Grow Mediums cleaning autopot system - what do you do

[Bodacious Budmonster]

I understand, but if you wanted to do it without having to replace the Res with a new one - then it is super easy to drill the hole out and fit a larger outlet/tap, the larger bore pipe and filter are cheap, the nipples that reduce back down to 4mm are a few coppers each. Job done!

Can you point me in the right direction as to what I would need.
Can’t seem to find it.
This is what I have found thus far

16mm grommet https://www.1-hydroponics.co.uk/irr...ponents-and-fittings/16mm-top-hat-gromet.html

Don’t think this is the right thing for my tank. I have the 47L version.
https://www.1-hydroponics.co.uk/irr...mponents-and-fittings/16mm-inline-filter.html

I can’t of need something like this but without it going to 6mm.
https://www.1-hydroponics.co.uk/irr...s-and-fittings/16mm-to-6mm-inline-filter.html

 

[lunarman]

The stagnet nutes in res is what I'm dealing with, hate that the megaCrop diluted to the bottom and settles there, I was thinking about a pump to keep stired up or just not just the res anymore and hand water them.

You can get a circulating pump used in aquariums. Not an air pump/bubbler. A circulating bump. I run one in my res and have it on a timer. I also check my res daily and give it a hand stir. No clogs so far.

 

[midIN]

You can get a circulating pump used in aquariums. Not an air pump/bubbler. A circulating bump. I run one in my res and have it on a timer. I also check my res daily and give it a hand stir. No clogs so far.

Thanks going to go shopping for one after work, I'll still check it every day due to my fastbud being a drinker pretty bad. The megaCrop doesn't clog anything as of yet, it does leave a brown sludge I've noticed on my air lines in the hydro tank thoe, wipes right off but it's wasted nutes IMO, so cutting back on the mega seems to help that issue quite a bit.

 

[midIN]

Can't comment on stagnant nutrients, as I haven't had them with the Nutrient line I use, but most likely down to a little pump I have in the res to keep it stirred.... I have power in the tent area, but for outside (in a greenhouse without power etc).... you can get a pump and a small solar panel from e-bay to power it.... cheap...just a thought

Mines I doors but could still use the solar panel idea surly the cobs will power it.lol. nice idea

 

[Frogster]

Something like this maybe ?

Click on the image for details...

 

[MedCzech]

Something like this maybe ?

Click on the image for details...

View attachment 917695

Actually, that really helps for another project I had been hoping to take on...Thanks! Almost everything you need exists on this planet nowadays,eh? What a great time to be alive. My PayPal account has been seeing overtime for sure.

 

[pop22]

I use a 30ml syringe filled with hot water to flush the tubing. I actually make a spare tubing set ready to just plug in and replace the one in use. I then take apart and flush each tube. I do this once a month. I remove the covers and check the bases every couple of day, it only takes a minute. If you find one completely dry, the tubing is plugged. An auto pot will go 2-4 days before it becomes very dry so I've yet to have a plant actually show signs of wilting. It just pays to check though. And I'v eonly had a dry pot maybe a couple of times in 2 years of using auto pots.

Hi
What do you do with the inline tube if anything.

I was thinking of putting my jetwash blasting through it if possible.

 

[pop22]

.Use Hydro Guard it works will and is available just about anywhere. Using Hydrogaurd, Ionly need to clean my res at the end of each grow. Use it even if running organic soil as it keeps the water from getting stinky.

Not too sure about Drip-clean as a product. I wasn't aware that the ATACLEAN was only available in Europe either. I would think you could get it on eBay??

I am sure if you ask more around, someone will know of something that will help keep the lines clean.

 

[pop22]

I like your setup! Been contemplating using a 1/2" delivery line, but never though of the dripline fittings! And I'ver got a bag of 50 lol for my raised bed driplines. Looks like I'm going to redo my auto pot lines, thank you!

I have 10 Autopots used both inside (tent) and outside (greenhouse).... for what it's worth and based on using Autopots for 11 different grows now....

Here is what I do....

I use a large bore semi rigid pipe with an inline filter from Res to inside the tent/greenhouse (always use black to eliminate light), The larger inline filter provides a greater surface area to filter particles and reduce the chance of pipe blockages.

The smaller pipes used to feed the autopot are then joined on to this, that keeps them short (about 12 inches) and again less likely to block.

Example of pipe setup - this is in my greenhouse, but same for tent grow. (The bamboo cane is just to keep the pipe straight)
View attachment 917377

Cleaning:-
Before each grow, I strip down the valve system in the autopots, remove the little silicone plugs and put the pot, tray, lid, valve bits and inline filter, etc, into the dishwasher. (keeping the little silicone plugs safe).

The dishwash cycle cleans and to some degree sterilises them (and they come up like new).

I then replace the silicone plugs in the valves, by either rotating them (to use the other surface) or putting in new ones (available from autopot for little money).
.
Clean the Res and backwash the pipes with clean water and a dash of bleach, lastly wash them through with clean water.

Reassemble the pot, valve, lines, trays etc. and away we go onto the next grow....

I have never used any form of cleaner in res during a grow, and never have had a blockage or problem with the pots.... Maybe it's me, or maybe I am just lucky, but that's my method... Works for me.

The type of Nutrients, can obviously play a big part in how much they can potentially block a filter/line, and I only use "Ferro" nutrients, the ones reviewed in my signature line below.

I also use a small water pump in the res to keep the water/feed moving about and nutrients suspended.

Many ways to skin a cat..... this is mine, hope it helps.

Frogster

 

[pop22]

You don't have to change res, auto pots sells a 1/2" fitting and a valve and filter. You just drill the hole bigger and add the parts!

And a tip for those that would like a space saving but larger reservoir, Lowes sells a waste basket that is shaped just like the auto pot res just wider and taller but the same size front to back, and holds about 22 gallons.

Some good info shared there, thanks for contributing

I have thought about having a larger pipe, but would mean I would have to change my res as the filter for my res is 4mm connection, so I have not bothered thus far
If I was purchasing again I would buy the 16mm version and then convert to 4mm like you have