Alright so I've been working on a project with building cloners out of storage bins. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how I could improve my cloner. Currently I have 2x27 gallon totes and on each one I have 35 sites with 2" net pots and neoprene plugs that have 8 sites on each plug. I haven't made the pvc pipe misters yet but have a hundred 360 degree sprayers and 6x160 gph pumps in the mail currently. Could any one give me a reasonable price I could put them up on eBay for.
About 30 dollars, these systems are easy to build yourself. To improve it, I suggest using a shorter Rubbermaid tote. Resulting in less water to operate. And add airstones instead of misters. Resulting in longevity.
Is that the 27 gal home depot special? Haha I just bought one for a two plant dwc set up.. I agree completely with Legal.. Firstly I'd say to cover the top with reflective material or metal tape, as light does penetrate it.. Secondly, I'd say ditch this as a cloner as it's entirely too large lol.. You're making a lot of work for yourself in terms of water requirements.. You could get away with a much shallower container... Which would require less water, nutes, oxygen etc.. Ditch the misters and go with a few air stones (already mentioned)... Less maintenance.. I'll snap some pictures of my setup later.. What's your grow style? The reason I ask is because 35 clones at a time is a lot... Unless you're going with a sea of green approach, you could down size.. How many are you growing out at a time? With all that being said, you did a great job, looks good!
look in diy folks, cloner there I built years ago still runs like a dream lol misters get clogged and are not needed, bubbles is all that is needed a air stone and your good to go. http://forum.grasscity.com/do-yourself/504667-yodas-bubble-cloner.html
A more shallow tote, it will help with shipping costs. Does this style cloner require a humidity dome?
The system is called DWC (Deep Water Culture). Best system out there. Keep the temperature right and you'll get 100% success rate. And no you don't need a humidity dome or mist them at all.
With DWC your cuttings float on top of the water on a 1/2" piece of styrofoam. I cut the top of the container down and spot glued it to the styrofoam, so it could be changed out easily. This way you can keep the nutrient level anywhere you want. All you need is an air pump, stones and some tubing.
Man I forgot about this post lol but thanks for all the replies guys! I realized shipping was more expensive than the whole set up so fuck that and I don't really have a desire to use hydroponics too much I'm more into soil grows
How exactly does the air stone help get water to the roots? I prefer the misters because I can see it raining on my cuttings.
Misters can promote rot, as they can keep them too wet.. The roots will grow down into the solution once the cutting has rooted, and you can raise the water level at that time as well... The air stone(s) simply agitate the solution; the splashing and humidity is plenty to provide the moisture they need.. The cuttings don't need to be soaked...
Misters over soak the stems responsible for developing new roots, causing stem tor. Clone stems dangling in a water bath face a similar issue IMO, the best method is to use 3" net pots keeping water line ~ 1" below the bottom of the pot, AND, provide sufficient number of air stones to provide a moisture and oxygen rich environment in the air space above the water line Her's my DIY using 2 4 gallon totes with 6 @ 3" net pots each