Heya All!
I almost hate to be saying this, but I will be attempting my first grow using a 10 head ultrasonic fogger with Teflon discs.
The way I will be working it is as follows:
1. Main water res. is a garbage can, full. very small circulating pump inside, on infrequent timer to prevent heat. 1/4'' RO bulkhead connector at the bottom, leading to
2. The fogger res. which is fed by the garbage can from a gravity fed float valve, maintaining optimum levels, as well as providing cool replacement nutes. The lid is tight, and connected at the top is a 1 foot long 6'' diameter tube, where at the top is a PC fan. This will hopefully prevent many salts from backflowing and collecting on the fan. This tub has 2 3/4'' bulkhead connectors on it that lead to
3. 2 "growth tubs", housing 5'' pots with neoprene, no hydroton. These will be "sealed" so no fog leaks out the lids, and at the bottom of each tub will be a small drainage line or two, which will lead to an evaporation tray. This will mean no recirculating of the nutes, so healthier solution, and no PH issues, which are common.
This grow is also being done in a basement in an upcoming Canadian winter, so heat shouldn't be an issue, but I plan on icing the big res if it is. Worst case, I purchase a chiller. The fogger is connected to a recycle timer, which will allow for me to calibrate the amount of fog going in perfectly. My goal is to provide as much as it needs without the roots getting "wet". If there is any condensation on the roots at all, it prevents the absorption of the less the 5 micron particles, which is the real goal of this so called "foggerponics". My first plan is to allow the pushing fan to run 24/7, so the roots will "dry" a LITTLE, but not alot, so more fog can be pumped in.
I guess we'll see, and I'm sure i'll be posting the results. I've been researching and collecting equipment for about 5 years now, and I plan to have a harvest at Christmas (I already have clones on the go). Worse case, I'll do an "emergency convert" of the system.
However, I believe if Large roots become an issue it is for 1 of 2 reasons:
1. roots are too wet, making them get
larger to Drink more water, as opposed to stay smaller and be content with the
Fog they have
2. plants are poorly supported. Roots could be triggerd to get larger to support the plant if it is getting whipped around alot, or have to rely on large stems for support. A remedy for this would be a SCROG.
These of course are only my opinions, but I look forward to discovering what is what, and I promise to keep the communities updated.
Peace