Extremely simple DIY ebb and flow hydroponics system: part 2

Update to the original system. I am using a more robust container to hold the net pot, in this case it is a Kerr wide mouth jar, it offers a more substantial base and weight.

Supplies:
I got the rubber grommets from cableorganizer.com, they have a huge selection of sizes choose on appropriate for your hose and hole.

Glass drill was from e-bay, there are some affordable diamond plated glass drill bits there.

CAution!
When drilling glass with a diamond or sanding bit, always do it underwater to prevent inhalation of the glass dust.

As always check out my awesome plant stuff at:
http://myworld.ebay.com/surf_monkey_coconut

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ebb
• and
• flow
• system
• part
• basil
• hydroponics
• diy
• at
• home

[irqvet2010]

I built 1 out of your idea but Im having a technical issue my water does not want to go uphill, i have a 20 gallon air pump and my seals are good, what do you think is happening?

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@irqvet2010 Maybe a few reasons, if its a brand new pump make sure it is working by seeing if the hose makes bubbles underwater, there may be some sort of seal somewhere blocking the air inlet. Second, if you are just using aquarium air tubing link in the first vid of this series, it may be too small try using a larger diameter hose, you'll notice I am using a much larger hose for the liquid in this. Using the airline as the water hose worked, but just barely and it took forever.

[dt65262]

OMG this video is much better without the music from video one! Thanks for keeping it out. GREAT video! On to video part 3

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@dt65262 Awesome! thanks for hanging in there!

[englandinacan]

Get rid of those windows. You need to block ALL light in the nutrient res or you'll get algae growth.

Algae doesnt directly harm your plants, but it does eat up nutrients REALLY quickly, causing them and ph to fluctuate madly.

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@englandinacan Nutrient solution jug is below the window under a counter, there is some indoor light down there, but not enough to cause algae problems. You are correct though, in direct sunlight or intense light, algae will throw off your chemistry. Changing the solution everyday will help tide alage, but one could also spray paint the bottle black.

[irqvet2010]

@SurfMonkeyCoconut Ha my airline had a tiny hole i found it by dipping everything in my bathtub, thanks

[bustherh]

@englandinacan use colloidal silver to prevent algae growth

[SurfMonkeyCoconut]

@dutch1565 awesome! that sounds like a great alternative, porous structure to allow the roots to grow through and the nutrient solution to flow freely!

[englandinacan]

@stevenmedicine Onto the nutes... They come in multiple bottles as you said. THESE ARE CONCENTRATES.

Fill up your reservior with distilled water. If you can't get distilled, leave the water out for 24 hrs to let the chlorine escape.

Next, add the nutrients one by one to the water, according to directions. You should have a part a/b for veg and a part a/b for flowering.

They are packaged seperately as some of the compounds in the nutes breakdown/react with eachother when not diluted

[englandinacan]

@stevenmedicine if you're growing weed then spend the money to do it properly, or you'll get a tenth of the harvest.

If you're using bottles etc to cut costs, then you probably don't have a proper grow light.

If you're growing outside or under a windowsil, don't use hydro as it's not worth it, you'd be better off with plant pots and cocopeat (it's great stuff).

You also NEED a nutrient meter and ph test kit. Else you're gonna harm your plants with hydro. I speak from experience.