Hydroponics Setup

[Tathradj]

After getting excited about the use of hydroponics, I have built one.
Some of these plants have been in for a week and are now sprouting new roots and going ballistic. LOL
Quite a few of them have also decided to flower as well so all good for the moment.
The pump is in the wheely bin and is a bit over the top so I used a choke off tap to regulate the mixture.
Over all I am very happy with it.
And Yes, The two top middle plants are Cherry Tomatoes, Minni Roma Red and same in Yellow.
.

 

[limpalot]

How long before you start harvesting gold?

 

[yobskin]

Nice effort... becare full the bin doesnt heat up you nutriants.
It will burn your roots or grow bacteria/root rot.

 

[jamie]

if you dont mind questions Doug, what media do you use for the plants root system in a set up like this?

 

[Tathradj]

Thanks People for your comments.
The Wheelie bin only contains about 40 litres of solution the pipes around 15 and also runs at 10:00pm and 3:00am.
The bin is only in the Sun until about 12:00 Mid day and finally the pump runs every 4 hours through the day.
I will increase the stages in Summer to compensate for the warmer weather.
The solution is plain straight water with Thrive and Epson salts set to a PH of 6.5.
It took a few days to settle and to help with aeration, The return pipe sits about 8" above the
liquid level. I am yet to install an air stone bubbler.
On the first input there is a small obstruction to stop the water flow from blasting the first few plant's.
So far, So good and I would welcome any input.

 

[Digginholes]

Nice set up tarth.
Only thing I can think that May be a problem is once the root system gets large enough it could cause blockages.
I tried a different style once I think aqua phonics basically a bucket of nutrients with a big air stone and the plant in a net pot sitting constantly in the water. Worked a treat and super easy.

 

[G0lddigg@]

cool looking good mate

 

[Tathradj]

Thanks Again.
The root ball problem I have thought about. If you look under the rack you will see another set of supports
the same angle as the top. That is for 6" pipe if I need it. When the plants get going I will slow the flow and
run for longer to compensate. Generally if the plant does not have to root around ( ) it will spend more time
on the top half then trying to seek nutrients from the soil.

 

[Beagleboy]

Are you sure them plants are tomatoes? Haha

 

[Tathradj]

LOL,
MOST definitely tomatoes. :lol: :lol: :lol:
I chose the small type to get the hang of it all.

 

[Beagleboy]

I am looking to build a self watering vegie box for the missus. There are some great designs on youtube. She is missing our veggie garden and chooks we use to have in our old place. I got her worm farm instead.

 

[Bazz]

Just saying!

But the guy across the road had a setup similar to that (not as well constructed) and he was teaching the local cops how to grow tomatoes just like that.

How do I know that to be true?

Well it couldn't be anything else cause the cops were always there gettin lessons and taking cuttings in their big brown baggies :8

 

[Myazma]

And just when I think the man has seen the light he tells us they're really tomato plants, geeez Doug

 

[Tathradj]

PMSL
I wonder what smoking Tomato plant is like.
Hmmm. :lol: :lol:

And just when I think the man has seen the light he tells us they're really tomato plants, geeez Doug

 

[Bazz]

Taste like Crap......

 

[Tathradj]

Better than tea leaves. ?
:lol:

 

[Bazz]

with smoking patches, oooh! that just sounds ugly

 

[JeffP]

With NFT ( Nutrient Flow Technique) , as yours is ,, you dont need an air stone as the water is getting aerated as it flows/recycles . You need better Nutrients than what you are using , a specific Hydro two pack Nutrient is much better . Dutch Fest is a good one . You also need a TDS meter (total dissolved salts ) as your plants will use nutrients and you need to keep the balance of water and Nutrients right or otherwise you will see deficiencies in your plants or a build up of salts as the plants use more water than nutrients Keep a close eye on the PH as most problems occur with nutrient "lock out" when the PH is out .

Yes , I do know a fair bit about Hydroponics , was a Hobby of mine for about 20 years