Multi Flow Buckets

[CrusadeBoxer]

What is the best pump to use for a 30 site multiflow bucket system?

CrusadeBoxer Reviewed by CrusadeBoxer on 03-09-2006. Multi Flow Buckets What is the best pump to use for a 30 site multiflow bucket system? Rating: 5

[oldsanclem]

you have 3 things to look at
1 size of feeder hose
2 head heigth of the buckets
3 total time your feeding them
I used a 80 gallon tank , 3/4 in incomming feeder and "T" to each bucket. "T" provide 2 ways for the water to flow. When the water is on its pushing up to the bucket. But when off its going down ,,,the fastest way. This helps the roots to go that way. With a "T" you should always have a flow. Every so often you will have a root system clog your system Thats easy pull the bucket up and clean out the flow.
I would go with a 750 gph MEGNatic pump ,,,,, not a direct drivel
1 direct drive get a seal leak and you have mineral oil in you feed system.
Mag pumps are totaly enclosed,,,,, believe me its well worth the extra buck.
Also with that big of a need for supply tank you need a pump to mix up the solution.
Note I used a float switch inline with the pump and timer. Pump pumps till the feed bucket is full and then stops reguardless of time.
To bad overgrow is down had all the diagrams over there.

[CrusadeBoxer]

My res is only 55 gallons. That is all I need isn't it. Here is a link to exactley how I am gonna build the system. The only difference is that I will have 30 pots instead of 12. http://www.hg420.com/printthread.php?t=3072

So now any upgades or usefull information would be great. Now what type of pump should I use. I think I might get a maxi jet 1200 water pump but I still need two other pumps. HELP.

[oldsanclem]

33 buckets with hydrocorn or granit took almost 80 gallons . They were 4.33 gallon donut filling buckets.
1200 gph pump is way over , you want a flow that takes all bucket to the same point of fill. Thats why you use a 3/4 inlet with 2 feed lines, this helps feed them all evenly.
1 pump to fill the buckets
1 pump to mix the res. before the bucket pump full
I used regular pumps but they give out in a year or two, the mag pump lasted 8 years and going.
Mag drive pumps only
I used a printer relay controler mod 74 about 25-85 from qkits ?
and used a program Relayrunner Never had a problem as long as you replace the computer battery every year. Its a fail safe system and worked at a few sites. About 40 years of total time on a few units , if you add up the growers I know. But there many more out there.
Note use a air pump in you main tank to keep the O2 levels high.
ONE last thing never more than 99 plants. A plant is one leaf with a root or a 8ft tree, thats de law

[oldsanclem]

Looked at you plan go with a sunken tank as it more fail safe and multi feed lines as if you first one clogs ..... your screw. see my print.
Think if it can happen it will, believe me after a few dacades of growing I have seen it.
Had a crop grow so fast at bloom , got so thick the whole crop broke in 1/2 and salvaged about a pound of almost mature buds.
Had a home made co2 gen go goofie and killed a whole crop
Alway have a spare bulb even if they are all new.

[CrusadeBoxer]

What is a sunken tank. What gph of a magdrive pump. What is a good air pump to use. Instead of water hose should I use tubbing. Or was everthing good with that setup.

[oldsanclem]

sunken tank = in the ground or lower than the buckets
any cheap air pump I liked the 12 in airstones.
any black or hose that does not transmit light
I used a 750 gph pond pump.imp: :thumbsup:

[CrusadeBoxer]

Thank you for the help. I found a better way to build a bio bucket system. I will pm it to you. Cant show it on another forum. Its the rules but let me know what you think

[CrusadeBoxer]

Never mind guess I cant

[oldsanclem]

If your selling that system , no problem, if buying it , you must start some place. Cash cropper can not effort problems.
With gravity flow you only need one pump, 1 float switch, if its a real good one, no problem. Gravity always works, on earth. Well over 15,000+++ system cycles. 3 days missed because of 2 pump failures, one computer battery. Other than that real its boaring.
Note all parts are Industrial , so failure is in 1 million cycle min.
Example
float sw. $6 normal $80 for industrial
Pump $25 normal $120 industial duty
hose clamps $0.20 industrial $0.90
controler timmers 3 * 12=$36 industrial $140 + ss relays 12@ $10 total $380
Chart recorder ??? free, industrial $280 16 channel
Co2 control By guess , free, Industral $1,100 with back up for change out.
1/3 crop pays for it all, and free for decades
Failure rate is about .0009%,+-.0002 Plus you can do it remote.
Its like a small car , one accident you can buy a lifetime of gas @ $10.00 a gallon if you live. (ask you insurance company)
There is real fast, fast , and half fast.
grams/watts/months is the bottom line. $$$$ is the bottom line
good luck , and have fun , cause with out fun it boaring
Beatnic's for better pot,past Old Hippie