Hydroponic Gardening DIY

For this system it will run 24/7. My dutch bucket system at home runs for 15 minutes 7 times per day only.
 
OK, I know it's a noobish setup, first time I'm pondering into the realm of the green thumbs. But I was curious as to how the Hydroponics guys do it.
So, as per request, here is my setup. Finished this morning. Got some lettuce in there. Will try some herbs and broccoli next. Friend is bringing me some Strawberry plants over.
Having me some fun.....

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My pump doesn't have a speed control, so it's basically pumping one speed. Is there a way to regulate the flow, it's a bit fast now.
Also, back to my previous question, with a setup like this, do I run the pump 24/7???
 
beans100 said:
My pump doesn't have a speed control, so it's basically pumping one speed. Is there a way to regulate the flow, it's a bit fast now.
Also, back to my previous question, with a setup like this, do I run the pump 24/7???
Click to expand...
Yes 24/7. Read up on NFT(nutrient film technique) systems. You could run it a few times a day for 20 minutes or so if you had an Ebb and Flow system set up but your pipes would have to be more horizontal and the fittings would be slightly different.

How high does the water level get in the gutters when your pump is running..? As I alluded to earlier the only potential issue with the gravel is them heating up in the direct sunlight and damaging the plants. BUT it's an experiment so let's see how it goes...!
 
Zenbaas said:
Yes 24/7. Read up on NFT(nutrient film technique) systems. You could run it a few times a day for 20 minutes or so if you had an Ebb and Flow system set up but your pipes would have to be more horizontal and the fittings would be slightly different.

How high does the water level get in the gutters when your pump is running..? As I alluded to earlier the only potential issue with the gravel is them heating up in the direct sunlight and damaging the plants. BUT it's an experiment so let's see how it goes...!
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Just below the surface of the gravel. At times over the gravel, but somehow it corrects itself. Is that a problem?
 
beans100 said:
Just below the surface of the gravel. At times over the gravel, but somehow it corrects itself. Is that a problem?
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It can be a bit lower probably but should still be fine. I would run it for a while and if any problems arise cut the draining pipe in each gutter a little lower. But test it first to see how the plants tolerate it.
 
How are your hydroponic systems coping with load shedding. I'm interested in trying it out but I've heard that any interruption with regards to pumps and lighting can be devastating for your plants. Do you think I would need to include some form of ups into my cost analysis or will hydroponic systems cope with loss of power for a few hours now and then?
 
Sherbang said:
How are your hydroponic systems coping with load shedding. I'm interested in trying it out but I've heard that any interruption with regards to pumps and lighting can be devastating for your plants. Do you think I would need to include some form of ups into my cost analysis or will hydroponic systems cope with loss of power for a few hours now and then?
Click to expand...

Couple pages back someone showed a system that doesnt use electricity.
 
So guys, how's the weed crop coming in so far?
 
Blight has basically wiped out all of my tomatoes :( Just spread too far by the time I picked it up. Have new seedlings growing so will see if I can get them going although it's already too late probably.
 
Ok mense. It's time to start growing again. Anyone been busy..? I will hopefully be redoing my Dutch bucket system and my NFT systems soon and I have started about 6 varieties of different cherry tomatoes so waiting for them to germinate.

Think I'll only be growing large brandywine OTV tomatoes in the Dutch buckets this year and will give the Jalapeños and the pepperdew plants a better chance this year as well.

I've been trying to get hold of Marley to find out about their hydroponic pipes but they don't seem to reply to any emails. :/
 
Zenbaas said:
Ok mense. It's time to start growing again. Anyone been busy..? I will hopefully be redoing my Dutch bucket system and my NFT systems soon and I have started about 6 varieties of different cherry tomatoes so waiting for them to germinate.

Think I'll only be growing large brandywine OTV tomatoes in the Dutch buckets this year and will give the Jalapeños and the pepperdew plants a better chance this year as well.

I've been trying to get hold of Marley to find out about their hydroponic pipes but they don't seem to reply to any emails. :/
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Howsit

I built a dripper system last weekend that runs to waste.Plants sit on top of the tub and the water drips back into a weighted bucket placed in the container directly under the sole draining hole.I like to call it a drip and drain system.Needs a few tweaks but I will take some pics tonight.
 
Batista said:
Howsit

I built a dripper system last weekend that runs to waste.Plants sit on top of the tub and the water drips back into a weighted bucket placed in the container directly under the sole draining hole.I like to call it a drip and drain system.Needs a few tweaks but I will take some pics tonight.
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Dont forget to post some pics for us.

I went to GT hydro's shop near Witkoppen today to buy a few basics before I get to redoing everything.

They have a very nicely laid out shop with plants growing in some different setups. Prices are also very decent.

Thinking of throwing together an aeroponic setup tomorrow for getting my seedlings up and running and moist while under the grow light. I've been thinking of doing it for quite a while but just never got around to doing it.
 
Zenbaas said:
Dont forget to post some pics for us.

I went to GT hydro's shop near Witkoppen today to buy a few basics before I get to redoing everything.

They have a very nicely laid out shop with plants growing in some different setups. Prices are also very decent.

Thinking of throwing together an aeroponic setup tomorrow for getting my seedlings up and running and moist while under the grow light. I've been thinking of doing it for quite a while but just never got around to doing it.
Click to expand...
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So I made a simple frame from conduit that fits snugly inside my container and then I covered it with a waterproof cloth (See last pic). I would have used to previous lid but it already have much larger holes so I had to improvise.


uploadfromtaptalk1437929516055.jpg

So this is my very simple aeroponic system. Some conduit once again with two 360 degree sprinkler heads on the side. They work surprisingly well and easily cover the entire inside of the container with small water droplets. I'm very happy with how it turned out.


uploadfromtaptalk1437929587465.jpg


I have three tomatoes busy growing in between all the other hydroton. Growing in peat this time around(Jiffy pellets) but had to put net pots in all the holes to prevent water from spraying out all the time :)
 
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So I need to buy another pump or two. Any places to recommend for cheap/affordable pumps..? I normally buy from Animal Kingdom near Hillfox but it seems their prices have gone WAY up from the last time I bought from them.
 
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