A question for the pros

Hi all
First time post, long time grower.
This is my first time growing in an ebb and flow, iv grown in dwc with no problems but my question is....
I've made a diy 8 site ebb and flow system, with the plumbing pipes and two litre bottles that you'd see online and I was wondering can you just use a 3inch net pot at the top and just let the roots suspend out of it or do you have to use it with the bottles full with clay pebbles and no net pot
Will it make a difference?..... Wouldn't it be better for the roots to have more room with more air in the containers (bottles) as it flood and drains?
Thanks in advance

I don't know what system you're talking about, but I'll say yes. I suspend my net pots. The fuckers probably stole my design haha. Been doing it for 10 years

That's what I was thinking. Thanks man
Here's a pic of what I'm on about

So with the net pot at the top that would give me 6 - 7 inches of air space underneath

finntade said:

That's what I was thinking. Thanks man
Here's a pic of what I'm on about
View attachment 3648025
So with the net pot at the top that would give me 6 - 7 inches of air space underneath

Click to expand...

Well, not sure if anyone considers me a pro.

Anyway------problems await with that system----roots are going to clog those small holes.

If I were going to try a system like that-----I would use a minimum of 4" pvc everywhere.

Welcome to RIU.

A~~~

Looks good.. the only real way to know is to ...do it!

good for autos like short stuff..?

as minimal root growth

good luck

Thanks guys
Yah autos is what I was thinking since the space between the bottles is minimal and yah the roots was a thought that crossed my mind but water will always find the path of least resistance so hopefully there will be enough space between the roots if they do make it to the bottom
Keep it cool

I grow small trees in suspended pots but they are 1gallon suspended in 2 gallon pots. Ebb flow. When I used 3" net pots, I still grew mini trees in ebb grow, but my system is a bit different. I'm thinking smaller plants for your system and it will work

These pictures of mine are 3" net pots, 5" net pots and 1gallon mesh bottom pots, all suspended in air, so yes it'll work fine if you do it proper

I want to add this. I'm really worried about how the 2 liter bottles would hold up to holding a plant full of buds in flower with out breaking the seal of what's holding it on to the pvc, I'd recommend changing that unless you flower your clone extremely small, like 6". I have a feeling the seal will fail and you'll flood the room. Can I reccomend using something else, possibly a 1/2 gallon pot WITHOUT drain holes and a flat bottom? You could plumb it together and add braces to make it more sturdy, also you would use rubber o rings (washers) to seal the hole you'd drill for the fill line, with a threaded end cap to screw on to make the fittings tight and leak free.

Or, buy a small cement mixing tub, a sheet of insulation board that is 1" thick, a knife, net pots and a few 2x4s. All for like 30$. You could do exactly what you want to do, but safer and more effective.

Here's a system I built and I think you'd be better off with it. Less things can go wrong.

Here's what you could expect. This was just a mother plant tray, so you'd out less plants in it or flower them smallish so they don't get over crowded. But I'd highly recommend considering this setup if that's what you want to do is suspended pots. 3" net pots.

Nice setup you have alpha.
Yah, all your thoughts I'll really have to consider.
I'm too far in it now to turn back plus I'm kinda curious as to what I can grow in such a small setup being used to big tubs
I'll keep you posted with pics and such
Thanks man

I would think the rocks would keep the roots moist longer. If you go without rocks you just have to flood it more often. That Coke bottle system was in High Times back in the 1980's. I bought parts to build it but never did it. It's all fun. I hope it doesn't leak.