Tars
10-28-2009, 06:52 PM
For those who might be interested in growing tomatoes, or other produce indoors, here's a nice single-plant hydro system. This process was originated and presented by Rumpleforeskin, on the Grasscity forums (https://forum.grasscity.com/).
This post is PART ONE. PART TWO is in the next reply. See you at the Harvest Ball, on November 7!
"I have posted this step by step build on other forums in the past. I hope someone can find use for it here.
R.
I have had a few requests for the plans to my home made bubble-bucket.
So lets do the shopping first:
Shopping list for local hardware store (Homedepot/Lowes)
One five gallon bucket with lid (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=20327&product%5Fid=26588).
One roll aluminum tape (not duct tape). (https://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/50-279-foil-and-hvac-tape/aluminum-foil-tape-280313.aspx)
One 1/2" PVC Ball Valve (inside threaded on both ends). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=42&product%5Fid=15748&variant%5Fid=22862)
Two 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor **Thread x Socket** (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=18098&variant%5Fid=28461)
Two 1/2" PVC Elbow for Flexible Pipe. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17974&variant%5Fid=24049)
One 1/2" Threaded PVC Plug. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=1197&variant%5Fid=27233)
One 1/2" Threaded Coupling. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=1209&variant%5Fid=27234)
Two 1/2" Threaded PVC Adapter to Flexible Pipe (some times called funny fittings). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17926&variant%5Fid=24031)
Two 1/2" Grommets. (https://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=AM260)
Four "O" Rings that fit the threads of the Male Adaptor. (https://www.reefscuba.com/o_rings.htm)
One piece of 1/2" PVC Pipe (you need less then a foot per bucket). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13669&product%5Fid=16587&variant%5Fid=26502)
Two 1/2" PVC Tees (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=998&variant%5Fid=28426)
2' Clear Flexible Tubing with 1/2" inside diameter (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=7510&product%5Fid=8477&variant%5Fid=57262)
Shopping list for the local pet store:
8' of Silicone Airline Tubing (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811417&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953326915&itemNo=1&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
2 Airstones (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811416&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953572950&itemNo=15&Nao=12&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
2 Plastic check valves (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811424&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953573135&itemNo=21&Nao=12&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
1 Air Pump (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441809767&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953327065&itemNo=7&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
Shopping list for a hydro store:
1 6" Net Pot (https://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/8/products_id/259?osCsid=8173b81deb07d9b94c24ce9299e99c07)
1 Bag of Hydroton Pebbles (https://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/7/products_id/245?osCsid=8173b81deb07d9b94c24ce9299e99c07)
Lets Start Building
We don't want light to pass through the bucket, so I use aluminum tape. Duct tape won't work. Light will pass through duct tape. Also its better to tape before drilling holes.
Start by taping outside of lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/1.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/2.jpg
Completely tape the outside of the bucket. Do the outside bottom as well.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/3.jpg
We now need to cut a hole in the lid to fit your mesh basket. The hole has to be about 1/4" smaller then the top outside diameter of your basket. If you dont have any good hole cutting tools, you can use a razor (don't cut your fingers off). Drill/Cut your hole in the center of the lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/4.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/5.jpg
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/6.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/7.jpg
Its important to know the height of your mesh basket so you can position the fill hole below the bottom of your basket. After measuring your basket height, place your lid on your bucket. Mark your fill hole location about an inch more then your basket height from the hole in your lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/8.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/9.jpg
The 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor has an outside diameter of about an inch. This will be your drain, so it needs to be as close to the bottom of the bucket as possible. I measure up and mark it about 3/4" from the bottom of the bucket. If you drill to close to the bottom it will not install correct.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/10.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/11.jpg
I like to have my drain and fill, inline with each other. You can put them anyplace that works with your grow. Use a small drill to make pilot holes through your bucket.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/12.jpg
Now flip your bucket over. You should be able to see the locations of your pilot holes. Switch to a 3/4" drill bit. Anything that will make a 3/4" hole will work.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/13.jpg
Drill out your drain and fill holes.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/14.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/15.jpg
To make your fluid level Indicator. We have to drill two more 3/4" holes. Place the bottom hole at the same level as the drain. Drill the top hole 1.5" from the top. You can make the top hole higher if you want.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/16.jpg
Lets drill two holes (#7 drill bit or one slightly smaller then your air line) below the top lip on opposite sides of the bucket for the air lines.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/17.jpg
Now the fun part. Time to install all our fittings.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/18.jpg
Place O-rings on all both 1/2" PVC Male Adaptors
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/19.jpg
Insert the male adaptors through the drain and fill holes from the inside of the bucket. It will be a tight fit.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/20.jpg
Add O-rings to the threads that stick out of the bucket. Then screw on your vlave to the drain and 1/2" threaded coupling + plug to your fill.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/21.jpg
Install your rubber gromits to the 3/4" holes you made for your level indicator. Note: If you can't find grommets, you can construct this using 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=18098&variant%5Fid=28461), PVC Elbow for Flexible Pipe (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17968), and two O' rings (https://www.reefscuba.com/o_rings.htm).
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/22.jpg
I like to cut half the barbs off one side of my tubing elbows. The cut side will go into the clear tubing. This gives me another inch or so of indicator.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/23.jpg
This post is PART ONE. PART TWO is in the next reply. See you at the Harvest Ball, on November 7!
"I have posted this step by step build on other forums in the past. I hope someone can find use for it here.
R.
I have had a few requests for the plans to my home made bubble-bucket.
So lets do the shopping first:
Shopping list for local hardware store (Homedepot/Lowes)
One five gallon bucket with lid (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=20327&product%5Fid=26588).
One roll aluminum tape (not duct tape). (https://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/50-279-foil-and-hvac-tape/aluminum-foil-tape-280313.aspx)
One 1/2" PVC Ball Valve (inside threaded on both ends). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=42&product%5Fid=15748&variant%5Fid=22862)
Two 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor **Thread x Socket** (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=18098&variant%5Fid=28461)
Two 1/2" PVC Elbow for Flexible Pipe. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17974&variant%5Fid=24049)
One 1/2" Threaded PVC Plug. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=1197&variant%5Fid=27233)
One 1/2" Threaded Coupling. (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=1209&variant%5Fid=27234)
Two 1/2" Threaded PVC Adapter to Flexible Pipe (some times called funny fittings). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17926&variant%5Fid=24031)
Two 1/2" Grommets. (https://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=AM260)
Four "O" Rings that fit the threads of the Male Adaptor. (https://www.reefscuba.com/o_rings.htm)
One piece of 1/2" PVC Pipe (you need less then a foot per bucket). (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13669&product%5Fid=16587&variant%5Fid=26502)
Two 1/2" PVC Tees (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=998&variant%5Fid=28426)
2' Clear Flexible Tubing with 1/2" inside diameter (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=7510&product%5Fid=8477&variant%5Fid=57262)
Shopping list for the local pet store:
8' of Silicone Airline Tubing (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811417&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953326915&itemNo=1&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
2 Airstones (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811416&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953572950&itemNo=15&Nao=12&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
2 Plastic check valves (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811424&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953573135&itemNo=21&Nao=12&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
1 Air Pump (https://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441809767&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030044&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1151953327065&itemNo=7&In=Fish&N=2030044&Ne=2)
Shopping list for a hydro store:
1 6" Net Pot (https://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/8/products_id/259?osCsid=8173b81deb07d9b94c24ce9299e99c07)
1 Bag of Hydroton Pebbles (https://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/7/products_id/245?osCsid=8173b81deb07d9b94c24ce9299e99c07)
Lets Start Building
We don't want light to pass through the bucket, so I use aluminum tape. Duct tape won't work. Light will pass through duct tape. Also its better to tape before drilling holes.
Start by taping outside of lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/1.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/2.jpg
Completely tape the outside of the bucket. Do the outside bottom as well.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/3.jpg
We now need to cut a hole in the lid to fit your mesh basket. The hole has to be about 1/4" smaller then the top outside diameter of your basket. If you dont have any good hole cutting tools, you can use a razor (don't cut your fingers off). Drill/Cut your hole in the center of the lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/4.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/5.jpg
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/6.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/7.jpg
Its important to know the height of your mesh basket so you can position the fill hole below the bottom of your basket. After measuring your basket height, place your lid on your bucket. Mark your fill hole location about an inch more then your basket height from the hole in your lid.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/8.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/9.jpg
The 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor has an outside diameter of about an inch. This will be your drain, so it needs to be as close to the bottom of the bucket as possible. I measure up and mark it about 3/4" from the bottom of the bucket. If you drill to close to the bottom it will not install correct.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/10.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/11.jpg
I like to have my drain and fill, inline with each other. You can put them anyplace that works with your grow. Use a small drill to make pilot holes through your bucket.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/12.jpg
Now flip your bucket over. You should be able to see the locations of your pilot holes. Switch to a 3/4" drill bit. Anything that will make a 3/4" hole will work.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/13.jpg
Drill out your drain and fill holes.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/14.jpg https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/15.jpg
To make your fluid level Indicator. We have to drill two more 3/4" holes. Place the bottom hole at the same level as the drain. Drill the top hole 1.5" from the top. You can make the top hole higher if you want.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/16.jpg
Lets drill two holes (#7 drill bit or one slightly smaller then your air line) below the top lip on opposite sides of the bucket for the air lines.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/17.jpg
Now the fun part. Time to install all our fittings.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/18.jpg
Place O-rings on all both 1/2" PVC Male Adaptors
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/19.jpg
Insert the male adaptors through the drain and fill holes from the inside of the bucket. It will be a tight fit.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/20.jpg
Add O-rings to the threads that stick out of the bucket. Then screw on your vlave to the drain and 1/2" threaded coupling + plug to your fill.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/21.jpg
Install your rubber gromits to the 3/4" holes you made for your level indicator. Note: If you can't find grommets, you can construct this using 1/2" PVC Male Adaptor (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/variant.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=13670&product%5Fid=18098&variant%5Fid=28461), PVC Elbow for Flexible Pipe (https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=51&product%5Fid=17968), and two O' rings (https://www.reefscuba.com/o_rings.htm).
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/22.jpg
I like to cut half the barbs off one side of my tubing elbows. The cut side will go into the clear tubing. This gives me another inch or so of indicator.
https://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/23.jpg