Took a few pictures while I was putting together a new system and thought there might be some interest here at HG for folks thinking about making one of their own. Hydroponics is a great way to garden year round or maybe just in the winter months, either way, for me it's just plain fun. An avid outdoor gardener could start a huge number of seedlings in this system.
First place to start a project like this is to decide on what light system to use and go from there. Thanks to some of the folks here in the forum's I experimented with growing strictly under fluorescents and found they can produce some fine greens, herbs etc. I've gone with HID's for the majority of builds but this one is going to be floro, and a cheap one at that. Have a 4' 4 bulb unit hanging out in my shop that wasn't being used much. Not checked to see if it's T-8 or T-12 but I'm sure it's not T-5.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0118111914-01.jpg[/img]
Next step is to find a container that will fit under the light's foot print. I want to utilize all the light but not have plants growing where the light can't reach them. I searched the Home centers for tubs but didn't find one that suited my purpose as well as one from a hydro store so I opted for the more expensive one that fits just dandy under my light, 44" x 24" x 7" depth.
Then I had to decide what type of hydroponic system I wanted as there are several methods of growing hydroponically. I wanted this unit to be versatile, to be able to grow DWC, RDWC, Ebb & Flow, NFT or drip. Some of those methods require a reservior and that part was easy as I already had one that matched close enough to the tray. The flood tray holds 20 gallons or so of water so I wanted the resv. to hold twice that amount, this one holds about 45 gallons.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117110815-00.jpg[/img]
You've got to support the flood tray or at least get the tub off the ground if your going DWC and you've got to be able to hang your lights from somewhere. This can be as simple as some concrete blocks and a couple pieces of scrap wood with some eye bolts in the ceiling. Simple and DIY or there's store bought frames on the market. I had some left over wood and some left over paint so I made mine out of scraps so it was free other than the box of wood screws I had to pick up. Mine's unique and lite weight, easy to move around the room and most importantly solid. I weigh over 200lbs and walked or hung on the frame to test it out before anything was added.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111008-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111520-00.jpg[/img]
Here's the system with out plumbing and mechanicals installed yet, I'll stop by and post the completion of this system build. Maybe there's an idea or pic that will answer a question or give an idea.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111649-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Well done hydroguy! Love the stand.
I am one of those using planks, cinder blocks, eye bolts, and scraps of wood, LOL!
You mentioned starts. I get 4 1020 trays sideways under my 6 bulb, 48" system for a total of 72 4" inch pots (after up potting from germination) or 288 starts in the traditional 1020 starter trays.
I just finished the second 6 bulb system. Well, it is 3 two-bulb shop lights fashioned together as in the photos in the blog.
What are you going to grow?
I am one of those using planks, cinder blocks, eye bolts, and scraps of wood, LOL!
You mentioned starts. I get 4 1020 trays sideways under my 6 bulb, 48" system for a total of 72 4" inch pots (after up potting from germination) or 288 starts in the traditional 1020 starter trays.
I just finished the second 6 bulb system. Well, it is 3 two-bulb shop lights fashioned together as in the photos in the blog.
What are you going to grow?
Thanks Halfway, the success of your grow was one of the reasons I started this project! I'm going to do a grow of leaf lettuce again which will give me time to tweak it a bit. I've already found a couple of issues that have to be addresed, simple things realy that can be overcome easy enough. I'm done with the Simpson Elite and Black Seeded Simpson, production is just fine but too light in color for me. Going back with some Green Ice, Prizeleaf, Red Sails and New Fire Red.
Water leaks can scare some folks away from hydroponics and with some (DWC) there really isn't anything to worry about as its a self contained system. Other types of systems do require a bit of plumbing and yes, I've had water leaks in the past and they all came from one place primarily, the fill/drain assembly. I've collected spare parts over the years and happen to have 3 different types of fill/drain fittings that are off the shelf units sold by most major hydroponic retailers. All my systems run 1/2" fill and 3/4" drain so I'm comparing all 3 of the same size.
Here's a group shot of all 3 brands.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111707-00.jpg[/img]
Sunleaves: This has been my top choice for years. It comes factory shipped with 2 flat gaskets, extensions come in 3/4" and 1 1/2" lengths and it is smaller in diameter while still having the same size barb fitting as the others. The extensions also slip together which make adjustments in flood heigth simple. Downside to this model is the extensions are not sealed and the flood table will drain back into the resv. when the pump is not running. Not an issue with flood drain but I've noticed it when setting this table up for RDWC. Price about $8
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111707-01.jpg[/img]
Botanicare: Not ran this unit yet but I am ordering some riser extensions and see if they are a tighter seal than the Sunleaves brand. The upper diameter is much larger on this unit while the barb fittings are the same, this takes up space when running pots in a flood drain system which is why I haven't used it before. Also the unit comes from the factory with only one flat washer. Price about $8
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111708-00.jpg[/img]
The last unit is called a Heavy Duty and sells for about $10 by hydro supplier. It is thicker wall pipe but it's nothing more than PVC pipe and fittings that can be found at most home centers. Other than the screen its a piece of pip cut to desired length and shelf fittings. The gasket is a single O-ring which would require a very precise sized hole for it to be leak proof. I didn't order this unit but it was sent to me as a replacement for an out-of-stock Sunleaves once and its never been used.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111708-01.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Water leaks can scare some folks away from hydroponics and with some (DWC) there really isn't anything to worry about as its a self contained system. Other types of systems do require a bit of plumbing and yes, I've had water leaks in the past and they all came from one place primarily, the fill/drain assembly. I've collected spare parts over the years and happen to have 3 different types of fill/drain fittings that are off the shelf units sold by most major hydroponic retailers. All my systems run 1/2" fill and 3/4" drain so I'm comparing all 3 of the same size.
Here's a group shot of all 3 brands.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111707-00.jpg[/img]
Sunleaves: This has been my top choice for years. It comes factory shipped with 2 flat gaskets, extensions come in 3/4" and 1 1/2" lengths and it is smaller in diameter while still having the same size barb fitting as the others. The extensions also slip together which make adjustments in flood heigth simple. Downside to this model is the extensions are not sealed and the flood table will drain back into the resv. when the pump is not running. Not an issue with flood drain but I've noticed it when setting this table up for RDWC. Price about $8
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111707-01.jpg[/img]
Botanicare: Not ran this unit yet but I am ordering some riser extensions and see if they are a tighter seal than the Sunleaves brand. The upper diameter is much larger on this unit while the barb fittings are the same, this takes up space when running pots in a flood drain system which is why I haven't used it before. Also the unit comes from the factory with only one flat washer. Price about $8
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111708-00.jpg[/img]
The last unit is called a Heavy Duty and sells for about $10 by hydro supplier. It is thicker wall pipe but it's nothing more than PVC pipe and fittings that can be found at most home centers. Other than the screen its a piece of pip cut to desired length and shelf fittings. The gasket is a single O-ring which would require a very precise sized hole for it to be leak proof. I didn't order this unit but it was sent to me as a replacement for an out-of-stock Sunleaves once and its never been used.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111708-01.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
I decided to go with the Sunleaves fill/drain kit, primarily because I had all the parts but I'll be ordering the extensions for the Botanicare kit and give it a try soon enough.
Had to decide first of where to put the holes in the tray. The tray is longer than the resv. but more narrow. Ideally I wanted the fill on one end and the drain on the opposite end but I also wanted the fittings above the resv. Decided to play it safe just incase there might be a leak which hasn't happened in a really long time.
The fittings require a 1 1/4" hole. A dremel can do this but after a few leaks I use right parts and get a really good fit. Drilling through plastic more or less melts it instead of actually cutting so go slow and there's less clean-up.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111717-00.jpg[/img]
The main reason I like the Sunleaves is that come with 2 flat gaskets. After the hole is cleaned of any burrs a gasket on both sides of the tray makes for a really tight seal. Here's a couple pics installed where the gaskets are easier to see.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111725-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111724-00.jpg[/img]
Hose clamps really aren't necessary with this type of system. There's flow in the hoses but not really any pressure as the the flow isn't restricted. Besides it's a extremely tight fit, so tight I heat the tubing with a torch to get it to form around the barb ends. A drop of dish soap and a warm hose these things slip together for a leak prrof seal.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111734-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Had to decide first of where to put the holes in the tray. The tray is longer than the resv. but more narrow. Ideally I wanted the fill on one end and the drain on the opposite end but I also wanted the fittings above the resv. Decided to play it safe just incase there might be a leak which hasn't happened in a really long time.
The fittings require a 1 1/4" hole. A dremel can do this but after a few leaks I use right parts and get a really good fit. Drilling through plastic more or less melts it instead of actually cutting so go slow and there's less clean-up.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111717-00.jpg[/img]
The main reason I like the Sunleaves is that come with 2 flat gaskets. After the hole is cleaned of any burrs a gasket on both sides of the tray makes for a really tight seal. Here's a couple pics installed where the gaskets are easier to see.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111725-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111724-00.jpg[/img]
Hose clamps really aren't necessary with this type of system. There's flow in the hoses but not really any pressure as the the flow isn't restricted. Besides it's a extremely tight fit, so tight I heat the tubing with a torch to get it to form around the barb ends. A drop of dish soap and a warm hose these things slip together for a leak prrof seal.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111734-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
The water pump I first installed was a ViaAqua rated around 140GPH, fine dependable little pumps that I run in a couple of systems. Problem was it pumped too much water, water was coming out the top of the screen and getting on the floating raft. I could have put a valve inline and resticted the flow but I had a sunleaves pump with a built in flow setting, rated at 138 GPH. The blue ring in the last picture shows the flow setting.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0118111913-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111540-02.jpg[/img]
Granted DWC does not need to be recirculating but with this sytem it is. It exchanges the nutirents from the reservior and the tray extending the time between resv. changes. Checking the PH and PPM is done in the resv. not the tray where the raft would have to be raised.
Oxygen is supplied to the tray with an Eco Air 2. Tried a round air stone along with the standard 6" stone. The round stone is $8 while the other is less than $2 but so far I like it. I've never had great luck with the cheaper stones as they tend to break really easily. Ordered 2 for this build and one of those broke before I ever got it into the water LOL.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0118111914-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111902-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0118111913-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111540-02.jpg[/img]
Granted DWC does not need to be recirculating but with this sytem it is. It exchanges the nutirents from the reservior and the tray extending the time between resv. changes. Checking the PH and PPM is done in the resv. not the tray where the raft would have to be raised.
Oxygen is supplied to the tray with an Eco Air 2. Tried a round air stone along with the standard 6" stone. The round stone is $8 while the other is less than $2 but so far I like it. I've never had great luck with the cheaper stones as they tend to break really easily. Ordered 2 for this build and one of those broke before I ever got it into the water LOL.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0118111914-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0117111902-00.jpg[/img]
The material I chose for the raft in this build was picked up at Lowes for around $30. The sheet is 1" x 4' x 8' which gives me enough material to make 4 rafts. For the first build I went with 2" spacing between each 1.5" rockwool cube for a total of 84 plant sites. Different plants grown would require different spacings but the first grow for this system will be lettuce. The styrofoam comes with a reflective side and a white side. I decided to go with the reflective side up, might help save a few lumens from the floro's.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111542-00.jpg[/img]
I did order a relatively new product as a growth medium for this build called Sure To Grow (STG). It's been on the market now a couple years and I had never tried it, it's about 1/4 the price of the rockwool cubes. The reason I didn't use it for this grow is that it's designed for basically one plant per cube. I want 2 lettuce plants per cube on this cycle so I went with rockwool which gives me the ability to set plant density where I want. pictures do much better than I can describe so here's a few comparison shots.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Lettuce/0111111546-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Lettuce/0111111546-02.jpg[/img]
The rockwool does come with a single hole but I flip the cube over and make as many holes as I want and plant as many seeds as desired. I've got some 1.5" cubes with 16 Lavendar plants in each one. STG doesn't give me that option as there is a different material on the top of the cube. I'll use the cubes later for some plant starts for the outdoor garden but for this grow I went with rockwool.
Guess that about covers this build. Just checked the system and there's seedlings popping up 36 hours after they were planted, so far so good!
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111857-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111542-00.jpg[/img]
I did order a relatively new product as a growth medium for this build called Sure To Grow (STG). It's been on the market now a couple years and I had never tried it, it's about 1/4 the price of the rockwool cubes. The reason I didn't use it for this grow is that it's designed for basically one plant per cube. I want 2 lettuce plants per cube on this cycle so I went with rockwool which gives me the ability to set plant density where I want. pictures do much better than I can describe so here's a few comparison shots.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Lettuce/0111111546-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Lettuce/0111111546-02.jpg[/img]
The rockwool does come with a single hole but I flip the cube over and make as many holes as I want and plant as many seeds as desired. I've got some 1.5" cubes with 16 Lavendar plants in each one. STG doesn't give me that option as there is a different material on the top of the cube. I'll use the cubes later for some plant starts for the outdoor garden but for this grow I went with rockwool.
Guess that about covers this build. Just checked the system and there's seedlings popping up 36 hours after they were planted, so far so good!
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0121111857-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Outstanding hydroguy! Very informative.
I really debated making my latest DCW a "raft". Having the material come with mylar is a bonus and the thickness and durability looks feasible. The styrofoam I had would not have been near as durable.
On the exposed rockwool....are you concerned about algae formation? Do you plan on covering the exposed portion until the plants are big enough to shade it? I have read mixed opinions on how quickly it grows and how bad it really could get.
Keep us posted on the sure to grow. That looks like some pretty good stuff!
I really debated making my latest DCW a "raft". Having the material come with mylar is a bonus and the thickness and durability looks feasible. The styrofoam I had would not have been near as durable.
On the exposed rockwool....are you concerned about algae formation? Do you plan on covering the exposed portion until the plants are big enough to shade it? I have read mixed opinions on how quickly it grows and how bad it really could get.
Keep us posted on the sure to grow. That looks like some pretty good stuff!
Thanks Halfway!Halfway wrote:Outstanding hydroguy! Very informative.
I really debated making my latest DCW a "raft". Having the material come with mylar is a bonus and the thickness and durability looks feasible. The styrofoam I had would not have been near as durable.
On the exposed rockwool....are you concerned about algae formation? Do you plan on covering the exposed portion until the plants are big enough to shade it? I have read mixed opinions on how quickly it grows and how bad it really could get.
Keep us posted on the sure to grow. That looks like some pretty good stuff!
I've never been overly concerned about algae growth. For the lettuce the little cube is covered so quickly it hasn't ever been an issue. On plants like peppers and tomatoes, both of which I plan on starting in hydro for the outdoor season, I add hydroton to cover the rockwool as soon as the plants are big enough. I do have some lavendar growing that is not big enough to add more rocks and the cube is green with algae on top but it doesn't seem to bother the plants as they are now finally taking off and growing well. If I was to ever go drip with the larger rockwool cubes I would invest in some caps or make something to cover them but so far algae hasn't ever been a real issue.
I've done DWC in the past but I've never germinated seeds with this method. The rockwool is soaked (obviously LOL) and germination seems to be a bit slower than when I did it with flood/drain. A damp cube verses a soaked cube, time will tell which works best.
hydroguy
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Hydroponics
- Cool Member
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:27 pm
- Location: Garden
Nice posts HydroGuy.
These pictures are awesome. I'm really digging this system. Will you be posting more pictures, or updating us with the grow details?
My favorite thing about hydroponics is watching the success of these homemade systems. I never thought of burning the tube to get that air tight seal.
Brilliant!
Appreciate the comments Hydroponics! Nothing brilliant about it really, just busted more than a couple knuckles along the way until I found an easier method! Thanks for stopping by the thread and sure I'll post updates on the grow but they'll more than likely be in the leaf lettuce thread I have here at HG. One update that doesn't need a pic is the water temp in this system is too low, I need to heat the water to get the germination and growth like I had in the E/F systems.Hydroponics wrote:
Nice posts HydroGuy.
These pictures are awesome. I'm really digging this system. Will you be posting more pictures, or updating us with the grow details?
My favorite thing about hydroponics is watching the success of these homemade systems. I never thought of burning the tube to get that air tight seal.
Brilliant!
Cutting out that raft was a pain Halfway, took 4 hours and there was these styrofoam bunnies all over the room that I never could get all cleaned up LOL. Seriously though I marked off the white side with a framing square, 1.5" then 2" then 1.5" etc. all the way left to right then top to bottom. I took a blade out of my utility knife and carefully made each side cut. 84 holes times 4 sides equals one finger that looked like hamburger meat! Even the dull side of a razor blade will cut ya!!!Halfway wrote:HG, how you get the clean holes cut in the raft?
There has got to be a better way, just haven't figured that one out.
hydroguy
and yet another build! When the folks were munching down on the salad I made and the lasagna my friend made I had some requests from friends I just couldn't turn down. Two people want some lavendar and a good friend asked if I could grow her some Rosemary and Thyme.
I dug out and old reservior that was on a shelf in the shop. This was part of a flood tray I tinkered with many years ago I even ran across the 4 panel LED system they still sell on Ebay which is completly and utterly worthless, I'll try and get a pic of it. This resv. even has a hole in the bottom to make changes easier, which will work fine for an herb garden as heigth isn't an issue. The tray is gona be identical to the other flood trays 2x2, pots will be indentical aswell. Purpose is to be able to move anything around from any one of the 3 systems, 4 if I convert the DWC to flood/drain. They are all based on the same system.
Enough rambling, here's the first pic of the herb garden and yes, it needs some serious cleaning.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0128111636-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0128111636-01.jpg[/img]
off in search of a cool light system for these herbs!
hydroguy
I dug out and old reservior that was on a shelf in the shop. This was part of a flood tray I tinkered with many years ago I even ran across the 4 panel LED system they still sell on Ebay which is completly and utterly worthless, I'll try and get a pic of it. This resv. even has a hole in the bottom to make changes easier, which will work fine for an herb garden as heigth isn't an issue. The tray is gona be identical to the other flood trays 2x2, pots will be indentical aswell. Purpose is to be able to move anything around from any one of the 3 systems, 4 if I convert the DWC to flood/drain. They are all based on the same system.
Enough rambling, here's the first pic of the herb garden and yes, it needs some serious cleaning.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0128111636-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0128111636-01.jpg[/img]
off in search of a cool light system for these herbs!
hydroguy
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Hydroponics
- Cool Member
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:27 pm
- Location: Garden
That reservoir is old school! I will definitely be putting a hole in the bottom of my res next time. Water changes are a pain when you have to move 20+ gallons.
Are you using the res for another ebb and flow garden for the new requests? I havn't made an ebb and flow table before, but the pictures in this thread have given me solid ideas. Next time I do a tall plant grow, I may try out ebb and flow.
Are you using the res for another ebb and flow garden for the new requests? I havn't made an ebb and flow table before, but the pictures in this thread have given me solid ideas. Next time I do a tall plant grow, I may try out ebb and flow.
The only difference in how I built this DWC tray and how I'll be putting together the new herb garden is the riser extensions on the fill port. Three little pieces of plastic that costs about $.50 each is the only difference in running it DWC or Flood/Drain, besides how I set up the timer for the water pump. That was the goal, to build a system that is versatile and can handle most forms of hydroponics.Hydroponics wrote:That reservoir is old school! I will definitely be putting a hole in the bottom of my res next time. Water changes are a pain when you have to move 20+ gallons.
Are you using the res for another ebb and flow garden for the new requests? I havn't made an ebb and flow table before, but the pictures in this thread have given me solid ideas. Next time I do a tall plant grow, I may try out ebb and flow.
There's an old thread here at HG I put together last summer when I built the twin flood trays called "ebb & flow hydro" that might give you some ideas when you build one for yourself. The herb garden will be identical other than it will not be in a tent and the tray will sit directly on top of the resv.
I hear ya about transfering water. When this herb garden goes online I'll have a total of 115 gallons of water in resvs at any given time. Thing I do is keep a spare pump on hand incase one goes down on me. I attach a piece of 1/2 tubing and empty resv's out with it. I've lost a garden or two along the way and having a spare pump is cheap insurance.
hydroguy
-
Hydroponics
- Cool Member
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:27 pm
- Location: Garden
I'll def. take a look at the thread you mentioned. I have never seen the circulating DWC like that. Great idea to extend res change time by using extended res.
You've got the hydro management down. I ran two flowering closets and a vegetative/propagation box last spring and it was a part time job changing the water. I didn't have extra pumps at the time and the closets were on different floors haha. Really inefficient.
I've used an aquarium water siphon to siphon most of the water out of the res before, even though I could have just taken the 1/2 inch tube off the pump and connect an auxiliary tube to it that could have pumped the water out, that would have been the smart thing to do.
I really like the idea of reservoirs that are lifted off the ground and have the same system flood trays have for draining water. The little gullys on flood and drain tables would be perfect for a res with a bottom drain valve.
You've got the hydro management down. I ran two flowering closets and a vegetative/propagation box last spring and it was a part time job changing the water. I didn't have extra pumps at the time and the closets were on different floors haha. Really inefficient.
I've used an aquarium water siphon to siphon most of the water out of the res before, even though I could have just taken the 1/2 inch tube off the pump and connect an auxiliary tube to it that could have pumped the water out, that would have been the smart thing to do.
I really like the idea of reservoirs that are lifted off the ground and have the same system flood trays have for draining water. The little gullys on flood and drain tables would be perfect for a res with a bottom drain valve.
The RDWC that started this thread is running along just fine, actually out-preforming the ebb/flow at this stage. Time will tell how it does on a full production run.
I am in the process of completeling the newest system, hopfully tomorrow will be the day I can see it operating. This new system is just for herbs that I promised some friends I would grow for them. UPS tracking numbers show some but not all the new light systems should be arriving on Monday's route.
In the mean time I ordered some Yo'Yo's to raise and lower the lights. I also ordered a new project that is an off-shoot from the mountain climbing industry and these things ROCK!! I went ahead and installed the rachets over the RDWC table so when the Quantum 12 bulb fixture finally gets here it will be ready to go. Only ordered one set and 6 sets of the yo-yo's. Think I might be ordering more of these ratchets as they are so cool. To raise just pull the rope until you hear a click, each click is about one inch. To lower just realse the catching mechanism and lower to desired heigth, then release and the rope is secured. I was useing hooks and chains but never again, these things are worth every penny I paid for them which was about $18 for the pair. The 6 sets of yo-yo's aren't here yet but they set me back $36.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111730-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111744-001.jpg[/img]
The Sunleaves Flood/Drain kit I've used in the past has suddenly become a rare item to find. Seems Sunleaves changed manufactorers and there re-stocking of inventories is a few months off. After a rather long search I did find the exact same item but sold under a different brand name. These parts I am useing for this project came from GrowGreenMI.com (you rock Tony).
Installation is the same as with the RDWC system except with this tray the holes are side by side. I am actually re-building a system called the Econo-Jet from Botanicare. The original tray went on the other uses but the resv. remained in the shop. The tray is identical as all my other 2x2's so I just picked up a new one. With this system the lid for the resv is actually attached to the tray with the plumbing fittings. Pictures show this much better than I can explain.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111558-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111613-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111616-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111621-00.jpg[/img]
Hopefully by tomorrow night it will be assembled and I can show how all these parts fit together.
hydroguy
I am in the process of completeling the newest system, hopfully tomorrow will be the day I can see it operating. This new system is just for herbs that I promised some friends I would grow for them. UPS tracking numbers show some but not all the new light systems should be arriving on Monday's route.
In the mean time I ordered some Yo'Yo's to raise and lower the lights. I also ordered a new project that is an off-shoot from the mountain climbing industry and these things ROCK!! I went ahead and installed the rachets over the RDWC table so when the Quantum 12 bulb fixture finally gets here it will be ready to go. Only ordered one set and 6 sets of the yo-yo's. Think I might be ordering more of these ratchets as they are so cool. To raise just pull the rope until you hear a click, each click is about one inch. To lower just realse the catching mechanism and lower to desired heigth, then release and the rope is secured. I was useing hooks and chains but never again, these things are worth every penny I paid for them which was about $18 for the pair. The 6 sets of yo-yo's aren't here yet but they set me back $36.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111730-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111744-001.jpg[/img]
The Sunleaves Flood/Drain kit I've used in the past has suddenly become a rare item to find. Seems Sunleaves changed manufactorers and there re-stocking of inventories is a few months off. After a rather long search I did find the exact same item but sold under a different brand name. These parts I am useing for this project came from GrowGreenMI.com (you rock Tony).
Installation is the same as with the RDWC system except with this tray the holes are side by side. I am actually re-building a system called the Econo-Jet from Botanicare. The original tray went on the other uses but the resv. remained in the shop. The tray is identical as all my other 2x2's so I just picked up a new one. With this system the lid for the resv is actually attached to the tray with the plumbing fittings. Pictures show this much better than I can explain.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111558-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111613-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111616-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0208111621-00.jpg[/img]
Hopefully by tomorrow night it will be assembled and I can show how all these parts fit together.
hydroguy
Everything but the Quantum T-5 fixture is here and in operation. As with most of projects I forgot a couple things and had to make some last minute orders.
The herb system is finished, some old and some new parts but it's a completed system:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111044-00.jpg[/img]
Maybe you can see in this first pic how the tray and lid are held together with the pipe fittings. I could have enlarged the lid holes to accomodate the fittings but this is how it was designed so I rebuilt it the same way.
The pump I'm running is about the smallest pump sold in hydro stores. It's from Ecoplus and rated at 100gph. Sure it's tiny but it fills the tray in 3 or 4 mintues which is plenty fast. I'll be trading out the pumps in a couple other systems for ones just like this as there is no noise from the over flow pipes back into the resv.s
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111045-00.jpg[/img]
Finished system:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111049-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
The herb system is finished, some old and some new parts but it's a completed system:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111044-00.jpg[/img]
Maybe you can see in this first pic how the tray and lid are held together with the pipe fittings. I could have enlarged the lid holes to accomodate the fittings but this is how it was designed so I rebuilt it the same way.
The pump I'm running is about the smallest pump sold in hydro stores. It's from Ecoplus and rated at 100gph. Sure it's tiny but it fills the tray in 3 or 4 mintues which is plenty fast. I'll be trading out the pumps in a couple other systems for ones just like this as there is no noise from the over flow pipes back into the resv.s
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111045-00.jpg[/img]
Finished system:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111049-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
The lighting for this herb garden is going to be from T-5's. I've been running a mogul based 125 watt CFL in a hydrofarm reflector and it's a fine light, produced many seedlings and even harvested some lettuce from under it. Problem is the light distribution from it. It just didn't cover a 2x2 tray adequately. The T-5 fixure for this system is an 8 bulb unit rated at 192 watts with dimenisons of approx. 2' x 2'. Upped the watts some but spread the light out much more evenly than with the CFL:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111427-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0215111612-01.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0214111546-00.jpg[/img]
Watts / Lumens / FootCandles or how ever you want to measure the intensity of light is one aspect but even distribution is also critical. Even though this fixture is HID it shows how much of a difference even distribution can make. I had been running a reflector for a 400 watt MH that was small enough to fit in a tent. Since I don't ever seal off the tent I switched out reflectors. Pitcures explain why I made the switch much better than I can:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111856-00.jpg[/img]
It was an old reflector I had and takes up more room for the exhaust ducting but even distribution of light is worth the effort.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111945-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0214111427-00.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0215111612-01.jpg[/img]
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Chairties%20Herb%20Garden/0214111546-00.jpg[/img]
Watts / Lumens / FootCandles or how ever you want to measure the intensity of light is one aspect but even distribution is also critical. Even though this fixture is HID it shows how much of a difference even distribution can make. I had been running a reflector for a 400 watt MH that was small enough to fit in a tent. Since I don't ever seal off the tent I switched out reflectors. Pitcures explain why I made the switch much better than I can:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111856-00.jpg[/img]
It was an old reflector I had and takes up more room for the exhaust ducting but even distribution of light is worth the effort.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0210111945-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Maybe there should be a thread on bargains for hydro or something. I can go cheap if and only if the product will do as well of a job with out too many modifications as a "high-end" product. Well I needed a resv for an old system I've been thinking abut putting back online since I borrowed it for the RDWC lettuce project. I really didn't want to spend the $120 that item orginally costs (including shipping).
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0315111814-01.jpg[/img]
It's a 40 gallon resv from Botanicare. Works great and I have no complaints with it except for the price. My specs are rreplacement ar tight; 40 gallons capacity and it has to fit under a tent that has a frame 14" off the floor. So I was browsing through the local discount farm store and there it was. A 40 gallon feed trough made of really thick wall plastic and it sits only 13"s high. SCORE for $29.99 + tax. 25% of the costs of the original. Yes, it does pay to shop around for alternatives at times.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0315111814-00.jpg[/img]
Plastic totes from Home Depot and Walmart work fine for many applications but when you add this volumne of water those items tend to loose their shape and bow out in the middles. This trough holds it shape perfectly and is durable enough to be stomped on by a pissed off bull.
hydroguy
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0315111814-01.jpg[/img]
It's a 40 gallon resv from Botanicare. Works great and I have no complaints with it except for the price. My specs are rreplacement ar tight; 40 gallons capacity and it has to fit under a tent that has a frame 14" off the floor. So I was browsing through the local discount farm store and there it was. A 40 gallon feed trough made of really thick wall plastic and it sits only 13"s high. SCORE for $29.99 + tax. 25% of the costs of the original. Yes, it does pay to shop around for alternatives at times.
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0315111814-00.jpg[/img]
Plastic totes from Home Depot and Walmart work fine for many applications but when you add this volumne of water those items tend to loose their shape and bow out in the middles. This trough holds it shape perfectly and is durable enough to be stomped on by a pissed off bull.
hydroguy
It's finally here. The Quantum BadBoy 12 bulb T-5. The name might be a marketing tool but this thing is a serious badboy when it comes to fluorescent lighting. Each bulb is 54 watts for a total of 648 watts. I ordered a mix of red and blue tri-phosphorus bulbs designed by Quantum for this system.
Some assembly is required but nothing more than a phillips screw driver:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111531-00.jpg[/img]
Each ballast powers 4 bulbs and has its own power switch:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111638-00.jpg[/img]
Compared side by side to the old 4 bulb T-8 shop light:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111631-00.jpg[/img]
Running 4 Red and 8 Blue bulbs for the current grow:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111639-01.jpg[/img]
This many watts does produce some heat, reflectors are vented to allow some heat to rise:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111643-00.jpg[/img]
Plants are about 10 days old and ready to start growing. Will be interesting to see the difference between this crop of lettuce and the one just finished under the shop light:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111644-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
Some assembly is required but nothing more than a phillips screw driver:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111531-00.jpg[/img]
Each ballast powers 4 bulbs and has its own power switch:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111638-00.jpg[/img]
Compared side by side to the old 4 bulb T-8 shop light:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111631-00.jpg[/img]
Running 4 Red and 8 Blue bulbs for the current grow:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111639-01.jpg[/img]
This many watts does produce some heat, reflectors are vented to allow some heat to rise:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111643-00.jpg[/img]
Plants are about 10 days old and ready to start growing. Will be interesting to see the difference between this crop of lettuce and the one just finished under the shop light:
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/plumbing%20lights/0405111644-00.jpg[/img]
hydroguy
-
Hydroponics
- Cool Member
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:27 pm
- Location: Garden
wrapped up the second grow of the RDWC system, the first one had the 4 bulb T8 shop light. The second grow had the 12 bulb Quantum BadBoy T5. I only ran 8 bulbs for this grow but the difference yeild, leaf color and plant structure were truely remarkable.
Pics show this much better than I can;
4 bulb T8 after final harvest, internodal distance is markedly longer;
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0325110700-00.jpg[/img]
8 Bulb T5, shorter internodal
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0603111639-01.jpg[/img]
The Quantum BadBoy was a good investment and will continue to serve me well in the future for many many more crops
hydroguy
ps; I finally learned what "bolted" lettuce looks like. With all my other light systems the stems just got weak and the plants layed over after several cuttings. The T5 keep the plants short and dense and they finally reached maturity or "bolted".
Pics show this much better than I can;
4 bulb T8 after final harvest, internodal distance is markedly longer;
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0325110700-00.jpg[/img]
8 Bulb T5, shorter internodal
[img]https://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/hydroguy/Flood%20Tray/0603111639-01.jpg[/img]
The Quantum BadBoy was a good investment and will continue to serve me well in the future for many many more crops
hydroguy
ps; I finally learned what "bolted" lettuce looks like. With all my other light systems the stems just got weak and the plants layed over after several cuttings. The T5 keep the plants short and dense and they finally reached maturity or "bolted".