Hi guys! Well I’m really quite new here and this is my first hydroponic attempt since the mid eighties. I’m amazed at how many fancy and proprietary components are going into these modern $ystems!
I don’t even know what to call what I made. There are two different but similar kinds of RDWC in my tent.
The first one has an external 5 gal reservoir with air stones and a small fountain pump. I use a single hose to both fill and drain the 3 gal plant pot with about $20 in Home Depot parts.
That rainbird drip system 1/2in plastic hose and fittings are cheap and fits perfect without leaks trucker gladhand Seals to grommet thru your bucket!
I used a plastic swing check-valve to divert the pumped water up onto the hydroton then drain out back into the reservoir when the pump stops.
The second set-up uses only an air stone full time and aquarium waterpump that sprays the top of the roots for ten minutes every hour when the lights are on (and every two when they’re off).
And this Home Depot programmable plug has been nothing short of awesome for it’s timers and Google assistant integration.
Another Keep It Simple Stupid discovery was to use a temporary bamboo rack for scroggong
So far so good, it’s working for me!
What have you found to save from spending too much on unnecessary gimmickery?
