Lets Build a Bubble Bucket *Step by Step*

Looks like this great how-to was tagged at my site My-Tuts.com . And I agree with djdj, you should make a few of these and sell 'em on eBay, could bring in some nice dough.

Originally Posted by Rumpleforeskin

No most folks don't foliar feed. A few do but they learn.

I hear ya rumples, in that situation the gain is not worth the cost.

[dManuZ]

What do you guys think is the best pre-made hydroponics system that is self-containing and idiot proof?

[Rumpleforeskin]

Waterfarm by Hydrofarm is a great system. They cost less then mine and you dont have to build them. They run about $50. Upgrade the pump and don't use the nutrients. They can be hooked up in series when you want to go pro.

[GreenDestiny]

Very nice, boss. How much did it cost to build altogether?

[Rumpleforeskin]

I have no idea how much my buckets cost to build. I do know your air pump will be the main cost. I have an air pump that costs more then the Waterfarm.

[bigdogg]

First off I would like to say GREAT THREAD! I am a total noobie(for now) to this whole grow-it-your-self thing and I plan build a nice little bubble bucket setup in a few weeks.I have read so much my brain is about to bust.I can not seem to find the answer to a few simple questions.Sorry if this has been cover already.

Using the bubble bucket what is the best way to adjust the ph or ppm levels? I was think just pull the lid off with plant,adjust as need right in the bucket and put the lid back on.But when the plant is to big to just take the lid off...then what?Or take a sample from the bucket and if it needs to be adjusted drain nutes to spare bucket adjust levels and then refill.

Thanks

[Rumpleforeskin]

This answer may not fit everyone.

You touched on the reason I gave up growing in the retail Waterfarm units. I like to have a fill and drain port in each unit. So I made my own buckets ,took pictures, and here we are.

I adjust when topping off. Everyday your plant drinks a % of the nutrient solution. I will add a bit of PH Up or Down to my top-off solution and fill the bucket to my full mark. I can do this because I know my nutrients and PH adjustment pretty well.

What you can do till you get the hang of your liquid adjustment is, drain and adjust. Drain out your bucket into a clean pail, adjust and put it back in. A small pond pump helps a ton. Remember you don't have to get 100% of your nutrient solution out of your buckets when you change cycle or adjust.
Pond pumps are great for mixing as well.

[hyphal]

Are they really that bad? I was hoping to get one of these (http://www.thecarycompany.com/contai...uarepails.html) to make a similar set-up. I'm thinking that a square bucket with flat sides will be easier to plumb than a curved surface.

Originally Posted by Rumpleforeskin

I ordered the square buckets. I dont use them anymore. The tops suck. I went back to round ones.

Thanks for the awesome write-up, especially laying out and illustrating EVERYTHING

[Rumpleforeskin]

I used the kitty litter buckets. They worked fine. Just the lid was lame and caused issues. That link has some nice square buckets (with better lids).

[tolhas]

Originally Posted by Rumpleforeskin

I used the kitty litter buckets. They worked fine. Just the lid was lame and caused issues. That link has some nice square buckets (with better lids).

Lol....thats what you use... when i was making mine i was looking all over the place for a sq bucket then when i was at albertsons i saw the tidy cats thing, and ya the top does suck.(one side wont stay down without tape). but it does work and for my space....2feet by 3 feet...the bigger ones wont work.

Toke on, Tol

[hyphal]

Originally Posted by Rumpleforeskin

I used the kitty litter buckets. They worked fine. Just the lid was lame and caused issues. That link has some nice square buckets (with better lids).

Great! They looked sturdy to me too. Thanks again, I'm going to order 5 now (4 for plants, 1 reservoir)

[JohnDoeGrow]

RumpleForeskin,
So far I have followed your directions exactly, and have purchased all the parts from a hardware store and a pet store. However, when I was at the pet store I saw what might be a better airstone and was wondering what you would think about switching out the two airstones for one of these http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...294956810&Ne=2
Thanks for your help!

[Rumpleforeskin]

I have used them and they work great, except they desolve and are junk after one grow. The ones I have in my bucket build only last one cycle as well. You can find better ceramic ones that last a while. I am using the flexable stick ones at the moment. I can't say if one is better then the other when it comes to stones.