Extremely simple DIY ebb and flow hydroponics system: part 1

[dt65262]

I thought I'd learn something about your system but the music was so distracting, I couldn't listen to you talk and that music. I'm glad you stopped playing music on your other videos so I will give another one a try. That's 4.25 minutes wasted. FML

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@dt65262 My bad, it was my very first video. I've learned to be better since then, this has so many hits that I can't get myself to delete it. The other vids have no music, are more to the point, and better picture quality!

[teazyFbaybee]

Music Fuckin killed it

[sharpasadullknife]

You should add a air stone on the end of the air hose it can aerate the water as its forcing it into the bottle. Just a suggestion I dont even know if it would work

[FlashGameReviews]

WTF? How is an airpump and a timer free? All your doing is using an airpump as a ghetto water pump.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@FlashGameReviews True! I guess if you don't have an aquarium, you will need to go and purchase these items. I was under the assumption that most people have an unused aquarium from the 80's somewhere in the house or at your parent's/grandma's house. I think the 10 gal pumps are about $7-10 at walmart.

But ghetto indeed, however i think thats the beauty of this system, instead of spending hundreds on a commercial system and even more cash for proprietary replacement components. 

[maxlucas88]

let us know whats the second song? me na care about the alchemist one i like that phat drum break flutey... nice set up here

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@maxlucas88 Awesome, no one else seems to like the music! :D People have told me its corny so I don't use music any more. The second song is "Chase of Death" by Tony Bruno. I thought it was the perfect instrumental for peculating water.

[HerbalixPro]

Do sunspots affect solar electric systems?

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@HerbalixPro I am under the impression that it is actually solar flares that cause electrical disruptions!

[MyWillyboi]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut Where could I find the Airline check valve or vale your using

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@MyWillyboi you can find it at petco in the aquarium department.

[MyWillyboi]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut Great! Thanks Buddy Keep growin strong

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@MyWillyboi Thanks! I will do a new hydro project soon!

[marito001]

Hi! for how long do you normally soak the plant???

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@marito001 a good 15-30 mins is good!

[marito001]

how do you seal the bottom part of the plastic cup with the tube???

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@marito001 just drill the hole at a diameter that is slightly smaller than the tube. you can pull the tube through, and it will form an airtight seal, it will be tight but that's exactly what you want!

[marito001]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut I have a 2 gallon container, if I use the method you mentioned will it keep it sealed? its like a milk jug, made out of plastic not as tick as the glass you have, I will drill a hole smaller then the air tube.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@marito001 It should work, the only issue I can foresee is perhaps not enough pressure due to the large container size. I used an air pump rated for a 10 gallon aquarium, if it doesn't work you may need to purhcase a larger pump. As for staying sealed, yes it will work becasue the air pressures we are dealing with are actually very small, especially since there is a relief for the pressure as the liquid is pushed downwards

[marito001]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut well I have a 10 gallon pump and just purchased a 40 gallon in case it needs more then I will use the 40 gallon pump. I used the 10 gallon pump yesterday just tip see how it worked and it was bubbling pretty well, just need to make the hole at the bottom and drill a smaller hole and see how that works.

[marito001]

I can leave it on from morning to 10 pm then turn it off from 10 pm to 7 am, will that work???

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@marito001 it should while the plant is young, so long as the water is bubbling! but as it gets bigger and needs more water it may wilt at night due to the roots drying out. It would be better to get a timer and set it in intervals rather than 1 big long soak.

[marito001]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut Yea, definitely had to purchase the timer.

[vewdew3]

wish you guys sold flora nova nutrient combo deals on ebay..i'd rather get all my items from one trusted source and avoid duchebagery and tons of shipping ;D

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@vewdew3 Awesome! We plan to introduce hydroponic stuff, but we need to grow the business just a little before doing so! but thanks for the recommendation! Ebay has made it really difficult for sellers lately especially those who sell large heavy items such as us!

Ebay puts a lot of pressure on offering free shipping, but with low overhead items it is impossible to cover $10-$20 parcel charges. As of April, (seemingly as a penalty) ebay is now charging additional selling fees on the...

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

<--Continued...ship cost! On a $10.50 flat rate box, ebay collects 11% (garden category), effectively making it cost $11.65 to ship. For sellers who offer free shipping, (which it really isn't), it makes it so that items cannot be combined for lower ship cost. Pretty messed up situation, douchebaggitry indeed!

If you do need anything let us know the best prices is at our direct site at:

surfmonkeycoconut [dot] com

[vewdew3]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut wow i had no idea..in part because i just buy on ebay and have yet to try and sell anything...on that note i completely understand..do you guys have a blog or something that you guys can utilize for a more direct means of selling your items? instead of having to be pressured by ebay to make a potential nothing on your already low prices? if so you can message me here or we can find other means of communication, but i feel that for the items you offer and the info you give

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@vewdew3 yes, its pretty unanimous amongst sellers and buyers that this is just a big money grab on ebay's part. In the long run it makes things more expensive and a less desirable place to shop. Charging fees on a service they don't provide (shipping) seems corrupt to me.

[vewdew3]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut inded if you guys start a blog let me know i would be more than willing to buy direct and support a fellow enthusiast ..rather than worrying about the conclusions people at our local shops concoct in there heads..they reported my purchases 2 times and the cops showed up and all they found was a legit vegetable garden...probably because i moved here a year ago and have a bald head and wear baggy clothes..lmao

[vewdew3]

*cont : you definitely deserve to make more than just being pushed into submission due to ebay's corp. interests... love the content keep it up !!!

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@vewdew3 Yeah! Totally! We set up our own site at surfmonkeycoconut [dot] com! The lowest prices and shipping! If you are in a lower shipping zone than 8 relative to Seattle, we can get you better pricing on shipping!

[heman1320]

Watch out for the BPAs coming off that bottle.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@heman1320 totally! Check our part 2, We changed the system to glass!

[BennyIceEyes]

Where did you get the Relief valve from? Ive looked at quite a few different stores and none seemed to have it.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@BennyIceEyes Its found in an "fish aquarium airline accessories kit" at petco or an aquarium store. Its good to have, lots of airline connectors, t-splitters, etc. cheap and easy!

[LookieLoudLou]

Not even ghetto - this is very smart. One type of pump used.

Sick job man

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@LookieLoudLou Awesome! glad you like it, this system got modified as the videos progressed. This system was too flimsy and light.

[exbf22]

wow. how did you get the air pump to raise the water up? this is genius :)

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@exbf22 The air pump creates air pressure in the reservoir bottle which forces the liquid into the bubbling container, it is a little clearer in the other videos in this series!

[scoobydubeedew]

look fukn complicated

[jarlaxlebanre]

you should use an air stone in your reservoir to produce oxygen. Keeps the aqueous solution from creating algae.

[samljer]

thats the most ghetto shit ive ever seen, thank you lol.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@samljer LOL! Ghetto hydroponics R us!

[cojobo34]

u will want to cover your reservoir and other containers that have the nutrient solution in them, or algae will grow:( could use black garbage bags. pretty neat setup, but could be even easier than this and produce much more on the same power consumption. good vid tho.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@cojobo34 Awesome thanks! In part 2 there has been some major modifications including a spray painted black jar instead of the clear soda bottle. keeping the nutrient container under the counter out of direct sunlight is enough for combating alage.

[dadog15401]

@cojobo34 not just that when the light hits the roots it burns them up but i agree wit u 100%

[burntBK]

i feel stupider

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@burntBK No man, you ROCK!

[HydroGrowa]

why make this more harder then it has to be ?

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@HydroGrowa Cool factor!!! :D

[growgarden]

This is a very unique variation of the ebb and flow hydroponic system. I have not seen anything like this before. It really looks very easy to setup and maintain. But I hope it can be built in such a way that it can accommodate several plants, that way, more plants can be grown in one growing season.

[millaman12345678910]

mind=blown.

[420conejo420]

what was dat 1st beat?



[namitsu1]

thats nice man. just I wouldve prefered no music

[a10fjet]

Mine refuses to drain. I guess my pump has no way for air to escape backwards, so there is no way for air to get out of my resevoir. I tried poking a hole with a hot needle (so tiny) and yet when i turn the pump on all the pressure goes through that little hole. Catch 22 for me...

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@a10fjet use one of those cheap plastic air hose valves, the adjustable knob allows you to fine tune the air relief. You can find these in the aquarium section of your local pet store or petsmart etc.

[anthonymezzapelle]

lol kinda crazy man but fun to watch

[hfield84]

Thats really clever, i might try this myself. Thanks.

[samueltromp]

cool but gay music man nd why grow basil man why whats the point this shit is for marijuana

[solidskateboards]

Looks like it could overflow or under-fill very easily. Any problems with that?

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@solidskateboards see the following videos in this series, we modified the system. Essentially you have to fill the resivori while in full flood stage to know how much water to use.

[Crimescene26]

ohhh ok i thought you were going to grow something medical, i would cut my roots back on some of mine but, this causes stress and seeds/hermaphrodite.

[spikefivefivefive]

Deep Water Culture method is even simpler than this.

Just aerate solution with an aquarium stone and let run constantly.

[walaowow]

@spikefivefivefive any examples on what you mean by this?

[spikefivefivefive]

@walaowow a)Take the set up in the video. b)Follow the instructions listed in my comment.

[Crimescene26]

@spikefivefivefive yep bubbleponics

[Crimescene26]

This would be great if the plants we grew didnt get massive roots. Seems to me this would get rootbound very easily. I dont see plants making it fully in this.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@Crimescene26 Check out 'Part 4' of this series, the system evolved and the plant turned out very well! The Basil roots are very big though and does require cutting back every month or so.

[7073436118]

nice ebb and flow system u made! i tryed to build one like it but i had no success with the water going up to the plant... did u ever make that video on how u demonstrate how to set up the tubes for the water to go up? let me know if u did... thanx

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@7073436118 You got it! new video uploaded, part 5! check it out!

[Theapothem]

what do you want to accomplish from this? you could do the same with gravity without having to waste electricity.

[ColdLightProductions]

dope beat playin

[CANvsDK]

awesome and awsome music. wat is it

[gus361]

@CANvsDK Alchemist- thug music(instrumental)

[fatturdburger]

You need a tube that returns water back 2to the resevoir 2 stop over flowing.

[Don612Juan]

great until the roots show and are exposed to light.

[SlightOfHand28]

he says to spray paint the bottle black hes just using transparent to show how it works

[vaandres2007]

how is the program, what time in OFF and ON??

Thnakx

[ickmay3232]

ok so i figured out how to get the water to pump up into the container but now theres an issue with draining. Not like it matters but it would be nice if my system was qucik and efficient

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

New air pumps typically have an anti-syphon check valve built into it. This prevents the drainage like you experienced. To get around this you need an 'air relief valve' as discussed in the comments below. Its kind of like creating a leak in the air line, to allow back flow.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@ickmay3232 OK, new vid uploaded to answer your questions! Check it out! "part 5" Now get growing!!! :D

[ickmay3232]

how does the air pump hose hook up to the solution resivoir and pump solution up to the plant? you should make a video :) a nice tutorial for me!!!

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

Thanks for your messages and comment! I think I will do this for ya! It will take just a bit of time, but I'll get it up soon.

[7073436118]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut Did U ever Make That Video?

[ATOMIKMASSdrummer]

FREAKIN AMAZING MAN. im tryin this

[HerrEriBi]

What is the capacity of that airpump?

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

its a small one. its made for a 10 gal aquarium.

[HerrEriBi]

Nice, thank you. Will be building one immediately!

[HerrEriBi]

One more thing, isn't there a great risk of overflow from the netpot or is it kind of a seal between the pot and the container? Or is the water level in the reservoir just enough to fill the pot container?

[hardbasshammond]

i always thought of hydropnics as warehouse projects but this totally changed my train of thought :) really nice idea 5/5 the only part i didn't get was the timing, i've watched all 4 parts and read some comments and noticed that you mentioned something about 4h. so is it on for 4h and off 4h or on 4h and off 15 min?

thx for an awesome idea :)

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

cool! Thx for the rating! When the plant was a seedling I set the timer to go on for 1 hour, 4x during the daylight hours, so: 6am, 10am, 2pm & 6pm. Basically enough to keep the medium moist through the day. Night time was cool enough where no evaporation took place.

Once the plant got larger, it began to consume more water, dried up the rock wool much quicker and wilted if it was without water for too long. So I eventually adjusted the timer to go on for 30mins and off for 30mins.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

Thats only a guideline, observe your plant to figure out its needs.

In this video you can see I had a timer that uses the plastic pins to turn the timer on and off, it only comes with 4 pins. I had to buy a better timer (about $6) at home depot that had tabs instead of pins that you can pop in and out. This timer allows it to go on and off every 15 minutes if you want.

[DeAthWaGer]

very cool, but yogurt cups are much cheaper than hydroponic cups :)

[lblblbnani]

smart

[Armornone]

How does the air pump act as a water pump ? How does it move the water to the top bottle by just injecting air?

[MokuPueo]

Awesome idea I once grew place straight out of the top of my aquarium for nutrients for the plants and filtration for the water

[clmosk]

Hey man, where did you get the air tubbing relief valve? I have no clue where to get one.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

Hey there! Great question: yes, you need a relief valve as most air pumps these days have a check valve built into the mechanism, and therefore will not let air back through the pump; keeping the air pressure in the nutrient reservoir, which equals no drainage or ebbing stage...whew!

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

You can find air tube kits at petco or petsmart in the fish supplies. The valve you are looking for is the plastic one with the screw type (knob) air adjustment. Just unscrew that adjustment a tad to allow air through during the ebbing stage without impeding air flow during the flood stage...play around with it to find the correct adjustment! :D

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

Oh BTW! I just posted an update! "part 2" CHeck out the size of the plant...part 2 takes place just a month after sowing!

[scotterinsam]

Hey im using your idea thanks for the upload and the info on the relief valve I was up shit creek there for a while

[slimhitter]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut how did u stop the air from the holes u made on the cap so air want escape thanks

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

excellent question. The holes are slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the tubing. The tubing is crammed through the hole, and pulled through with a pair of pliers, the hose is soft and is creates a perfect seal with pure friction and does not need caulk or anything else.

[slimhitter]

what is the perfect bottel to use

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

check out part 3 of this series! I talk about that exact topic!

[mypeachsoda]

very cool =)

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

Thanks! With any luck this will be a productive system for the long, dreaded, cold and dark winter months we have here in Seattle!

[mypeachsoda]

good luck! i can't wait to see how well it works out.