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hydroponic DIY drip system - Hydroponics

You do have a good point and funnily, I was wondering about marbles too.

I think the clay is a lot lighter in weight and does hold a very small amount of water - not to mention the price difference.

Maybe someone else has a view on this...

LGHT mentioned 'sure to grow medium' which is supposed to be very clean but its not available this side of the pond.
 
I would imagine that there would be a sizable price difference, but maybe you could find the marbles at a dollar store. They'd still be more money than clay, but I would assume that it'd be a one time purchase as they can be washed and reused over and over. I have no idea how many times clay can be used. Just a thought.

I'm actually considering a hydro setup as well. I'm not sure how I'm going to do it for the indoor part, but I did find a post on another forum that has some pretty cool ideas that I could adapt and put in the greenhouse.

hydrosetup.jpg


It seems to be a fairly simple flood system and the materials would be rather cheap. I'd probably end up using 3" drain pipe as I can get that for about $8 per 10' length. My greenhouse isn't very long so that would fit in fairly nicely. Ideally, I'd like something that I can start indoors, then move it out into the greenhouse will little fuss.

The rest of the images can be found HERE
 
Thats an nft system which are extremely simple to make. The only problem is the size of roots peppers produce. 6" pipe would be far better if available. Alternatively a large slanted tray with tall sides. You would need something to cover the top but black white sheeting would do fine. You then need a reservoir and a small pump.

With nft the flow only has to be a trickle and the pitch of your tray only slight.

Do a search for 'nft diy' and you should get plenty of info.

Chris
 
Thanks for the info Chris! 6" pipe is available and I may be able to find up to 8" pipe around here. I'm just starting to explore the options out there and am looking to set up something that is affordable and effective. I'd love to be able to start the plants indoors, then move them outside when the weather picks up. I have a very short growing season here (around 90 days) and starting them before the last frost is a must.
 
Toleman said:
LGHT mentioned 'sure to grow medium' which is supposed to be very clean but its not available this side of the pond.
Click to expand...

I found a site that sells sure to grow media AND they sell to the UK. discount-hydro.com here is the UK number 01636 650189
 
I picked up the soaker hose today and it is just what the doctor ordered. Cut it so it sits tight around the bottom and it puts out hundreds of tiny bubbles, plus does not float. Each piece is about two feet so I'll be able to make 50 of them for less than 1/2 of the price of six 10 air stones.

Mike
 
Glad you found it mike. Hopefully it holds out well.

Now I have been thinking about the leak I was having from my outlet.
The tray has a 32mm hole drilled and the outlet is a snug fit. im thinking that the problem is the 1/32" ridges that are on the top of the tray(pics). The fitting has a washer and it looks like it gets clamped down enough but obviously not.

Now I was thinking of adding some 'plumbers mait' putty but apparently it attacks plastic so I can't.

Should I try to file the ridges off or with the rough suface affect the washers seal? I could add silicone but its messy, hard to remove if need be and normally says 'not for use in perminant standing water'

Opinions?
 
Just get some aquarium sealer. It's 100% safe and is made to seal fish tanks so it should have a problem with standing water. Plus it's soft enough to quickly peel off if you ever need to.
 
Right I have cleared the greenhouse to give you a better picture of how it will be.

Staging legs to be cut down so the tray sits just above reservoir. Will give massive growth height!
P251009_1541.jpg

P251009_154101.jpg


Outside view
P251009_1540.jpg


Centre support to be lowered 1/2" or so to give some fall to the outlet
P251009_1542.jpg
 
Got myself a 90 litre tub today (only 32cm tall) instead of using the smaller one. This should last around 5/6 days in the heat of summer.

Just got to make a lid now.
760_394_csupload_13011320.jpg
 
Nice set up! Do you have anything in mind for plant support just in case? Those things will probably get massive!
 
Hi Boutros, Going to suspend some strong string across to tie them to. Thought about canes or sticks in the pots but I don't think anything made of wood is a good idea.

Chris
 
Sounds like a plan! Was just wondering. I've grown a few plants that just got so big they snapped off at the base before. The worst! No more hopefully!
 
GHE flora nutes buddy. May consider some biobizz top max once they start flowering.

Then I have epson salts for foliar feeding if they require it.

Chris
 
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