Setting up dtw coco 2.5x5 tent

The reservoir went quick like it did before, being a good size and I am not even hooked up with all plants yet. From what I see the orbit is working. Especially if I get a stronger pump.

Planting clones was like seedlings on steroids. So scared to break a root. Shoot this might work out after all.

edit I figured out in reservoir where the slime mentioned a while ago came from. The wave maker had chunks of it on it. Its gone now. Just bacteria.

So after switching to drops I fill reservoir with tap water then add nutes. I used to see 7.5 or more on ph meter so I added 120ml of ph down for 55 gallons.

This time I knew already from earlier that using ph drops, after adding nutes .5 starting ec and .3 ec nutes total .8ec. After adding some tap to spike up the ph Its still .8 ec.

It tests orange which is 5.0 ph. So I add 5 gallons of tap to 45 gal nutes in reservoir and it tests 7.5 or 8 which is green. Then I add ph down. No where near 120ml though.

First time doing this just adding 120ml ph down by habbit to 55 gallons 1.1ec nutes, it tested red which is 4.0ph.

I always add nutes and wait an hour for equillibrium before ph-ing. Any one know whats going on?

This is weird and likely why I got some nanners. PH meter was off. Breeder is pretty solid, T H seeds. So I think.

So now Im adjusting ph completely differently but in a way that I dont understand. Other than that the ph meter was that far off.

Just weird though. That adding just a little tap spikes the ph but prior to doing so it is so acidic.

Is weld-on the two part solvent I need to put a adapter on pvc? If the barbed half inch to threaded 3/4” could be bought to fit right on the pvc is a adapter needed?

I dont no nothing about pvc I just barely know how to setup what I already did. Like how would I know it fits based on trade measurements varying kind of like with ducting too. Anything really.

So I get nervous going that route but I think thats the only thing I need to work around. Otherwise I pretty much fixed my issue with a stronger pump and using the flora cap system, that itself is very helpful.

Something about the halos just werent working. Idk what air lock bubbles are but just guessing, that might also happen with the halos.

So its pretty much working but I could spend more and put more effort for better function if needed. I got the 1200gph pumps thinking even though it will travel further to tent, it should work the same.

I bought the tent, I at least listened to get a flood tray. I got the orbits already. Can set it up right away. I had an old led light meant for 3x3.

Was going to have tray drain into the next tent to save 100 bucks on a consensate pump. Pc fan for exaust for now. Im hoping it will work. The 2x2 tent will add later that can feed off either system on either side.

Thats my entire garden. Then can finally put this thread to rest. Leave everything as is for like literally years. Ill either hit over my quota or save so much its good enough for now.

Il start setting up in a couple weeks or less. Need to decide.

medidedicated said:

Is weld-on the two part solvent I need to put a adapter on pvc? If the barbed half inch to threaded 3/4” could be bought to fit right on the pvc is a adapter needed?

I dont no nothing about pvc I just barely know how to setup what I already did. Like how would I know it fits based on trade measurements varying kind of like with ducting too. Anything really.

So I get nervous going that route but I think thats the only thing I need to work around. Otherwise I pretty much fixed my issue with a stronger pump and using the flora cap system, that itself is very helpful.

Something about the halos just werent working. Idk what air lock bubbles are but just guessing, that might also happen with the halos.

So its pretty much working but I could spend more and put more effort for better function if needed. I got the 1200gph pumps thinking even though it will travel further to tent, it should work the same.

I bought the tent, I at least listened to get a flood tray. I got the orbits already. Can set it up right away. I had an old led light meant for 3x3.

Was going to have tray drain into the next tent to save 100 bucks on a consensate pump. Pc fan for exaust for now. Im hoping it will work. The 2x2 tent will add later that can feed off either system on either side.

Thats my entire garden. Then can finally put this thread to rest. Leave everything as is for like literally years. Ill either hit over my quota or save so much its good enough for now.

Il start setting up in a couple weeks or less. Need to decide.

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never use pvc for your irrigation mate
only ldpe and compression fittings

then you need to get some pc drippers (netafim pc junior my choice)
some stakes, 3x5mm hose and a pump that push 1 bar minimum and the right netafim tool to pinch the hose to insert the drippers

dont waste your money on floraflex or any fancy thats my 2 cents

Regular PVC cement will literally weld the 2 PVC parts/fittings together. The "weld on" brand I think you're talking about should work fine, as long as its for PVC (not for acrylic or anything else). The cheaper stuff is fine though, and weld on is more expensive. I doubt you even need PVC primer along with it unless your actually putting real pressure into the system. You can usually get away with just the cement in low PSI plumbing applications like hydroponic systems, and its not like anyone is gonna inspect it. they do make clear primer though, which is what I use instead of the purple stuff.

Anyway, the solvent in the cement literally melts and rapidly expands the parts into each other to form the bond. The pipes and fittings are made to be tight interference fits, and need to be held together for a good 10-20 seconds before letting go for it to work.. otherwise the fittings will pop right back off if you let go too soon. You want to spin the pipes or fittings together when possible as you push it in, to assure you have cement all the way around with no gaps.

You can't just use the cement like glue to adhere blocks or whatever to each other, not very good anyway. Gotta be a tight fit, which most PVC plumbing parts are made to be. Its more like welding with chemicals than a glue or adhesive.


If you can take a good pic and show me what parts your trying to put together I can help. You can probably get away with using something else like adapters or clamps instead of cracking open a new can of cement just to glue up one joint..

Drop That Sound said:

Regular PVC cement will literally weld the 2 PVC parts/fittings together. The "weld on" brand I think you're talking about should work fine, as long as its for PVC (not for acrylic or anything else). The cheaper stuff is fine though, and weld on is more expensive. I doubt you even need PVC primer along with it unless your actually putting real pressure into the system. You can usually get away with just the cement in low PSI plumbing applications like hydroponic systems, and its not like anyone is gonna inspect it. they do make clear primer though, which is what I use instead of the purple stuff.

Anyway, the solvent in the cement literally melts and rapidly expands the parts into each other to form the bond. The pipes and fittings are made to be tight interference fits, and need to be held together for a good 10-20 seconds before letting go for it to work.. otherwise the fittings will pop right back off if you let go too soon. You want to spin the pipes or fittings together when possible as you push it in, to assure you have cement all the way around with no gaps.

You can't just use the cement like glue to adhere blocks or whatever to each other, not very good anyway. Gotta be a tight fit, which most PVC plumbing parts are made to be. Its more like welding with chemicals than a glue or adhesive.


If you can take a good pic and show me what parts your trying to put together I can help. You can probably get away with using something else like adapters or clamps instead of cracking open a new can of cement just to glue up one joint..

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This is from earlier in thread, thumbnail shows exactly what I need but was wondering if I could use a fitting that eliminates the need for the adapter but am realizing thats just making things harder.

I found the part so I just need 1/2” barb to 3/4” thread and cement or etc. I was worried the pvc wont fit into adapter if its a trade industry thing like why I can never get 1 gallon pots, mostly .7 trade gallons.

Then just need the special pvc scissors… Flora manifolds.. I guess thats all I was stuck trying to figure out but that photo helped, re reading the thread.

Ugh it sucks floraflex needs 50$ order plus shipping to order anything. Spent like 150$ just to get like 20$ worth of stuff just jerking around not committing. So I will get it if I should.

I could pay more but overall less getting from hydrobuilder. So I dont have to soend 50 but it will be close. Maybe get from flora to get spare manifolds. I got pots and caps for days.

Do flora flex 1/4” line fit their clips for the caps better? My other brand line kind of fits loose barely holds it. It would be nice making it 100% floraflex.

I thought expanding a line from 1/2” to 3/4” would reduce flow. Looking at the manifold open I just dont get what makes them better. I feel like my system is running at full pressure, dont need more.

medidedicated said:

This is from earlier in thread, thumbnail shows exactly what I need but was wondering if I could use a fitting that eliminates the need for the adapter but am realizing thats just making things harder.

I found the part so I just need 1/2” barb to 3/4” thread and cement or etc. I was worried the pvc wont fit into adapter if its a trade industry thing like why I can never get 1 gallon pots, mostly .7 trade gallons.

Then just need the special pvc scissors… Flora manifolds.. I guess thats all I was stuck trying to figure out but that photo helped, re reading the thread.

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Looks familiar lol, glad that helped you visualize. Nursery pot sizes are always annoying like that and so is Floraflex. You can't just impulse buy from them or you will pay extra.

I started with 400gph and half of the ports closed, switched to 800gph it was working again but the halos werent right, if Im not mistaken it was having air lock or something similar because all holes in halo wouldnt drip no matter what but was working at some point.

Then I finally have it all open and hooked up to pots and its just working fine. Has moments it spits out water hard not sure why. Maybe, just maybe, the floracaps might get better drip with a flora manifold.

Its good but maybe could be a tad bit better, water in the entire tray where as it has dry spots but minimal.

So idk maybe air lock when some ports are closed. I ought to try it, but if so I need order it asap so Im under pressure. It seems easier to setup than the diy orbit manifold I made.

Do you put pvc cement or etc on the manifold or does it just plug and play?

medidedicated said:

I started with 400gph and half of the ports closed, switched to 800gph it was working again but the halos werent right, if Im not mistaken it was having air lock or something similar because all holes in halo wouldnt drip no matter what but was working at some point.

Then I finally have it all open and hooked up to pots and its just working fine. Has moments it spits out water hard not sure why. Maybe, just maybe, the floracaps might get better drip with a flora manifold.

So idk maybe air lock when some ports are closed. I ought to try it, but if so I need order it asap so Im under pressure. It seems easier to setup than the diy orbit manifold I made.

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I'm working with Floraflex now because they have sent me 4 riser/manifold assemblies that are marked 3/4" but have an i.d. of 1 inch. They aren't perfect but I assume they'll send me the right size, which means I'll have 4 extras if you can work with them. You would need pvc adapters but it's an easy fix. I can definitely throw some your way once my issue is resolved.

medidedicated said:

Do you put pvc cement or etc on the manifold or does it just plug and play?

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It's threaded. I just apply plumbers grease to the threads.

shnkrmn said:

I'm working with Floraflex now because they have sent me 4 riser/manifold assemblies that are marked 3/4" but have an i.d. of 1 inch. They aren't perfect but I assume they'll send me the right size, which means I'll have 4 extras if you can work with them. You would need pvc adapters but it's an easy fix. I can definitely throw some your way once my issue is resolved.View attachment 5372372

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That is very nice of you! Im just terrified sharing address with anyone or else I would of bought beans from here long ago. Other stuff too. PO box? Idk.

Sounds perfect though would need figure out how to close one end. How do you connect it, you just put pvc into it with grease? Or another adapter? Close one end of manifold if needed with fittings?

You would use solvent for joining. You would need some 1" pvc to fit these risers but I doubt you'd want you whole system to be 1", kind of overkill for what you're doing so you would adapt down to 3/4 or 1/2. There are end caps to end a run, tees that can go from 3/4 to 1/2, just tons of ways to make it work.

You shouldn't worry too much about me with your address, lol. It's those other people!

shnkrmn said:

You would use solvent for joining. You would need some 1" pvc to fit these risers but I doubt you'd want you whole system to be 1", kind of overkill for what you're doing so you would adapt View attachment 5372380down to 3/4 or 1/2. There are end caps to end a run, tees that can go from 3/4 to 1/2, just tons of ways to make it work.

You shouldn't worry too much about me with your address, lol. It's those other people!

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I mean, I want to have 5 one gal and 2 four inch pots in that tent with capacity to have more four inch pots for bonsai mothers I must keep alive as I slowly plant more beans.

Yea that is what I mean, you seem cool of course but yea itl just sit there. I been meaning to find out how I can though, to buy/get rid of stuff.

Not clear on how they connect to manifold, you said to join them with solvent, just a pvc pipe? Or were one of those pieces supposed to be used?

If I couldnt figure it out I was just going to have two 1150gph pumps pump 10 feet away to the tent into two separate 8 port orbits. I should do fine with tubing going to tent to connect to a barbed manifold rather orbit or flora flex.

Also keeping in mind I want to some day soon put a 2x2 for one plant that will feed of the 3x3 tent or 2x4 tent on either side. Their all next to eachother.

Mixing different sized pots on one system can be a real headache in dtw. I have one pump feeding 2 different tents, 4 manifolds total. If they were various sized pots I feel I would either overwater some or underwater the others.

True, I thought splitting the lines or goving one strong one would allow for a decent drip for what would quickly have rootmass which waters easily and disperses itself but if drip is poor prior to it will suffer.

I have this space cabinet freed up in a couple weeks that can be rigged to hold 4-5 bonsais and if I want to dedicate it I can make a shelf to hold 8-10 of them. Its just in the way now and was going to take down.

I thought I could easily fit them in the 2x2 tray in the 3x3 some inside the tray some along it made to drip into it. At the worst I didnt think over watering was an issue its just veg plants. What could it cause?

The room I grow in is perfect its got one reservoir to feed all and a drain tub to hold it all to pump outside. Watwr source close by. I just maxed out all space in it so have to think of where to hold bonsais. .8 ec 4-6 times a day but worry its too much and needs lower ec like .6-.7.

I have more space down stairs but then it becomes a pain to work with the water. Noone knows where the drain leads to if I can drain nutes in it. Water would come from a far away source. No windows to pump waste.

This cabinet is already hooked to drain to a condensate pump next to flower tent. It just needs to be rigged to hold a manifold. It just is blocking a walk way so its pissing me off but might need it afterall.

I can do 4 plants one gallon and the other manifold can have its own timer. The extra one gal is probably complicating it? I just thought id have a mother capable of making many clones no notice if hell breaks lose.

Also just flower mother instead of throwing away but also worried the 4” pots would make tiny mothers with tiny stems that dont make as vigorous clones like I just made. True, false?

It would make it simpler if yall think a 4” pot can also make a decent sized mother and toss it for replacement instead of flowering it.

My aerocloner is so successful I dont mind making clones at any time, Im about to remother a plant with no risk seemingly.

I think I got it, you use the same adapter for the end of the manifold that connects to tube for the floraflex manifold? Is that actually called a riser? Anyways, to connect to the thread in the floraflex manifold, just use the thread to pvc adapter and then cement the pipe into it? Not in that order..