Help with aeroponics setup?

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GitRHero

Member
Hey guys and gals,

I've basically built this system right here: https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/156863-grow-2-lbs-2-x.html

The difference is that I made a separate reservoir which I put underneath the main chamber. The pump is in the reservoir, goes up through the bottom of the tub to the manifold, and there's a separate drain back down into the reservoir. I have a few issues/questions...

1. I have around 1000 gph pump, and this doesn't seem to be enough. I'm pretty sure this is because of the height that it has to go up from the bottom of the res to the manifold (somewhere around 4 feet). Am I probably correct about this, and what can I do to possibly fix this?

2. Based on the above issue, I was thinking about ditching the res and just putting the pump in the main tub, thus getting rid of all the extra height that's making it so weak. So basically going back to the original design. If I do this, though, won't there come a time when the roots are just hanging directly into the water 24/7? Is this bad? Good? Neither? If it's not really bad I have a feeling this is what I'll end up doing.

3. Well I thought I had another but I don't remember.... Haha, oh well...

Any help is GREATLY appreciated all. Thanks.bongsmilie
 

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RemeberMe

RemeberMe

Active Member
It's tough to do a search that will give the right info but I've read it's normal for the longer roots to drop into the tank but get a couple 6" air stones and an air pump to keep from getting root rot (keep the water well aerated will stop this problem).

How many gals (liters) does this leave for your tank? I'm looking at a pre-built system on ebay for under $70 that has only a 10 gal tank but seems like it should support 6 plants. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

ebay system: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260474979445&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching
 
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AriZponic

Active Member
Can your pump be used as a inline pump outside of the main tub? If so that would be the way to go. Putting it inside with your roots could lead to root rot or damage. Especially if the water temperature gets to high (from pump heat). It might be best to use a reservoir, as it would make it easier to check and adjust the nutrient level or add water back to system. As for your roots being in water, no problem. This as that sprayed water is constantly absorbing oxygen and then releasing that gathered o2 back to the water in the container. If your worried just get an air pump and some air stones in there.
 
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GitRHero

Member
Yeah looks pretty good RememberMe. For like 30-50 more (or even less depending on the pump) you could make the one I have which is pretty much the exact same thing but 54 gallon and 32 sites. If you're not trying to do that many then I think yours is probably perfect.

AriZ - The only reason I wouldn't do it inline is that it has a filter when it's not inline, and if any little particles got through it could clog the sprayers which would suck. I'll keep that in mind about the temp. What temps should I be looking for?
 
redi jedi

redi jedi

Well-Known Member
GitRHero said:
Hey guys and gals,

I've basically built this system right here: https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/156863-grow-2-lbs-2-x.html

The difference is that I made a separate reservoir which I put underneath the main chamber. The pump is in the reservoir, goes up through the bottom of the tub to the manifold, and there's a separate drain back down into the reservoir. I have a few issues/questions...

1. I have around 1000 gph pump, and this doesn't seem to be enough. I'm pretty sure this is because of the height that it has to go up from the bottom of the res to the manifold (somewhere around 4 feet). Am I probably correct about this, and what can I do to possibly fix this?

2. Based on the above issue, I was thinking about ditching the res and just putting the pump in the main tub, thus getting rid of all the extra height that's making it so weak. So basically going back to the original design. If I do this, though, won't there come a time when the roots are just hanging directly into the water 24/7? Is this bad? Good? Neither? If it's not really bad I have a feeling this is what I'll end up doing.

3. Well I thought I had another but I don't remember.... Haha, oh well...

Any help is GREATLY appreciated all. Thanks.bongsmilie
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You are correct about your pumps ability to overcome a 4' vertical rise. You didn't mention what type of pump you have, but you could try reducing the diameter of your discharge line. Cut out 3-1/2' leaving a 6" length at both ends (it's important you leave this length on the pump but not so much with the manifold just leave enough to connect the bushing to) Get a couple of reducing bushings and a 3-1/2' length of the next size down pipe, obviously the bushings you need would be existing size to next size down. The reduction in diameter does not increase pressure but it does increase the velocity of flow which will help lift the water up to your manifold. But be warned doing this may put more load on your pump, if you plug it in and it sounds louder or is working harder than it did before you should consider a larger pump.
 
RemeberMe

RemeberMe

Active Member
GitRHero said:
Yeah looks pretty good RememberMe. For like 30-50 more (or even less depending on the pump) you could make the one I have which is pretty much the exact same thing but 54 gallon and 32 sites. If you're not trying to do that many then I think yours is probably perfect.

GitRHero, I checked all over ebay and other sources but was unable to find anything like your system for less than a few hundred. Were did you get yours?
Click to expand...
 
G

GitRHero

Member
Lol, I made it. Check the link in the first post. I got all the parts from either Home Depot or a hydroponics store. Apparently it's pretty hard to find the parts if you're not in the US, so... I think mine ended up being 110ish total, but I definitely went overboard with the pump. Way overboard.
 
RemeberMe

RemeberMe

Active Member
Sorry, didn't see the link. I thought the upper portion was white and premade. Yep, that's about what I would use too if I do it myself instead of buying. Sterline looks better than Rubbermaid for the container because it looks stiffer and not as rubbery.
 
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