Setting up DIY auto watering - need tips!

I went and got all of the stuff needed (I think) in order to automate my watering so I’m not required to handwater 2-3x a day.


Here are pictures of what my setup is so far. Just want to make sure that it would work properly and if there’s anything I should adjust or change.

Here’s what will be my reservoir (unsure size, 13 gallons possibly) with a Eco 185 fixed flow submersible pump (160 GPH) and a small aerator that I got from a sporting store



Wasn’t sure where to run the main line so I ran it through the same hole as the exhaust on the top left of the tent.



Then I just zip tied the main line to a PVC frame around the pots and run two 3/16” lines with dripper stakes for each 3 gal smart pot.




I wanna eventually make the self-draining saucers as well but I’d have to wait to get the pump which is sort of expensive.

Help and input much appreciated!!

run the main from the bottom. it will create a shorter run. looks good. I will post my system once it is finished

dwood8165 said:

run the main from the bottom. it will create a shorter run. looks good. I will post my system once it is finished

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ok Awesome

thats just my two cents. but you dont have to

With what you're wanting to setup, if you ever get tired of getting your hands dirty take a look @ Dutch (Hempy) Bucket Hydroponics.
It works exactly like what you're wanting to do, just minus the dirt with much faster/larger results.
Bonus is gravity can do 90% of the work.

Link to my grow is in my signature if interested.

Looks good. Best of luck!

I think you have almost everything you need. I would use a RPi powered relay to control the watering, but if you want a simpler solution I hear the Nearpow is a good choice. Might work well for you in this application. Allows up to 1 second timing.

etruthfx said:

I think you have almost everything you need. I would use a RPi powered relay to control the watering, but if you want a simpler solution I hear the Nearpow is a good choice. Might work well for you in this application. Allows up to 1 second timing.

https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-Saving/dp/B01G6O28NA/ref=asc_df_B01G6O28NA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416977949442&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18235091706229723130&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017073&hvtargid=aud-799727667774:pla-884421544692&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=95416906313&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416977949442&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18235091706229723130&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017073&hvtargid=aud-799727667774:pla-884421544692

Click to expand...

That’s nice I might do that. I have a timer but it does minute intervals instead of seconds. I figured I could get away with the minute ones as the dripper stakes aren’t adjustable and water pressure won’t be high at all so would likely take 2 minutes at least for runoff.

dwood8165 said:

thats just my two cents. but you dont have to

Click to expand...

I ran it higher because that’s how the diagram had it on that website.
Wouldn’t the height of the main line have to be higher than the height of the water level in the res?

not really, the height is to break the siphon. But you could put a hole in the tube for that