Grow Mediums New Hydro Set Up?

[jackmc]

I'd like to replace my SuperPonic 8 hydro sysytem with a couple of independent hydro units. The SuperPonic unit has a common reservior which prevents me from culling any of my plants once they are established. I am fond of simplicity and I think I would like DWC system. Any advice AFN? Thank you!:tiphat:

 

[jackmc]

Anyone have experience with

FoxFarm FX14050 Big Bloom, Grow Big & Tiger Bloom Liquid Fertilizer Nutrient Trio Hydro-Formula

I'd like to use up my Technaflora and try something simpler. I like the convience of liquids if you have any more suggestions.

 

[Grey Bear]

Are you wanting to buy something ready made, or do you like to tinker?
You could use the SP8 as an epicenter for a few 5gallon grow buckets (pretty cheaply ordered from HD or where-ever) and use the water pump as your return, with the air pump bubbling the buckets.
Or you could forget the epicenter and just get the buckets and use he air pump to bubble your rez.

 

[jackmc]

That's a good question Grey Bear. I do like to tinker and I have already installed a bulkhead valve in the bottom of my SP8, to help drain it, and a float valve to add a secondary fresh water supply reservoir. How would the system work if I use the water pump as a return? Thanks

 

[jackmc]

What about a strait aeroponic system? Anyone have any experience with them. How do the plants get watered before their roots reach the water in the res?

 

[Muddy]

In aero systems the nozzles still spray when the plants are young and don't have a lot of roots. That keeps the humidity at or near 100% so the plant is sitting in that environment and receiving nutrients from the spray mist. When I first started researching my hydro system I thought aero was the way to go until an experienced grower tipped me off to issues with the nozzles clogging and requiring a lot of maintenance. I guess it's not too bad on a small system but apparently can be an issue in larger ones. In the end I got a Current Culture RDWC system. I'm only on my third grow and still learning, but so far am loving it, especially only having to change the system every 3 weeks as opposed to weekly in DWC.

 

[Grey Bear]

Agreed Muddy!,
I have seen guys use the cheap black garden sprayers in bulk, just swap them out with new ones once they clog and toss the old one.
Usually hobbyist or tinkerers that like making their own stuff are the aeroponic guys. And I think it is really better suited to aquaponics rather than hydroponics.

 

[puffman420]

I am learning about Venturi Aeration -
Basically use a water pump with a airline.
Here's a thread testing dissolved oxygen levels between different aeration techniques.
http://www.420magazine.com/forums/bl...-testing-3643/

I like venturi style as you have no air stone, no air pump. virtually silent if its a small set up.
DWC cooling would be required if temps are an issue due to the pump heating the water.
TIP- get a powerhead that has the venturi attachment and the silencer so you dont hear any air suction.

I also have no experience with this method so would love others to chime in,

 

[jackmc]

Thanks everyone! I'll start reading. I am really looking for the simplest solution with the fewest moving parts.

 

[Muddy]

RDWC is pretty simple and straight forward. Here's a pretty good system layout if you're interested.