bubbler bucket system Question.....

[SpaceNeedle]

I have a 1000W light over 9 buckets covering a 4ft x 4ft area. It also has a control bucket and they are all interconnected with 1/2" pvc pipe. I then have a smaller pond pump in the control bucket pumping nutes to the farthest bucket, basically constantly moving the "water" down there. Then I have a little aquarium air bubbler with a 4" stone for air bubbles.

My question is: With the water constantly moving, pretty evenly through all the buckets with the pump, are air bubbles still necessary? They seem to clog up about half way through the flowering period anyway. I'm wondering if anyone ever has gone without the air bubbles and what kind of differences one might see between using air bubbles and just running a pump and circulating all buckets.

SpaceN

[4x5]

if the last one in line isn't connected to the first control bucket also, circulation to the last pot will be the worst, you might add a bubbler half-way down the chain, and possibly move your first bubbler farther downstream from the pump. I don't grow hydro, but my understanding of fluid dynamics says flow backup problems. the air stones can be cleaned by scrubbing via brillo and bleach

[latewood]

I personally recommend always using airstones in every rez, or in the type of system you described...I would have an airstone in every bucket...My personal choice. you can never...never, have too much Oxygenation..lw

[The White Snoop]

LW is on key. I have a airstone in each bucket and the res. The more DO the better!

[SpaceNeedle]

Ok, I guess they stay, they sure are a pain in the *ss, no question about that
thanks guys

[Zandor]

Ok, I guess they stay, they sure are a pain in the *ss, no question about that
thanks guys

More air pressure and you will have less problems with them cloging. FYI. :)

[Bachelorpads]

I use an Alita-80 air pump, it is a monster and i love it. Like Latewood said, the more oxygen the better.