Ebb and Flow Closet Hydroponics System

This is day one of my home built ebb and flow (flood and drain) hydroponics system. I designed it to fit inside of my closet. Sorry for the crappy view, I would try to move around more but my camera isn't working unless I plug it in while recording.

I started my tomato plants in 1" rock wool cubes, then transplanted them into Hydroton expanded clay. A water pump (that will eventually be on a timer) floods the tray several times a day. An air pump aerates the nutrient solution to provide the roots oxygen. For a nutrient solution I went with a 3-2-4 synthetic solution.

I am using a 400 watt HPS bulb with an old school analog ballast. The analog ballast is pretty loud, if I had the money I would definitely consider upgrading to a digital one. I am hoping to get some fans in my closet too, I hear that is pretty important.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• hydroponics
• tomatoes
• seedlings
• transplant
• hydroton
• closet
• air
• pump
• water
• sunleaf
• ballast
• electronic
• bulb

[lohmoelle]

how long do you flood them for and how often??

[oman9978]

@lohmoelle I believe back then it was about once an hour, but its been a while so I don't remember too well. Good luck!

[Kouveious]

Nice work! But do u keep those plants in those same size pots during flowering too?

[oman9978]

@Kouveious Yeah I did, the roots really got long and grew under the pots also.

[anthonysallas]

U gotta let all of that water drain or else u get alge. And I'd switch to black tubing also prevents alge. Also thows look like 6 inch vents , get ur self a fan and vent that sucker. You will see a difference

[oman9978]

@anthonysallas I would listen to Anthony here. It's great advice and looking back on this it would have made a difference.

[oman9978]

@adamjonesboston I would love one! You can upgrade my current 720p HD video camera to a 1080p one. PM me for an address you can use for mailing it to me next Christmas.

Thanks!

[jackmcl90]

@oman9978 yeaa buddy

[MrJRF2193]

I UNDERSTAND EBB AND FLOW AND THE FLOOD AND DRAIN METHOD... MY QUESTION IS HOW DID U SET UP THE POTS TO BE ABLE TO SOAK UP WATER I HAVE THE SAME SET UP BUT NO POTS... DID U CUT HOLES INTO THE POTS AND IF SO WHERE.

[MrFearlessgardener]

Looks good man. Thats a wicked little closet grow.

[TheHightime]

@Ranger360counterstrk expand your mind

[jootai]

what are the advantages of hydrophonics towards feeding..

i always get overfeedingg or nute lockout. (soil)

would this system help me?

[skunkmasta420]

can you send me a link to where i can see how to make one of these step by step for my grow box im making? please thanks in advance... ima be growing my second time first time i just grew in soil and light with watering only

[MikeMosiv2010]

Grow Pot.

[DJDreadnought]

you're wasting electricity putting plants that small directly under hps