Drip irrigation for vacation

Billy the Mountain · May 18, 2022

One consideration with unattended gravity-fed blumat reservoirs is that the pressure will drop as the reservoir empties. I think blumat recommends not letting the level fall too far for this reason.
Its more a concern if there's not much pressure to start with.
Every 2.4 ft height = 1 psi

LeastExpectedGrower · May 18, 2022

Billy the Mountain said:
One consideration with unattended gravity-fed blumat reservoirs is that the pressure will drop as the reservoir empties. I think blumat recommends not letting the level fall too far for this reason.
Its more a concern if there's not much pressure to start with.
Every 2.4 ft height = 1 psi

I have mine up about 5' (top of water level). With a bigger reservoir, the 'top level' difference ends up being a matter of a few inches, which is a good reason to have a reasonable size. Also, I adjusted my drip with a fill that was somewhere in the middle, so it wouldn't create too much pressure if I filled it more or if it ran lower.

ExclusiveX420 · May 18, 2022

I'm going to be able to get this approx 1 foot above maybe 2 Max! Hopefully that's enough. Also. If I'm feeding say 4 plants, can I have 1 bulkhead fitting existing the reservoir instead of 2 or 4. I'd like to run 4 individual on a reservoir due to being at different stages of growth from others. Would it require more than one bulk head to achieve proper flow? Original I planned to port my hole directly in the bottom of my reservoir instead of from the side but could do either.

SCJedi · May 18, 2022

Reservoir fed to rdwc on a float switch with a valve in the middle to turn off when your not.on vacation.

I have 50 mom's on a trolmaster system. I hooked up a water source on a float switch and went to Hawaii for 8 days. I was dreading what I came back to but all was just fine.

If I had the patience I would set it all up on a blumat system which is nearly always set it and forget it.

LeastExpectedGrower · May 18, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
I'm going to be able to get this approx 1 foot above maybe 2 Max! Hopefully that's enough. Also. If I'm feeding say 4 plants, can I have 1 bulkhead fitting existing the reservoir instead of 2 or 4. I'd like to run 4 individual on a reservoir due to being at different stages of growth from others. Would it require more than one bulk head to achieve proper flow? Original I planned to port my hole directly in the bottom of my reservoir instead of from the side but could do either.

You can do a single and take taps off that for each plant, but supposedly better to have it be a loop.

ExclusiveX420 · May 18, 2022

Good deal gotcha guys ty. Ordered!!! Hey does anyone run an air stone in there reservoir. It's kinda weird not aerating the water but I also imagine u don't want air bubbles getting in. It suggest bleeding off once a week and notes that you can aerate but bubbles can cause issues and to bleed off more often. Maybe if I leave for a trip I won't run a stone but if I'm around to check and purge regularly maybe I will u less you all say otherwise! Just trying to figure out how to keep the solution mixed or continuously mixed. Maybe it's not as needed as I think if mixed well once.

LeastExpectedGrower · May 19, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
Good deal gotcha guys ty. Ordered!!! Hey does anyone run an air stone in there reservoir. It's kinda weird not aerating the water but I also imagine u don't want air bubbles getting in. It suggest bleeding off once a week and notes that you can aerate but bubbles can cause issues and to bleed off more often. Maybe if I leave for a trip I won't run a stone but if I'm around to check and purge regularly maybe I will u less you all say otherwise! Just trying to figure out how to keep the solution mixed or continuously mixed. Maybe it's not as needed as I think if mixed well once.

Yeah, they suggest against it. Air in the system isn't what you want. But yeah, I haven't found my 'tank' growing anything and that's with GH Maxibloom in the tank. I think there are a few guys with wave makers and/or airstones though.

ExclusiveX420 · May 19, 2022

LeastExpectedGrower said:
Yeah, they suggest against it. Air in the system isn't what you want. But yeah, I haven't found my 'tank' growing anything and that's with GH Maxibloom in the tank. I think there are a few guys with wave makers and/or airstones though.

Appreciate it. Maybe I'll just stick with occasionally hand mixing the pots to be sure they stay mixed well but otherwise the need for more air in the water is eliminated by the drip process anyway since it's a highly aerating way of growing. Can't wait to get this started. Might just try a couple to start and see how it goes. I'd love to make this a new method and start using coco+perlite. (Anyone ever mix vermiculite in to this mix? Looking for extra silica)

Pictured, both grease monkey clones cut and transplanted at the same time nearly. The MOM isn't even as big as the DWC clone it literally by passed it in a few weeks. 6-7 week veg before the cuts and only 2-3 weeks for the clone is be the same size!
No doubt, hydro style or coca with proper feed is a dramatic difference. So glad I looked into DWC and now this drip method seems like it could be huge if I didn't want to run Dwc for all. (2 was enough then I tried 3, phew that gets tough. I got a family so growing just a couple can be difficult with limited time) however DWC did become easier than soil growing in a few ways. But Dwc has disadvantages. So I'm hoping to have smaller pots I can remove for trimming etc. Dwc I like can't move them after they get so big my tents are to short I bust the buds trying to remove it so they have to stay put after flower stretch. Sucks trying to trim the back side of the plants. Continue to find new ways though and this is one of them. Can't wait for the Blumat!

LeastExpectedGrower · May 19, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
Appreciate it. Maybe I'll just stick with occasionally hand mixing the pots to be sure they stay mixed well but otherwise the need for more air in the water is eliminated by the drip process anyway since it's a highly aerating way of growing. Can't wait to get this started. Might just try a couple to start and see how it goes. I'd love to make this a new method and start using coco+perlite. (Anyone ever mix vermiculite in to this mix? Looking for extra silica)

Pictured, both grease monkey clones cut and transplanted at the same time nearly. The MOM isn't even as big as the DWC clone it literally by passed it in a few weeks. 6-7 week veg before the cuts and only 2-3 weeks for the clone is be the same size!
No doubt, hydro style or coca with proper feed is a dramatic difference. So glad I looked into DWC and now this drip method seems like it could be huge if I didn't want to run Dwc for all. (2 was enough then I tried 3, phew that gets tough. I got a family so growing just a couple can be difficult with limited time) however DWC did become easier than soil growing in a few ways. But Dwc has disadvantages. So I'm hoping to have smaller pots I can remove for trimming etc. Dwc I like can't move them after they get so big my tents are to short I bust the buds trying to remove it so they have to stay put after flower stretch. Sucks trying to trim the back side of the plants. Continue to find new ways though and this is one of them. Can't wait for the Blumat!

I think your big concern is where the 'top level' of the water is. That's really where the pressure/reservoir height measurement is. I haven't had a problem with the change between full and empty (probably an 8 or 10 inch difference) but my reservoir is ~4 feet above the dripper level. I think the Blumat people suggest at least 3'.

ExclusiveX420 · May 23, 2022

LeastExpectedGrower said:
I think your big concern is where the 'top level' of the water is. That's really where the pressure/reservoir height measurement is. I haven't had a problem with the change between full and empty (probably an 8 or 10 inch difference) but my reservoir is ~4 feet above the dripper level. I think the Blumat people suggest at least 3'.

Thanks for the explanation I gotcha now. I think I'm going to be good. Got an almost 3 foot tall rack that will allow for 2 1/2 foot tall reservoir. Instead of using a tote, rectangle shape I'm shooting for a narrow bucket shape but twice as tall to achieve atleast 9 gallons. That should give more of that pressure I'm looking for hopefully. Really appreciate the input. Awaiting delivery of the kit to get started still. Hoping I got a solid plan in place ahead of time thanks to you all. Hoping to see more you tube videos that show the reservoir itself and how people run the tubing when the reservoir is off the the side a few feet away. I'll be doing my best to keep the lines down hill in. I'll know right away if she is flowing through. I'll be adding a shut off at the end for bleeding off and or clean flushing the system/all lines.

LeastExpectedGrower · May 23, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
Thanks for the explanation I gotcha now. I think I'm going to be good. Got an almost 3 foot tall rack that will allow for 2 1/2 foot tall reservoir. Instead of using a tote, rectangle shape I'm shooting for a narrow bucket shape but twice as tall to achieve atleast 9 gallons. That should give more of that pressure I'm looking for hopefully. Really appreciate the input. Awaiting delivery of the kit to get started still. Hoping I got a solid plan in place ahead of time thanks to you all. Hoping to see more you tube videos that show the reservoir itself and how people run the tubing when the reservoir is off the the side a few feet away. I'll be doing my best to keep the lines down hill in. I'll know right away if she is flowing through. I'll be adding a shut off at the end for bleeding off and or clean flushing the system/all lines.

My tubing goes from the res down to a 'duct' opening in my tent to floor level then 'up' to the plant surface and that doesn't seem to impact performance.

Billy the Mountain · May 23, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
Thanks for the explanation I gotcha now. I think I'm going to be good. Got an almost 3 foot tall rack that will allow for 2 1/2 foot tall reservoir. Instead of using a tote, rectangle shape I'm shooting for a narrow bucket shape but twice as tall to achieve atleast 9 gallons. That should give more of that pressure I'm looking for hopefully. Really appreciate the input. Awaiting delivery of the kit to get started still. Hoping I got a solid plan in place ahead of time thanks to you all. Hoping to see more you tube videos that show the reservoir itself and how people run the tubing when the reservoir is off the the side a few feet away. I'll be doing my best to keep the lines down hill in. I'll know right away if she is flowing through. I'll be adding a shut off at the end for bleeding off and or clean flushing the system/all lines.

If its a gravity setup with blumats, you want to minimize the reservoir level change so not to lose as much pressure as the volume decreases.

1 psi = 2.3 ft. height

potpimp · May 23, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
All, if I were to install a drip irrigation system specifically for when I'm on vacation a few times a year and potentially can't get help. My tap water pH is typically around 8. I'm in both Dwc and ffhf/ffof/vermiculite. I have never not checked my pH except maybe once accidentally. Would 1 high pH watering be very harmful? Anything I can do to assist this or any other suggestions? Thanks community.
Maybe a fair way to do this is take a runt and water it with no pH adjust and see what happens? Worth the risk. Seeds are available everyday and clones can be cut.

I have an Eden programable water timer. It works incredibly well and very easy to program. Problem solved. https://www.amazon.com/Eden-93413-P...5243&sprefix=eden+watering+ti,aps,1570&sr=8-5

ExclusiveX420 · May 24, 2022

LeastExpectedGrower said:
My tubing goes from the res down to a 'duct' opening in my tent to floor level then 'up' to the plant surface and that doesn't seem to impact performance.

Excellent man that's perfect information because that's what I plan to do unless I go through the door and zip it shut around it to keep it elevated higher. Thanks

ExclusiveX420 · May 24, 2022

potpimp said:
I have an Eden programable water timer. It works incredibly well and very easy to program. Problem solved. https://www.amazon.com/Eden-93413-Programmable-Compatible-Wireless/dp/B09NYKLV98/ref=sr_1_5?crid=D14ORQULPJ6O&keywords=eden+watering+timer&qid=1653325243&sprefix=eden+watering+ti,aps,1570&sr=8-5

I'm back for another question. Got the room all setup. Waiting on it to ship still. Trying to figure out what feed chart to use for a coco70/30perlite + 10% vermiculite medium. Iv grown soil like fox farm HP/OF and DWC but never coco. Do I follow a drain to waste type program but cut it back 25-50% of the feed charts. Just trying to get a base setting. From reading it looks like no build up if properly aerated/watered and no run off. I have no problem occasionally hand watering to get run off if you all recommend as well.

Line us is the 6-part Flora series GH brand. I also sneak in Armor Si. Today I transplanted into coco with a few im going to test with. I followed a drain to waste feed chart that included rapid start. Cut it about 25% using water, not nutrients. Same amount of nutes suggested, more volume of water. Hand watered today and for several more days at least until it ships.

--**GH Flora series base** -grow micro bloom then **supplements are floralicious plus, Cali magic, rapid start used now. Kool bloom and armor si on stand by. Floralicious plus is alil thick and It's all salty. I had amazing success in Dwc with this line up and restocked to the max! So I'm not changing but anyone use this with any issues in there gravity setup? I plan to flush once a week-10 days. I also have UC roots to use as well as my new friend hydrogen peroxide 3% food grade. What an amazing additive. May only use the peroxide in the res. Just for cleaning and flushing lines .

ExclusiveX420 · May 24, 2022

I'll be doing some digging around on here. Great site! Thanks all

Billy the Mountain · May 24, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
I'm back for another question. Got the room all setup. Waiting on it to ship still. Trying to figure out what feed chart to use for a coco70/30perlite + 10% vermiculite medium. Iv grown soil like fox farm HP/OF and DWC but never coco. Do I follow a drain to waste type program but cut it back 25-50% of the feed charts. Just trying to get a base setting. From reading it looks like no build up if properly aerated/watered and no run off. I have no problem occasionally hand watering to get run off if you all recommend as well.

Line us is the 6-part Flora series GH brand. I also sneak in Armor Si. Today I transplanted into coco with a few im going to test with. I followed a drain to waste feed chart that included rapid start. Cut it about 25% using water, not nutrients. Same amount of nutes suggested, more volume of water. Hand watered today and for several more days at least until it ships.

--**GH Flora series base** -grow micro bloom then **supplements are floralicious plus, Cali magic, rapid start used now. Kool bloom and armor si on stand by. Floralicious plus is alil thick and It's all salty. I had amazing success in Dwc with this line up and restocked to the max! So I'm not changing but anyone use this with any issues in there gravity setup? I plan to flush once a week-10 days. I also have UC roots to use as well as my new friend hydrogen peroxide 3% food grade. What an amazing additive. May only use the peroxide in the res. Just for cleaning and flushing lines .

Ditch the Kool bloom and the floralicious supplements, they're unnecessary and generally cause more harm than good.

The perlite is optional, and there's no need to add vermiculite to a coco medium.

The newer GH feed charts are more sensible.

LIght feed chart:

LeastExpectedGrower · May 25, 2022

Since this is more of a constant feed type thing and there's no flush or feed/water incidents I think most people cut what they'd normally feed in half. But I haven't really paid attention to what people are doing in coco, as I'm using ProMix, which is more of a soilless than a hydro setup. Anyway, I'm feeding at half or less of what I was doing with hand watering to 20% runoff.

potpimp · May 25, 2022

ExclusiveX420 said:
I'm back for another question. Got the room all setup. Waiting on it to ship still. Trying to figure out what feed chart to use for a coco70/30perlite + 10% vermiculite medium. Iv grown soil like fox farm HP/OF and DWC but never coco. Do I follow a drain to waste type program but cut it back 25-50% of the feed charts. Just trying to get a base setting. From reading it looks like no build up if properly aerated/watered and no run off. I have no problem occasionally hand watering to get run off if you all recommend as well.

Line us is the 6-part Flora series GH brand. I also sneak in Armor Si. Today I transplanted into coco with a few im going to test with. I followed a drain to waste feed chart that included rapid start. Cut it about 25% using water, not nutrients. Same amount of nutes suggested, more volume of water. Hand watered today and for several more days at least until it ships.

--**GH Flora series base** -grow micro bloom then **supplements are floralicious plus, Cali magic, rapid start used now. Kool bloom and armor si on stand by. Floralicious plus is alil thick and It's all salty. I had amazing success in Dwc with this line up and restocked to the max! So I'm not changing but anyone use this with any issues in there gravity setup? I plan to flush once a week-10 days. I also have UC roots to use as well as my new friend hydrogen peroxide 3% food grade. What an amazing additive. May only use the peroxide in the res. Just for cleaning and flushing lines .

I can't help you with the coco since I've never grown in it, but there's plenty of good growers that can give you good advice on here.

ExclusiveX420 · Jun 5, 2022

Well, thanks to you all. I'm setup in a loop with 4 small autos for a test for now.
Question- once setup as instructed via booklet and there you tube videos, is there supposed to be a hanging drip all the time after setup or when it's not watering, will I just not see the droplet sometimes?
1 of 4 had a drop at the end still.

I'll be keeping and eye and if they begin to dry and it's not getting any watering I'll open 1/2 turn I imagine and just keep going from there?
I watered these pretty decent and gave them 3-4 hours to spread out.
(***Setup in a loop, shut off in the middle where the water would collide. Bled there and bled well as the carrots prior to adjusting as it shows online or in there book. Left 1 drop hang, came back 1/2 turn.
Any input on my next move. Just curious if I should always see a drop at the end if so I need to open her back up a hair to start. I'll check weight of bags again tomorrow seem fine now. Plants are stupid happy today so far so good but I don't think the Blumat even fed them yet. Need to mark my res inside somehow. Will do tomorrow. Thanks this is a bad ass setup if I can dial it in before July 4th weekend. !

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