Im looking to build a 9 plant areo system out of 3 sections of 6inch pvc tube, and a 10gal reservoir. two questions: what time interval do i need to run the misters on? 15on/15off, 30on/30off? Will a 420gph pump be enough to run 12 spray heads? Itll be 1in pvc pipe, with 1/4in tube coming from it to each spray head. if its not enough, what do I need?
Hi there, Sounds like a cool system! The term aeroponic is slightly ambiguous. I would consider two types. High pressure, and low pressure. Low pressure is like an aerocloner with heads that "squirt" water inside the chamber. If you're building one like this, you can run it 24/7. A high pressure system will actual atomize the water/nutrient solution into a mist. Something like this, you can run for 1-2 seconds every 4-56 seconds. Finally, GPH is relative to head pressure. You MUST consider the head pressure on the pump, in addition to the GPH rating. The higher you are trying to pump water, the slower the pump will operate. Each 45/90 degree turn you make in the lines adds to this head pressure. In your case, I would recommend experimenting with pumps, as you'll probably do that anyways. I would start by getting a bigger pump than you think you'll need.
I have done 'Low Pressure Aeroponic' succesfully to my level of knowledge at that moment. I do recommend using the at the least the 15/15 and not the 24/7 other wise would be a low passive dwc, IMO. I used with mine system this: "15/45 ON/OFF" and worked better than my expectations. In addition you wouldn't want the sprays all the time and let the technique of the roots hanging in the air and absorbing 100% OXYGEN do their thing. I love talking about Aero. is simply the best, IMO. P.S. - Make sure the root zone is 'EXTRA MEGA LIGHT PROOF' HTH ZS
I built one of these and its just sitting there waiting on it to be blacked out, make the lid tight w/ seal and and a additional Ultrasonic fogger I'm going to add too it. Hydroponics Tuesday Now on the timer thing... I've been looking at these... C.A.P. NFT-1e C.A.P. NFT-2e GROWCOLT REPEAT TIMERS The Grow Colt is a modified C.A.P. 24 hr. timer i do believe(the 3 prong). I like that is affordable and adjustable to the users needs. He has a recommendation, but everyone is different. Really look into this option brov it can be used in a few different ways. Hope this helps.