Stoner Smurf
Active Member
So I stand corrected, and I owe you an apology research kitty. A DIY UC system is much harder to make then one would originally think. I now definately see the value in the CCH2O product. When you use storage totes the edges are tapered (the top is larger than the bottom), which can make it quite difficult to drill holes. Even though all my holes were perfectly drilled at the same height, several of the PVC pipes would go through the uniseals at angles ( less than 45 degrees). The system still works with crooked PVC (as long as the water level is high enough which it should be) but it looks ugly, and it makes it a bitch to drain the system. I was trying to run a perpetual so I installed dividers to prevent the roots from tangling up, which also turned out to be impossible. Nothing will hold to the odd plastic that extra strength storage totes are made out of. None of the industrial water sealants worked, silicone, caulk, liquid nails. All 3 turned to liquid soon as water was added, even 72 hours after application.
It actually turned out to be such a headache I scraped the whole thing and went with a more tradition RDWC system. So I wanted to make sure to retract my previous statement. If you are planning on getting into a DIY UC system, it will be much more difficult and complex than it appears. Even with the cheap plastic of the CCH20 systems, I now see their value. It's a shame they don't upgrade their plastics, then it would really be a product I could get behind. Anywho my bad for calling you out R. Kitty, you were more correct than I (I do still stand by it would be much cheaper to DIY, just a whole hell of a lot harder than one would think).
In my tinkering I did find a way to help combat roots clogging the pipes, which I have heard can be a problem with these UC systems. I am pretty sure it could be pretty easily adapted the the UC system. Enjoy this crude MS paint drawing:
![UC.png](/data/attachments/1015/1015069-7ef5c9b9d0b73f632401760b04152050.jpg)
By capping the pipe then drilling small holes along the bottom of the pipe equaling the same or more than the inside diameter of the PVC pipe (for example 4+ 1/2" holes for 2" pipe, or 8+ 1/4" holes for 2" pipe ). It spreads the pull of the current out considerably, which should help prevent the roots from being pulled toward it. I tested it with a piece of yarn and it is a very noticeable difference. And even if they are pulled toward it, having the small holes on the bottom of the pipe make it much harder for them to get inside of it.
Edit: Hopefully someone will like my cap idea and use it which will make up for me be totally wrong earlier.![Smile :) :)](/styles/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
It actually turned out to be such a headache I scraped the whole thing and went with a more tradition RDWC system. So I wanted to make sure to retract my previous statement. If you are planning on getting into a DIY UC system, it will be much more difficult and complex than it appears. Even with the cheap plastic of the CCH20 systems, I now see their value. It's a shame they don't upgrade their plastics, then it would really be a product I could get behind. Anywho my bad for calling you out R. Kitty, you were more correct than I (I do still stand by it would be much cheaper to DIY, just a whole hell of a lot harder than one would think).
In my tinkering I did find a way to help combat roots clogging the pipes, which I have heard can be a problem with these UC systems. I am pretty sure it could be pretty easily adapted the the UC system. Enjoy this crude MS paint drawing:
![UC.png](/data/attachments/1015/1015069-7ef5c9b9d0b73f632401760b04152050.jpg)
By capping the pipe then drilling small holes along the bottom of the pipe equaling the same or more than the inside diameter of the PVC pipe (for example 4+ 1/2" holes for 2" pipe, or 8+ 1/4" holes for 2" pipe ). It spreads the pull of the current out considerably, which should help prevent the roots from being pulled toward it. I tested it with a piece of yarn and it is a very noticeable difference. And even if they are pulled toward it, having the small holes on the bottom of the pipe make it much harder for them to get inside of it.
Edit: Hopefully someone will like my cap idea and use it which will make up for me be totally wrong earlier.
![Smile :) :)](/styles/smilies/icon_smile.gif)