Aeroponic model 4Z0 Stoner Experiment #1745183

You know when you clone, and they root in like a week and they Love it, then you transplant and they don’t necessarily like it, well, imma just stick em’ in a new aero system.

This method connects a reservoir to the growth container(s). I’m only needing one to try this out, but you can use multiple containers, although you will need to get more parts.

Let’s start.

· 2 x 5 gallon pails & lids (or whatever, might be better to use a cooler for a res)

· 2 x bulkheads (size/type is up to you, you can even use grommets if you want to)

· ~3 feet of ½” PVC

· 4 x 90° ½” PVC elbows

· ½” PVC t-intersection

· 2 x ½” PVC caps

· PVC to ½” hose adapter (I used quick connects, probably a good thing)

· A heavy duty pump, I’m using 600GPH? Maybe more maybe less idk.

· 2” hole saw

· ¾” hole saw (need to double check this)

· Aquarium filter (optional)

· 10x sprayers and appropriate drill bit (depends which sprayers you get)



Need a couple other tools, a drill (or drill press if you have it), and a proper fine threaded screw (or die and tap) to thread the holes in the PVC.

I’ve already explained the drilling/tapping process that I’ve used in a DIY cloner thread found here: A cheap and effecient cloner

You drill out your holes in the side or bottom of the pail. You can have two side drains if you like and just let the system be semi-DWC, but I used these two pails


Drilled out one lid for the plant container using a 2” hole for the center and ¾” (need to double check this*) for two holes on opposite sides. Leave a little space between the edge of the raised area for the pipes later on.

Next thing you want to do is to drill out the holes in your PVC pipe. I measured out 1 foot of PVC and drilled them out.


Next thing to do is just assemble the manifold together, note the measurements.


Press the sprayer drilled PVC sprayer tube on the other end of the lid into the elbow. Note the caps at the bottom of the rails.

I decided to do a gravity fed return as shown


Notice also I added a hole near the top of the reservoir to let the pump tubing/wires to come out.

I didn’t get the best adapter, but whatever, I attached the manifold to a quick release (used what I had). I need to get another quick set for the res that will stop water flow when I unhook it (for ease of maintenance when changing the res).

Cheap quick set, restricts flow though, whatever…


Hook up a pump to your ½” (black) hydro line. I added an elbow, don't need to though.

And let her rip


I let the system run in 10% H2O2 for an hour then added some bleach and let it run for another 15min to sanitize everything. I then selected a seedling I had in the cloner and gave it a new home.

Whoa… the roots longer than I thought!

Instead of letting the roots grow into the drain, I added some aquarium filter to the bottom of the pail



Just trace a line around a bucket onto the filter and cut it out with scissors

The sprayers are designed to not interfere with the roots. Hopefully this build works.

I noticed some leaking at some of the joints. Make sure to press them in really good, maybe use a hammer, or if you really want to PVC glue. I pressed them in tighter after taking this picture; there wasn’t any apparent leaking but I will see tomorrow. Its not a biggie as it can drain back, but you don’t want that solution evaporating, so best that its all tightened up in the end.

Concerns: kinda worried about the pump temps heating the solution too much, but idk since the solution is mixing directly with air, I don't really foresee a problem. As always, use benis.

 

@Dr M made some important points regarding this design including the lack of an inspection port and potential problems due to clogged emitters later on down the road. He pointed out that a couple were already dribbling (see above gif). I confess I didn't test the emitters first and will have to inspect/clean them later today. I use a o-ring pick to clean them out. Also, for prevention, I will wrap some nylons around the pump (to filter). I will point out that the PVC rails (with the emitters) can be pulled out (don't glue here) and cleaned, but I think I need to add something easier here (a future update).
An inspection port can be added by adding another hole (across where the main line is) and using a plug, but I don't think you will see much and will just spray solution everywhere. Like I said, I have an idea to fix this problem ... maybe.

 

I'm not too worried about the emitters getting clogged (although it could happen), but I should have cleaned them first. I was thinking of cutting out around the rails into the bucket lid about 1" oversized and add a grommet. That way you could just pull out the entire rail without messing with the bucket, but idk if this will work... I need to check the spacing and get some grommets to test this.

no, but it does make the tubing smaller a bit. There are much better grades of these at the hardware stores, but these worked.

 

that is a very good idea! thanks bro

 

I'm adding this video FYI

I'm also linking this article FYI
from the article "Make sure the temperature for the roots does not exceed 73 degrees Fahrenheit; the ideal temperature range is between 64 and 68 degrees. A water cooler is a handy means of controlling water temperatures. Although it is an expensive item, it could provide massive yields which more than makes up for the cost".
note: that's lower than recommended DWC temps.

 

I have to say, while working on my carbon filter in the heat today, reflecting on your method, this rocks. Simple, no bs tap the emitter. Thank you very much for your contribution!

 

I am safely using a 400GPH (for the cloner). The bigger the motor, the more the heat. I have an 800 atm in there and need to ice pack it
These models seem good enough.

 

For the manifold you have, yes 400 is enough. The 800 I am using with this aeroponic unit, but it has twice the sprayers. Good morning brother, hope things are good in your part of the city!