRAIN,BUBBLER, whatever. it is a hi order supercharged fast grow system
and you will need to stay on top of it

[Daddynobucks]

oh forgot, paint the buckets and net lids white with rust-olium plastic primer paint,this will help on the heat during the summer,setting the buckets on a piece of styrofoam or Al skinned foam insulation will help with the cold

Are you sure you want to go thru the lids with the feed lines rather than the side of the bucket,thru the bucket allows you to remove,rotate the plants without fussing with tubing fittings and making leaks???

[WeedTree's]

oh forgot, paint the buckets and net lids white with rust-olium plastic primer paint,this will help on the heat during the summer,setting the buckets on a piece of styrofoam or Al skinned foam insulation will help with the cold

Are you sure you want to go thru the lids with the feed lines rather than the side of the bucket,thru the bucket allows you to remove,rotate the plants without fussing with tubing fittings and making leaks???

That is a good idea! I think i'll change my setup, and use your 1/2" Vinyl tubing like you have in the second picture. I'm wondering if these 1/2" Compression Tees with barb outlets will work instead of the Tees with the barbs so I don't have to glue and can change out tubing/misters as I need to if problems occur. They are large, but sturdy.

Have them exit the bucket, and insert the barb outlet as shown --

ImageShack - Image Hosting :: 010uyg.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/my.php?image=010uyg.jpg)


I also picked up a Temperature/Hygrometer today. And will be buying a pH/EC/TDS/Temp. all-in-one meter later tonight.

[Daddynobucks]

sorry but I dont see any pics at imageShack

[WeedTree's]

Here are the tees:

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1511-010.jpg

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1512-009.jpg

[Daddynobucks]

I know you already have them, but I would just go with a barbed "T". the compression fitting is going to be in the way inside a bucket

You should see the BOXES of unused,scrapped, misc. fittings I have. the big drawback to designing/building DIY projects.

[WeedTree's]

I know you already have them, but I would just go with a barbed "T". the compression fitting is going to be in the way inside a bucket

You should see the BOXES of unused,scrapped, misc. fittings I have. the big drawback to designing/building DIY projects.

Very true. They are quite large seeing them in the bucket. I will stick with the 1/2" Vinyl tubing inside to house the misters, but will come up with another smaller, more agile fitting.

Here are the backflow preventer, 1" PVC piping and attachments for the pump. Now I also just got the 8 Site dripper feeding manifold today in the mail, but will not need it for the plan changes i've encountered. I'm thinking of just buying a 1" PVC Distributor like such and placing it atop the res. bucket as shown --

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1513-012.jpg

This..

http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/picserve.cgi?picserve=/672-4570.png

or this..

http://www.flexpvc.com/cart/picserve.cgi?picserve=/6port.png

There are only going to be 3 plants growing as of now, but would like to expand on later.

[Daddynobucks]

nice looking fittings,I would plumb for the final # of plant sites and just plug the unused

I doubt your pump will have enough pressure to unseat the spring loaded check ball,unless you pay over a $100 for a pump.
always get the pump with the highest head,for the $

[WeedTree's]

nice looking fittings,I would plumb for the final # of plant sites and just plug the unused

I doubt your pump will have enough pressure to unseat the spring loaded check ball,unless you pay over a $100 for a pump.
always get the pump with the highest head,for the $

They are nice fittings! I'm thinking of buying maybe a 6+ outlet manifold like shown, and as you said, plug the unused ones. My tent only accomodates 4 buckets (3 plants, 1 res.) at the moment (I measured its dimensions).

I don't think the pump I bought does have alot of pressure at the head (outlet), just by looking at it it's not a very large pump. 520GPH. I do not think it can unseat the check valve, no, it is a 1" Check valve. Quite large just sitting in my palm.

If it doesnt seem like i'm getting alot of pressure..I'll upgrade the pump, or just lower the PVC pipe size to 3/4" or 1/2".

I'm hoping I have enough pressure to push nutrients up that big 1" PVC piping :/.

[Daddynobucks]

head on a pump is how many feet above the pump level it will push water,most cheap pumps only push 9' max and most at 7'
so there really is no pressure. thats why they are measured in GPH/LPH at x'

[WeedTree's]

head on a pump is how many feet above the pump level it will push water,most cheap pumps only push 9' max and most at 7'
so there really is no pressure. thats why they are measured in GPH/LPH at x'

Yes, the max height on the pump is 8.5'

Problem? Seeing the size of the PVC I have, it might be. I might have to move down to 3/4" or 1/2" piping.

[WeedTree's]

You guys are f!@#in awesome. Thanks for all the help!

UPDATE!

I went to pick up the 1/2" Barbs for the nutrient lines today. I saw some drainage valves I could have used, but didn't purchase any because i'm still deciding on how I want to tackle that. I still have to get the 1/2" Tubing which i can't seem to find anywhere.. (Should I be looking for rubber, plastic, vinyl, nylon, or polyurethane?)

I purchased a HANNA pH/EC/TDS/Temperature tester from eBay for $85.00 that should be here this week.

I also picked up a Thermometer/Hygrometer, too.

NUTRIENT TALK!

I wanted to go with AN nutrients, but I think that will completely break my bank. So I'm going to go with the GH Flora NOVA Series with SuperThrive added from start to finish (1 droplet or 1/4 teaspon per gallon), and KoolBloom for the last 3 weeks of flowering.

I stumbled upon this feeding scheduale from GH -- A good go by? I know it's better less than more, so I will experiement and see what happens.

Flora Nutrient Weekly Feeding Program - Greentrees Hydroponics (http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/weekly_feeding_program_flora.asp?gallons=5&display=ml&B1=Submit)

GROW ROOM!

Making sure I understand this correctly:

Keep pH between 5.5-6.0

Keep Temp. at between 72-76 Degrees

Keep Humidity up to or around 70% during vegetation

Keep Humidity below 50%, 30-45%, after the first 2 weeks of flowering to the last 2 weeks then below 40% until Harvest.

Seedling/Clone - 200-400ppm
Week 1 - 400-800ppm
Week 2 - 800-1000ppm
Week 3 through Flowering - 1000-1400ppm

Flush plants with pH adjusted water for 3-7 days before Harvest

[LOC NAR on probation]

Pipe should be at slows or homedpot. Ground irragation or house water line is what I have found.

GH is great go with the feed on that. These nutes are formulated for amsterdam style. Superthive stop well before flower and I myself have noticed my bro not doing as well with it. At first couple goes seemed ok but with superthive it takes longer to recover from problems.

Grow room info is the smack.

I have the same meter so you will need to calibrate solution, cleaning and storage solution. Never let the PH probe go real dry. And for that price let me know who you got it from.

[WeedTree's]

Pipe should be at slows or homedpot. Ground irragation or house water line is what I have found.

GH is great go with the feed on that. These nutes are formulated for amsterdam style. Superthive stop well before flower and I myself have noticed my bro not doing as well with it. At first couple goes seemed ok but with superthive it takes longer to recover from problems.

Grow room info is the smack.

I have the same meter so you will need to calibrate solution, cleaning and storage solution. Never let the PH probe go real dry. And for that price let me know who you got it from.

So for Superthrive I should stop prior to triggering my Flower scheduale? I read it's a B2 supplement and I should use it throughout the grow -- No?

What about grow room info being smack? ..confusion

The Hanna meter was found used on eBay. The seller says he only used it twice so I will see how it tests if any problems. Where can I purchase these solutions from?

[Daddynobucks]

Yep slowes :-) should have 1/2" Raindrip irrigation tubing.

I use GH 3part, the superthrive isn't needed in the flower and will make your buds taste funny

when you burn your ladies up ,next time try less than 500ppm
all these formulas you read about are NOT for aeroponics

scouts out

[WeedTree's]

Yep slowes :-) should have 1/2" Raindrip irrigation tubing.

I use GH 3part, the superthrive isn't needed in the flower and will make your buds taste funny

when you burn your ladies up ,next time try less than 500ppm
all these formulas you read about are NOT for aeroponics

scouts out

I'll check Lowes again for that probably see online and pick it up at the store.

I hear people only use 2 parts of that GH 3 part, the Grow and Bloom. I'll cut out the Superthrive before I trigger flowering, just for vegetation.

Burn my ladies try less than 500PPM? So lower it that much before Harvest?

Do you have another formula, maybe Lucuses? That could be used for Aeroponics..

[LOC NAR on probation]

Grow room info smack on the money. Sorry.

I take my PPM's to the limit. If you see leaf tip burn just back off some it's maxxed out.

Lucas is 1 part grow to 2 parts bloom. It can be run the whole grow with good results.

[elskeetro]

Lucas is 1 part grow to 2 parts bloom. It can be run the whole grow with good results.

Lucas is 1 part MICRO to 2 parts BLOOM, or commonly known as 0-1-2 (G-M-B).

Specifically:

VEG: 0-5-10 ml per gallon
Flower: 0-8-16 ml per gallon

(0-5-10 is used with low light veg using fluoros, if using HID for veg use 0-8-16 all the way through out your grow)

It's the easiest shit in the entire world. Perfect formula for Aero.

I believe that the Flora Nova Bloom is already a 0-1-2 mix so you may be able just to buy one bottle of that instead of the 2 bottles of Micro and Bloom.

There are many great posts on ICMag about aero. Do a search there for a user named PIRATE. His shit will set you straight on aero.

good luck.

Skeet.

[WeedTree's]

Lucas is 1 part MICRO to 2 parts BLOOM, or commonly known as 0-1-2 (G-M-B).

Specifically:

VEG: 0-5-10 ml per gallon
Flower: 0-8-16 ml per gallon

(0-5-10 is used with low light veg using fluoros, if using HID for veg use 0-8-16 all the way through out your grow)

It's the easiest shit in the entire world. Perfect formula for Aero.

I believe that the Flora Nova Bloom is already a 0-1-2 mix so you may be able just to buy one bottle of that instead of the 2 bottles of Micro and Bloom.

There are many great posts on ICMag about aero. Do a search there for a user named PIRATE. His shit will set you straight on aero.

good luck.

Skeet.

Awesome!

FloraNova is 4-8-7 "Flora Nova is an exceptionally potent, complete one-part fertilizer plus organic additives. Extremely concentrated, FloraNova is an excellent bargain with an application rate of only one to two teaspoons per gallon of water. One bottle is all you need, making FloraNova the easiest nutrient youâ??ll ever use."

So would 1 Bottle of FloraNova Bloom work throughout the grow?

For now I will go with 2 bottles of the MICRO and BLOOM GH Forumla in 1QT Bottles, unless adviced otherwise. I'll also grab some Superthrive as well as some KoolBloom.

[elskeetro]

Yeah, i'm not entirely sure about the flora nova bloom. Stick with the Micro and Bloom for now.

Kool bloom has been reported as awesome. I've never used it. The Lucas method supposedly gives the plants everything they need without any additives. If you do decide to add the kool bloom, i would avoid using the powder in an aero setup. that's asking for clogged sprayers.

Only use superthrive for clones and lightly in veg.

here's a few links you should read:

icmag.com/ic/showpost.php?p=2140406&postcount=20
icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=113425


skeet.

[Daddynobucks]

well you sure can't argue with Pirates results!

the only problem with his system is it holds way more plants than what my state allows, to be a legal grow

next time around I will try the Lucas receipe

[WeedTree's]

BUILDING BEGINS!

Well, today I went back to Lowes to pick up some more rubber grommets for my Tees. I've decided to go with Nobucks method of lining the pots with the 1/2" Vinyl tubing and inserting the misters into it. I drilled 3/4" Holes and slipped in the grommets and tees for a nice, snug fit and this is what we have:

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1531-005.jpg

They nutrient lines will be about 3 1/4" from the top of the bucket lids. I measured so the misters will spray the very bottom of the net pot. I'm going to continue drilling the other holes right now.

The next step will be measureing the 1" PVC pipe and cutting it to incorperate this giant check valve for the resevoir. I'm having second thoughts on this 1" piping -- it's huge! And the fitting that attaches my pump to the tubing is quite restrictive..well I'll get everything cut and put in place and then run the pump to see how it fairs.

I'm going to be buying some GH MICRO and BLOOM, as well as the SuperThrive and KoolBloom later tonight.

[Daddynobucks]

I think you need to spray on the sides of the net pot,my spray ring is at the top of the second ring down on the bucket.about 2" down
I put the sprayes on the bottom of the line

[WeedTree's]

No problem! I will just screw the misters in so they are standing tallwise, instead of hanging down. Then they get all of the netpot.

[WeedTree's]

Also, is it a good idea to buy Nutrients in bulk, instead of in smaller quantities like Quarts? You save alot of money that way. I believe the cheapest place w/ shipping to purchase GH is on eBay, but i'm concerned about keeping unused nutrients for a long time after being opened -- Problem?

[elskeetro]

Also, is it a good idea to buy Nutrients in bulk, instead of in smaller quantities like Quarts? You save alot of money that way. I believe the cheapest place w/ shipping to purchase GH is on eBay, but i'm concerned about keeping unused nutrients for a long time after being opened -- Problem?

Yeah, buy at least 1 gallon bottles. Keep them in a cool, dark place and they'll last for years.

[WeedTree's]

Great! I'll buy the larger Quantity.

Today I drilled a 1 1/4" Hole for the power cord from the pump to exit the bucket (It's a big hole -- Bad idea?) I also drilled 2, 1/4" holes (shown, top left) and inserted rubber grommets for the 2 air stone lines. I also drilled another 3/4" Hole near the top of the bucket for possible pump PVC outlet.

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1536-001.jpg

Now, there are 2 possible ways I can construct my pump outlet to go. It can either go up, through the check valve, turn 90 Degrees and go out the side of the bucket to the Manifold or distributor..

OR

Go up, through the check valve, and straight out the top of the bucket lid to the Manifold or distributor..

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1537-002.jpg

What's the best solution? Pros, cons? Doesn't really matter which as long as it exits the bucket in a non-restrictive fashion?

[WeedTree's]

You can see by the picks, I measured and fitted some of the PVC plumbing from the resevoir pump. It will go up, hit the check valve, go up slightly more then bend and go out the side of the resevoir.

http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1546-002.jpg
http://boards.cannabis.com/members/weedtree-s-albums-aeroponic-picture1545-001.jpg

From there, it will bend back upwards, where a 1/2" 4-Way PVC Cross will sit, and 3 1/2" Barbs will be inserted into each slot. Each bucket will run off one barb.

I'm confused on what I can do for the Drainage, though. How can I draw that little nutrient out the bottom of the buckets and back into the res..Using gravity or not? That is the final piece i'm stumped on still :what:


I just recieved my HANNA Meter today as well. I'll be ordering a Gal. of BLOOM and a Gal. of MICRO, as well as the SuperThrive and KoolBloom at the end of this week or beginning of next. No rush there

[Daddynobucks]

have you filled the bucket res. with water and seen how much goes by the check valve?

are your grow buckets higher than the res.?your pump needs to pump to the top of them.

[WeedTree's]

have you filled the bucket res. with water and seen how much goes by the check valve?

are your grow buckets higher than the res.?your pump needs to pump to the top of them.

Yes I filled it almost full with water, ran the pump close to the high setting and a good amount goes by the check valve out the top, but not very much pressure. I still have yet to connect the full ring of plumbing and hook up my nutrient lines, so i'm not sure yet on the pressure coming out of the mister heads.

No, the grow buckets are pretty much the same level as the resevoir. That's what makes it tricky. I could make stands, but then I would have to encoperate another semi-holding res. to then pump THAT back into the main res. but I don't have enough floorspace to do so.

[WeedTree's]

I think I'm going to have to upgrade the pump I have now. On the highest setting, I don't get much pressure coming past the check valve. Water flows alright, but not at a fast enough pace. And with only 1/2" plumbing, this isn't a good sign.

I'm looking at something over 1000GPU, and a max head of about 13-15'

1376 GPH Pump Water Fountain Pond aquarium Submersible - eBay (item 180329093938 end time Mar-17-09 06:43:11 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/1376-GPH-Pump-Water-Fountain-Pond-aquarium-Submersible_W0QQitemZ180329093938QQihZ008QQcategor yZ103440QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

They also have sump pumps for a reasonable price, 1/2HP that pump much over 1000GPU, but i'm sure use much more power.

New 1/2 HP Submersible Dirty Clean Water Pump Pond Pool - eBay (item 260375027588 end time Mar-14-09 18:44:57 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/New-1-2-HP-Submersible-Dirty-Clean-Water-Pump-Pond-Pool_W0QQitemZ260375027588QQihZ016QQcategoryZ42132 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Daddynobucks]

no, if the bottom of the grow buckets are higher than the top of the res. it will gravity return.
if the buckets are the same height then you need a REPUMP bucket with float switch controling its own pump in the system,it returns the nuits back to res.

[WeedTree's]

UPDATE!

Daddynobucks,

Unfortunately, i'm dealing with a limited space in my grow tent (31.5" x 31.5" x about 6ft). I don't think I will be able to raise the buckets that much to have gravity return to the res. They would have to be raised atleast a foot, and I don't have the verticle height to do that. ALSO, I don't have enough room in the tent to incoperate another re-curculating bucket to pump those drained nutes back into the res (Unless I place it outside of the tent somehow)

This is seeming to be my biggest challenge right now..

I really want to go the Aeroponic route seeing how far i've come, but I may have to re-do my plans and turn this into a DWC Bucket system. I can keep most of my purchased equipment, but just now need to find a good Bubble Bucket system. That way I can still have 3 buckets to grow plants, then 1 for the res.

I've ordered a 1/2 HP Pump off eBay that pushes 2000GPH with a max height of I believe 16'

A 16oz Bottle of Superthrive is also on its way.

Let me know your thoughts everyone!

[socalsinner]

What size of pipe would hold a 10" Net Pot? I am looking to have aprox 160 sites. Want to grow plants large. Would appreciate all the help you can give