Aquamist: Conversion to true aero

Singularity

Singularity

Active Member
I've got an Aquamist IV 16 site "aeroponics" system, and although I like it I don't feel that it's a true aero system - it's more of a DWC with only a couple of inches of air between the bottom of the basket and the res water, and the roots are watered by a sprinkler rather than jets, and the same sprinkler is all that's adding oxygen to the res.

Aquamist IV

I was going to build a simple aero system using 6" PVC, but I was thinking that I could use the Aquamist itself by inserting 360 degree jets in the top, putting a res below the origional Aquamist system and let the roots hang in 12" of air rather than the 6" in the PVC system.

1. Do you think the extra 6" of hanging space for the roots would help over a PVC system?

2. Think it's worth the effort to use the Aquamist parts or just start with new materials?

3. Is PVC the best for a small system or would a deeper chamber for the roots be better?

4. Would 8" PVC be better than 6"?

5. How far between holes for 12" - 18" clones? (6" centers for the Aquamist IV 16 site, I find it a little tight.)

6. For people who've used/have experience with similiar systems to the aquamist and jet spraying aero, which do you think produces better results? - quicker, better yield, etc.

7. I'd like to use the origional aquamist pump in the lower res to pump up the water under pressure for the sprayer - can you think of a way to get the water from the top res without installing a drain in it's floor? I was thinking of a low pressure pump in the top res, but I'm not sure about turning it off and on - it may be simplest just to install a drain.

I've been scouring the forum for the past week and have gone through all the DIY threads and the FAQ, just looking for some perspective and advice. Thanks.
 
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Singularity

Singularity

Active Member
An idea just came to mind for drainage:

There is a drain hole on the side about 2" from the bottom - I could use that hole and use an air pump to put oxygen in the 2" of water at the bottom.

Pro:

The roots would always have a bit of water in case of power failure.

I don't have to drill a hole in the bottom of the Aquamist res.

Cons:

Is having water at the bottom a good or bad thing?
 
StinkBud

StinkBud

Well-Known Member
Cost is about $80. Uses PVC fence posts and a 396GPH pump.

EZ-Clone sprayers between each 2" net pot

14 plant sites

I run three separate systems for a perpetual harvest every three weeks.

I pulled a pound out of my last harvest.
 

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speedhabit

speedhabit

Well-Known Member
AL B Fuct has prolly the best DIY areo system Iv seen and he is the general aeroponic expert round these parts. The trick is getting the mist to a mist, <5 microns.
 
LoudBlunts

LoudBlunts

Well-Known Member
speedhabit said:
AL B Fuct has prolly the best DIY areo system Iv seen and he is the general aeroponic expert round these parts. The trick is getting the mist to a mist, <5 microns.
Click to expand...

say what?

that is ALL wrong!!!!!!


never seen Al do any DIY aero, nor areo for that matter.

he does a 2 week perpetual harvest with flood and drain setup.


FilthyFletch and Earl are the aeroponics experts
 
CustomHydro

CustomHydro

Well-Known Member
Singularity said:
I've got an Aquamist IV 16 site "aeroponics" system, and although I like it I don't feel that it's a true aero system - it's more of a DWC with only a couple of inches of air between the bottom of the basket and the res water, and the roots are watered by a sprinkler rather than jets, and the same sprinkler is all that's adding oxygen to the res.

Aquamist IV

I was going to build a simple aero system using 6" PVC, but I was thinking that I could use the Aquamist itself by inserting 360 degree jets in the top, putting a res below the origional Aquamist system and let the roots hang in 12" of air rather than the 6" in the PVC system.

1. Do you think the extra 6" of hanging space for the roots would help over a PVC system?
Not a noticable one.

2. Think it's worth the effort to use the Aquamist parts or just start with new materials?
Salvage whatever you can, unless u have too much time on ur hands and rediculous amounts of money

3. Is PVC the best for a small system or would a deeper chamber for the roots be better?
What
4. Would 8" PVC be better than 6"?
Not neccessary

5. How far between holes for 12" - 18" clones? (6" centers for the Aquamist IV 16 site, I find it a little tight.)
Looks like u answered it for yourself

6. For people who've used/have experience with similiar systems to the aquamist and jet spraying aero, which do you think produces better results? - quicker, better yield, etc.

7. I'd like to use the original aquamist pump in the lower res to pump up the water under pressure for the sprayer - can you think of a way to get the water from the top res without installing a drain in it's floor? I was thinking of a low pressure pump in the top res, but I'm not sure about turning it off and on - it may be simplest just to install a drain.
What is wrong with installing a drain?
I've been scouring the forum for the past week and have gone through all the DIY threads and the FAQ, just looking for some perspective and advice. Thanks.
Click to expand...
It sounds like u are overthinking this, I did the same shit and I ended up blowing my budget out of the water just to throw the system I built in the attic and buy flood tables.
I'm not saying u are as stupid as me, but just a warning to live by the ultimate rule of thumb, next to don't tell anyone, keep it simple!
 
CustomHydro

CustomHydro

Well-Known Member
speedhabit said:
AL B Fuct has prolly the best DIY areo system Iv seen and he is the general aeroponic expert round these parts. The trick is getting the mist to a mist, <5 microns.
Click to expand...
This is wrong, like Loud said, I just wanted to confirm. Al is an expert, but not in aero.

What's up LoudBlunts?
 
Singularity

Singularity

Active Member
"I'm not saying u are as stupid as me"

Please don't discount the depth to which my common sense can sink.

I've replaced that POS sprinkler with a simple PVC grid and 320 degree misters - each root set gets a more even spray of water, the roots don't tangle together, I've got 6 clones that are growing quicker than I remember from last grow. I'm just using presure fit for the PVC, no glue. No leaks and the grid can't come apart because it's nestled in the Aquamist res.

Very pleased with the change, I'll post pics later.

I've got some 4" square plastic fence post covers but I'd like find a plastic container 4' x 2' x 2' and drill 3 rows of 6 holes giving 8" between centers instead of 6" in the Aquamist - then raise the container and put a drain/feed to an outside reseviour. The root growth while hanging in air is much quicker than when I only had 2 or 3 inches of roots before hitting water.
 
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