IF you' re growing 3+ ft trees in 20" deep pods you are going to have a problem. Last grow I had to leave the starters in the bubbler r days longer than I wanted, as I was working on my new DIY tent.
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This is where I have an issue. You pod depth doesn't have to match your expected plant height foot for foot. I think that is rediculous, and you should stop perpet(flora)uating it. I have a 26" depth, and I will be able to handle 3-4' just fine.
My best guess is that it depends on if you have a good hpa envrionment. The Atomix grew fine and it wasn't too deep. If you're struggling to get fuzzy roots due to not having a quick spray period, then I think the roots will grow mostly downwards. I'm sure in a lightly misted environment the roots puffout, eventually grow down to the bottom, be kept moderatley dry by the screen, and then grow up the walls, etc towards the misters (from the successful hpa aero grows pics and threads I've read). I'm sure petflora is correct about his experiences, but thay may not be completely applicable in what were trying to do with the accumulator/solenoid setup. All I know is I am only guessing, and have to admit I have no real life aero experience to draw from myself.
Petflora: Sorry, I was just thinking about screening about the same time you brought up the pvc couplers. They both have to do with maintaining the plant in the chamber so there's at least a loose connection. I have considered a type of "rootscrog" in the chamber as well, as it would help the roots grow horizontal more before dropping, and really help anchor the plants (I'll have heavy winds to contend with here). I think I should try a simple grow first though, and see what I need from there... Also, I will be virtually starting off with 12/12 since that it what the sun pretty much does here year round in the tropics...