new hydro system

iwas wondering how often i should set the timer to fill the tub, im using the drain and fill system and as it is now, it takes it the whole 3o minutes to fill up to the half way mark. should i set it to 45 min every 4hr instead of 30m every 3hr? ive got two plants that are getting ready to be transplanted in so i need to figure all this out pretty quick. thanks in advance.
 

Anonymouse

Active Member
Let's say you're using RW, you want your flood depth to reach the bottom 1/3 of the cube.

I flood for 15 mins at a time, 3 times/day. That's a good baseline to start at, if you plants can handle more feedings, do it. :)
 
im using hydroton clay pellets, and "rapid rooter" plant starters. with the 30m limit on watering, the water lvl barely reaches where the root system will start, if i increase it to 45m it goes a little higher, "not much", but at least the roots will be soaked for a little while longer each feeding, so if you do say 45m is ok how often should i do it in a 24hr period. itried the 15m flood thing and it barley got my tub wet. thanks again..
 

Anonymouse

Active Member
How big is your tray? I use a 2x4 and it's filled in about 10 minutes. Do you have a low powered pump, or can you adjust the power?

45 minute flood seems lengthy, try it once/day and see how they like it, if they get droopy add another feeding.
 
Im usin a 4x4 ft tray, 40 gallon res, 400gph pump, not sure if its adjustable as far as power goes, ill check on that. but it takes the water lvl the full 45m to reach right above the 3 inch marker on my tray, i also have it set for 15m every 30m to prevent root burn.im not understanding how this is gunna work. wont my plants drowned with 45m of water every 4hr plus an additional 15m every 30m. how many plants could i fit on the tray. once i get all this figured out of course...lol, with the drain and fill system should i get a stronger pump or what, with a 1 inch drain tube it drains quicker than it fills. thats why i have the long feeding time. anyway i appriciate yalls help..
 

dadio161

Well-Known Member
I with Anonymouse. I use a 2x4 tray and it fills up in a few minutes. I use a 250 gph pump. Maybe you need to switch to a larger size hose to fill tank with. I use a 1/2" hose for filling and a 3/4" hose for overfill.
 

dadio161

Well-Known Member
Also , make sure that your Res. is large enough. You don't want to run that pump dry or it will burn out.
 
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