Hi. I was just wondering the best way to keep air stones in place in the bottom of my bucket? I know some people glue them, what kind of glue is best? Or is there a better way? Thanks for the help!
Ok, may I ask what stone you suggest? I am using two of these per 5 gallon bucket: Walmart.com: Aqua Culture: Bubble Aquarium Stone, 1 Ct: Fish Thanks!!
I use a pretty heavy airstone myself. But no matter what, my roots always reach down and grab it. Then they suck it in to the center of the root mass, and it is lost forever. I lost three stones on my last beast! She ate them......lol Not bad stones you got there. I personally use: Ecoplus Round Air Stone - Large I find the cylinder shape one give off a better amount of small bubbles.
I use a Stainless Steel carabiner. It has sat at the bottom of my rez for years, and not a blemish. Brass would be better.
don't tell people brass would be better.... wrong... brass and nutrients, not a good mix use aquarium grade silicone... you find it at pet stores for five dollars.... good enough for fish, good enough for plants... hot glue is also not a good idea... people say it gives off some sort of toxic chemicals during drying, that being said, i've seen people use it and be just fine... so pull the trigger here at your own risk...
Ok, I think the aquarium grade silicone sounds like the best bet for me. Thanks for the info everyone! Also, is there any significance/benefit to using black tube rather than clear tube for the AIR lines? (other than the risk of letting light into the rez)..
it creates chemical reactions with nutrients 8. Toxic elements in water, system, or growing medium (don't use galvanized metal, copper or brass) \t\t\t\t\t\t Hydroponic Plant Info - GTG Hydroponics
Aquarium silicone will work just fine, but i use 4" round air stones, and they don't move. I also use fat Round air stones from the hydro store that are pretty heavy, so they don't move either. The reason I don't silicone anything down is just in case you need to move something or replace something,, Its best to have the freedom to make changes.
Use the suction cups you buy for aqurium heaters, thsi way you can change the stone and such without dealing with glue. they have diff sizes so just get the ones that fit ur stone, 2 per works best..
I don't want to thread jack but I have an observation and a question about brass. I am a homebrewer and we use brass fittings in some of our brew setups. However, we "pickel" the brass before hand. This is a simple procedure where the brass fitting is soaked in hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Here is a link: How to Brew - By John Palmer - Appendix B - Brewing Metallurgy My question is, has anyone ever done this for hydroponics, and did it work?
This will cost you about $2 bucks and keeps the stones nicely spaced at the bottom of the bucket. Home Depot. Two 3/4" PVC tees and a small piece of 3/4" PVC pipe. http://forum.grasscity.com/photopost/data/801/32.jpg