DIY Aeroponics

[drumin]

OK, I decided to start an new thread on Aeroponics to make this a bit cleaner and clearer.

So here's my plan:
I want to build an Aeroponics system with a minimum of 8 sites (preferably 16).

I've seen some different PVC setups on the web:

http://www.gardenscure.com/420/attachments/aeroponics/153455d1134100600-building-aero-system-pic4.jpg

http://www.hydroponicstuesday.com/Blog/Images/Hydro-2008-04-14b.jpg

This is a pretty cool single Aeroponics setup
http://www.hydroponicstuesday.com/Articles/530/Do-It-Yourself-Aeroponics%2c-Attempt-%231

Seems like the problem with the PVC setup is that the plants roots always end up clogging the system because the 6" PVC just doesn't provide enough space.

I found a thread on a bucket system that looks better

http://www.gardenscure.com/420/attachments/aeroponics/33907d1038823958-aero-dwc-bubbler-combination-modular-bucket-03-airstone-.jpg

http://www.gardenscure.com/420/attachments/aeroponics/33851d1038817637-aero-dwc-bubbler-combination-modular-bucket-00-overview.jpg

Unfortunately the thread to those pics is from 2003 and it doesn't look like that user has been active since 2005.
So, the bucket system looks like a better option because it give plenty of room for the roots and they won't clog up the emitters. Plus I like the idea of having multiple emitters 360 degrees around the roots.

Some things I'd like to get opinions on are:

1) could hose be used in between buckets instead of the small PVC? This would make it easier to move buckets a little for tending to the plants.

2) emitter size - I've seen people talk about everything from 30 micron to 200 micron emitters. I think 30-50 micron is necessary for atomization. I doubt 200 micron is atomizing and just spraying which is not true Aeroponic.

3) How many GPM should the pump be to maintain enough pressure to 16 buckets?

4) should I use a timer to turn the emitters on and off every 30 seconds?

I've looked on the web but can't seem to find the NASA Aeroponic plans, anyone have them or know where to find them?

Once I get all the info I'll turn this thread into a step by step DIY. ;)

[Even Crazier Van Guy]

cool, man... eager to see....

[CB]

only here bro....

as for the pvc pipe it seals better as it's hard and fits tight in the gromets.... not to say a guy couldn't use pvc on the bucket with a hose adapter of sorts ;)

as for the heads.... no clue


look forward to see'n what ya get up to:D

[gorilla]

I'm sorry that I dont have any answers for ya, drumin, im not smart about aeroponics. but.... i am very interested to see this project! I'm sure you'll figure it out and there are sure to be a ton of ways to do it right. good luck dude and keep us updated.

[Sticky_Budz]

1) could hose be used in between buckets instead of the small PVC? This would make it easier to move buckets a little for tending to the plants.
I would go with the hose so that way you can move it around like you said i would go with the hose and then to the PVC inside the bucket only because i like the PVC setup inside them lol nice clean setup there

I'm not sure on the answers on 2 and 3 but I'm gonna look around on them because i would like to know myself too.

4) should I use a timer to turn the emitters on and off every 30 seconds?
Yes i would but i would go with what is best for you when you start running the system want it to run to your like and the plants too.
i really love this setup was thing of something like this have a bunch of buckets that i been saving and was gonna try a few plants in them to see how it works but it was nothing like this great find bro wish you the best of luck with it please keep us informed on how it all goes please.

[drumin]

Well, I've started gathering pieces. I still need a grommet to seal the 1/2" PVC where it enters the container and a hose clamp for the hose.

The return assembly (i.e. drain) will be nothing but a garden hose running from the bottom of the container to the reservior.

I decided to use a 41 qt trash container because of the dimensions. It's tall and narrow. I just need something to use as a lid and cut out a hole for the net pots.

http://www.homegrownbud.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15150&stc=1&d=1210699908

I'm looking into these jets http://www.emeraldelectronic.com/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/405947/CategoryID/20000/SubCatID/1851/file.htm

They seem awfully cheap but the site says that it's what is used in the Aerojet, so I must assume that they are atomizing the water for aeroponics and not just spraying water.

I'm also looking into this pump
http://www.emeraldelectronic.com/store/proddetail.cfm/ItemID/407092/CategoryID/20000/SubCatID/8791/file.htm

[drumin]

Alright peeps, I need some help. I'm trying to put together the most important part of this setup; The pump and emitters. Looks like I am going to go with these emitters:
http://www.biocontrols.com/aero6j.htm#SprayJets

So, what do I need to know and/or ask when talking to pump resellers or manufacturers? All I know is that I need a pump to efficiently handle 32 of these sprayers attached to 1/2" PVC contained in a space of 55" x 86":
I think this is the pertinent info on the emitters

Operates best between 75-100 psi (or higher)
Solution Delivery rate: 0.25" orifice delivers 0.08 oz. per second
Impingement design hydro-atomizes water/nutrient solutions
Droplet size < 50 micron

Info I've come across (which is all Greek to me):

http://www.efunda.com/formulae/fluids/calc_pipe_friction.cfm

[mac]

I am no expert on aeroponics. but I do have a question. is there a particular reason why you are going with high pressure sprayers? when our aeroponic cloner got built, our friend used low pressure circular sprayers.

his reasoning was that low pressure sprayers created less back pressure on the pump it's self. I did ask him about water droplet size, and he said the water spraying against the inside of the bucket was more than sufficient in creating very small droplets. it also does a very good job of aerating as well. I guess lower pressure pumps are cheaper as well.

not telling you what to do, just repeating what I've been told. always looking for more information myself.

we've had such good luck with our cloner, we're considering putting one together in a small rubbermaid for flowering. ten gallon rubbermaid, a pump, p v c pipe in an h shape. he said to keep the pump clean, we need to trim a net pot to fit around the intake of the pump and cover that with a woman's nylon.

two plants, each inside of the h so the roots will get sprayed on both sides. and one air stone out of range of the pump so it wont suck up any air and stop pumping. having the sprayers on both sides will allow the roots to dangle freely without getting tangled on the sprayers. a total of eight sprayers are to be used.

[CB]

just a DWC type here bro but.... maybe give the search option a work out HERE (http://www.maximumyield.com/)

pretty good for a free hydro mag like 'IMO' ;) from the front PAGE (http://www.maximumyield.com/article_may_june_08_aeroponics.php) of this issue

hope the project turns out great for ya :D


grow on

[drumin]

Thanks for the links CB!

Mac, your friend is simply excusing his setup by claiming that the water droplets bouncing off the sides of the housing become small enough. There is nothing wrong WSE with low pressure spraying and it will grow fat buds. I am trying to create a "true aeroponics" system. Which basically means that the spray is atomized. The only way to atomize a fluid is with pressure, high pressure. I may have to give up the ghost and go with low pressure sprayers like the pre-fab systems like the Aerojet or Aerogarden if I can't locate the right pump.

[drumin]

Well, looks like I'm gonna have to scrap my "True Aeroponics" endeavor. I've spent the last 2 months searching for a pump that will work and the cheapest one I could find was just under $900. So, looks like I'm going to just go with low pressure Aeroponics. Not that low pressure Aero isn't good, as evidenced by my friends LPA grow...

:eek::eek::courtjester::eek::eek::eek:

[majestyk5]

daaammmmmnn!!!!

[drumin]

Question: These small submersible pond pumps, do they have to be submersed? I mean they have an inlet and an outlet so I was wondering if you can just connect hose at both ends and not have the pump sitting in the water which heats the water up. They seem like the housing is sealed up so what do you think? If you pull off that cage part which holds the filter there is just a hole with enough lip to attach pvc.

[Elephunt man]

Pump might want to be submerged for cooling purposes...could put in it's own tank though I would think.

[Cranky]

would of thought the water running through it would cool just as well??

maybe wrong though...just my 2 bobs worth

cranks

[Pistol Pete]

The 02Xs System Uses A Air Stack To Supply 14 MG Per Litre Of D.O
It Is Almost Identicle Apart From The Air Stack;)

I Must Say The Aeroflo Style System Alongside Your Shed Looks Very Proffesional Indeed
Fantastic Attention To Detail
PP

[Pistol Pete]

Remember Aeroponics Uses Much , Much Less Nutrients And Operates At Different EC Levels
DIY Parts Include Nebulisers And Foggers
However I Like The New GHE Sprayers ( As Mentioned In Max Yield )
However , Heres Every Answer For Your Consumption
Here"http://www.urbangardenmagazine.com"]http://www.urbangardenmagazine.com
Issue 3- July 2007
It Covers Units From £150.00 - £3000.00 ;)

All The Best
PP

[Pistol Pete]

Have You Visited marine Depot ??;)
" Seek And Ye Shall Find "
PP:)

[Dawg]

hey PP greatly appreciate the help ur giving out. but can you start your own threads when attaching pics? That way we can click here and just see drumins fine pics in his grow journal. and not be so confused. Also please be watchful were you hyperlink. Don't think places like legit magazine places would like us hyperlinking to them (it does leave a marker on there server that this is where we clicked from). just leave out the http and the www and it won't hyper link. we can just c/p it to the addy bar and make it link ourselves. ;)

One other thing. please don't post so many advertising pics either. Some of them (if not all) are copyrighted and could get us into an aurgument with the companies...being posted up on a MJ site. US feds few years back went ape shit on hydro stores for this very reason. ;) ( a pump picture asking for help one thing..but repeative would send an eye our way. )

thanks bro. not just directed at you. would have PMd it but figure others would read as well ;)
sorry to jack ur thread drumin.

[drumin]

OK, so I'm a slacker and I haven't been posting about my DIY Aero set up.

So here's a quick recap:
I built a shed out back, it's 10'w X 8'l X 8'h

Then I built an aero cloner
Then I built an aero system.

The clones are doing great!

[majestyk5]

wow very nice looking setup there Drum,
A+ for you

[drumin]

I meant to do a journal on both the shed and the Aero system but so much stuff got in the way that I forgot to keep track and take pictures... pretty soon it was too late. :mad:

[drumin]

Here is some pics today when I put the clones in the big system. I have 6 of Zens Godbud x Afghan Dream, 2 White Widow, 1 of Zens AK47 x Juicy Fruit and one Blue Rhino.

I hope they make it... :D

[Dawg]

nice lineup there :D
lookin forward to the grow.