Worldwide Beekeeping
Sustainable Living => Gardening => Topic started by: Waverlybees on January 01, 2014, 11:18:40 am
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Anybody here have a hydroponic garden? I saw some info on another site and it looked intriguing. I am tired of pulling weeds and thought I might give it a try but I would like to hear from someone who is already doing it.
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Dan
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Dan…..I’ve been hydroponic gardening for the last four years and love it. One of the great things about it is you can build your system to fit the area you have available…..big or small. I’ve built two separate systems using what they call “Nutrient Film Technique” or NTF. It uses a pond pump to provide a constant flow of nutrient to the top side of the system and then the nutrient flows through the pipes, root systems and back to the reservoir tank. Like beekeeping, there are a lot of different ways of doing things. Do what you feel works best for you. Another thing to keep in mind….if you visit the local hydroponic shop, you may get the feeling that you’re the only one there growing veggies. rofl….Don’t sweat it too much.
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"Another thing to keep in mind….if you visit the local hydroponic shop, you may get the feeling that you’re the only one there growing veggies. rofl….Don’t sweat it too much."
lol........true story......... ;D
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Yep…Spoken from experience. The first time I walked in, I was wearing my business casual attire, you could of heard a pin drop. I looked around to see several individuals looking my way. I just kinda rolled with it, walked to the counter and said “I just built my first system and I’m looking to get some information on the best nutrient for mass production” Everyone seemed at ease after that. ??? I had research enough to know what I was there to buy. Got everything I needed and drove away laughing. Been back few time since. It’s not a place I want to hang around and chitchat but, I figure no one’s there for trouble so I don’t sweat it too much.
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Ok Richard, do you know of any online resources that can utilize to see how this all works? We do not have a store dedicated to hydroponics! Looking at your setup, it appears that you are simply (not implying this is simple) pumping food and nutrients to the top of the pipe and letting gravity carry it to the roots and eventually back to the reservoir and pump. What size are the holes in the pipe? What size pipe? Do you start your plants from seed using traditional soil techniques? Sorry for all the questions, but I am truly fascinated and would like to try this in the spring so any help is appreciated.
Dan
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Dan,
Here’s a quick parts list off the top of my head. I picked up most everything from the local hardware store.
• 3.5” PVC Pipe
• Flexible end caps, coupling and elbows with band clamps (more expensive but makes it easier to take apart and clean up)
• Pond Pump (use one rated to pump up at least 7ft in height.)
• The appropriate size tubing and length required for pump.
• 27 Gal Reservoir (something similar to http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-gal-Tote-207585/202328879#)
• Air pump (same as used in a fish tank)
• 2” hole saw
• pvc knockout caps. Cut these in half and place in the reservoir end of your pvc pipe to act as a water dam to maintain a water level of at
least 1.5” to 2” in the pipe.
• 2” net pots (http://www.hydroponics.net/i/137067) You can also use solo cups with holes along the bottom sides for roots.
• Hydrotron (medium used in the net pot to support the plant until the root system is established)
• Hydroponic nutrient (This is not the same as miracle grow. You can get it in liquid concentrate or powder.)
• I also added a fill valve to automatically add water to the reservoir when needed. You’d be surprised how much water tomatoes will draw if
the water ph and nutrient levels are good.
• I either start seeds in soil or purchase small plants and wash off the root
It takes about a week before you start to see growth on the top side. If you lift up the pot after a couple days you’ll see new root growth. Then after about a week, you should start to see some pretty impressive “daily” growth.
Good plants to start out with….tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, banana peppers.
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Your bees would love some squash and cantaloupe.
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The image shack link below has a few additional hydroponic photos. Feel free to take a look. Ask all the questions you want!
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rrog,
Can you please recommend books to read on hydroponic gardening?
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Thanks for all the information Richard. That really helps me. I believe I can get started. Does the pump run all the time or is it on a timer? If on a timer, how long does it run during each cycle and how long between cycles?
Again, I greatly appreciate your help!!!
Dan
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I find this fascinating. It looks like something you could set up in your basement as a year round endeavor with the proper lights. We have a hydroponic store about 10 minutes away.
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I think I will setup a small system on my deck. How convenient to walk out the kitchen door and pick dinner!!!! This is going to be a fun endeavor. Still lots to learn though.
Richard, are there any plants (edible) that one should not attempt to grow?
Dan
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I find this fascinating. It looks like something you could set up in your basement as a year round endeavor with the proper lights. We have a hydroponic store about 10 minutes away.
Perry I would think there are PLENTY of these in basements and closets, just not advertised much though for some reason!! ;) :laugh: :laugh:
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Watching this thread with fascination , as always wanted to do something like this, but not allowed any more hobbies
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Zulu.......I say it's an extension to my bee yard. My wife says...yeah, "It's always about the bees". :laugh: I can't deny it. :)
The only book I’ve actually purchased on it is “Beginning Hydroponics Soilless Gardening”. http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Hydroponics-Revised-Richard-Nicholls/dp/0894717413 (http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Hydroponics-Revised-Richard-Nicholls/dp/0894717413)
Most of the research I did to get started was just searching the internet and reading everything I could find.
This year I experimented with broccoli, cabbage and summer squash which all did very well. Anything you plant which has a root system already started is the easiest. I have been successful starting from seed by using a piece of rag to draw nutrient up to the seed and do plan to experiment with that a little more this year. I haven’t tried any kind of root plant such as potatoes, carrots or radish. I think it’s possible with a little different setup but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort.
Your bees will begin gathering water from the base of the plants if the system is outside like mine. The hydroponic solution within the nutrient tank consists of 6 macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). This is simply the ratio numbers you see on a fertilizer bag (like 30-10-30). The other 3 macros are calcium, sulfur and magnesium. There are also micro-nutrients (minute traces of other elements) that plants need to grow well. In addition, there are trace elements of iron, boron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, copper, cobalt, chlorine, selenium and silicon….basically an all-around multi vitamin. I’ve not seen problem in the bee yard as a result of them getting water from the plants but, I did go ahead and build a bee fountain next to the garden using a small pond pump which spilled out over some mossy rocks along with some lemongrass and other herbs growing out of it. Once I did that, they began using the fountain for the most part. The bees love the mossy rocks and you don’t have to worry about the bees drowning. It’s also a great place to introduce them to your visitors for a more up close experience. I’ve never seen them aggressive to anyone around the fountain……...anyway, I’m just being longwinded now.
Below is a video of the fountain. If you can’t tell by now, I do enjoy adding pictures and videos to my posts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X0uxYSanzw
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Thanks Richard, great name btw
I have kept koi seriously in another life , so know all about the cycle of aquaponics , which appeals to me as being even more organic.
I have a small greenhouse next to the house that I do believe I could turn into a small vertical garden, it gets heated from the ground floor furnace vent, so could in theory do something now, maybe I have to be surreptitious on this one..... Already have a pump, have plenty of 4" pipe lying around, have a 300 gallon tank and a few 55 gallon drums too, so could probably cobble up a starter. Only issue is number of daylight hours as it is tucked beside the house.
Will keep my ears and eyes open, and also post pics if I go ahead.
SWMBO is on me about finishing some kitchen cabinet trim at present, as I built her a new pantry over the season.
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"Another thing to keep in mind….if you visit the local hydroponic shop, you may get the feeling that you’re the only one there growing veggies. rofl….Don’t sweat it too much."
Ahhhhh! Now I get it!!!! Lol. It took watching some videos on utube, but now I know what the regulars at a hydroponic store are growing. Thanks for the heads up. It won't be a problem cause they will all be moving to Colorado soon!!!!
Dan
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It won't be a problem cause they will all be moving to Colorado soon!!!!
Or it might be coming soon to an area near you! 8)
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Well, i'll never say never. But Alabama can't even pass a lottery so I would hope that we would be last to do something like that but you never know! ;D
Dan
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I read in the news that Al is bring it up on the medical part, I am sure it is for the taxes they would get from it though.
Ken
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rrog13, I am in the process of building an hydroponic garden myself and of all the places I looked I can not find any thing about space between the holes in the pipe to place the cups to grow the plants. I would imagine the distance between the holes would be more for tomatoes, beans than lettuce. Do you know of a chart some where that might have the spacing for this and what have you found to be a good spacing for the holes.
Ken
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Ken,
I've never come across any type of distance chart but, you're right. The root system for the tomatoes can get fairly big in the hydroponics. That's another reason I use flex connectors on my pvc pipes. I can switch out the pipes, depending on what I'm growing. For tomatoes, mine are about 18" apart....give or take to get equal spacing in between. Lettuce and cucumbers about 10" to 12" spacing.
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Thanks rrog13 , that was about what I had in mind, in other words about the spacing you would plant in the garden.
Ken
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Yeah....by the end of the growing season, the root system will completely fill the pvc pipe.
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Ken, here is a good alternative system for growing tomatoes. Looks pretty simple and cheap.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nXy32Dr4Z4A
Dan
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That is a nice setup.....I may have to add that to my project list.
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I'll be growing maters, squash and beans with that setup. I also plan to have a nft system using PVC pipe for growing strawberries, herbs and other smaller veggies such as peppers. Is it spring yet??????
Dan
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I picked up the rest of my supplies to make the ntf system, and do you believe that home depot has the pvc pipe and fitting cheaper than a plumbing supply or lowes. Anyway have around 200$ in it even with some lumber I have to use, just waiting for spring and a couple items I order to come in. Dan that does look like a better way for big vegetables than the pipe system, but I am going to get my feet wet with this system first to see how I like it and also there is only my wife and I that I will be growing for.
Ken
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I was in Atlanta a few weeks ago and stopped by a hydroponics store and picked up some perlite, hydroton, nutrients and net cups. I hope to get everything built in the next couple of weeks. Still need to order a couple of pumps, air pumps and air stones. Will start seeds indoors soon.
Dan
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May I ask why an air pump, and where dose it pump the air to, in the tub or else where, don't under stand about the pump and do you need one.
I have got a good start on mine as you can see here.
hhttp://postimg.cc/image/jdmd1xiu
http://postimg.cc/image/jdmd1xiuh/
http://postimg.cc/image/5paye1cbt/
Ken
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Ken,
Looks like you're off to a great start. The air pump helps oxygenate the water and promotes root health. With the temperatures here in the upper 60's, I'm getting the urge to start getting my systems ready to go. I'm so ready for the warm weather to stick around but it looks like we'll be back in the lower 20's by Wednesday. ugh!
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Kebee, you may have have inspired me to build one of those. I was going to build raised gardens again with 2x12's but I like the science behind that.
Dan, great thread! Here is an article I read about this just weeks ago: http://futuregrowing.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/amish-farm-leads-the-way-to-local-food-security-in-indiana/ (http://futuregrowing.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/amish-farm-leads-the-way-to-local-food-security-in-indiana/)
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Looking good Ken. I built bee boxes this past weekend while it was nice outside. If the weather cooperates, I will start on the hydroponic build this weekend. Already have some seeds started in the house.
Blue, I hope this works as well as it appears. I know there will be a learning curve, but I am ready to get started.
Dan
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I might use the cheaper, smaller veggie plants available in small flats for starters found at Walmart and other big box store. Still trying to decide on which Hydro system to go with.
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I might use the cheaper, smaller veggie plants available in small flats for starters ...
When you buy your plants at the local nursery/store with plans to grow hydroponically, you can get multiple plants for the price of one if you look for the ones that have multiple sprouts. With a water sprayer and a little finesse you’ll be able to separate the roots of each sprout and plants them separately. Also, smaller plants are easier to work with and seem to accept the transition from soil to water more readily. Normally I start seeing additional root growth after 2 to 3 days and significant top growth tends to begin about 7 days after planting.
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Good point Richard. Do you have a proven method that you like and willing to share the plans for a hydro system?
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Do you have a proven method that you like and willing to share ....
Absolutely! I'm not sure if you've seen the beginning of this post but, there's some information and pictures I posted of two systems I built. Once this crazy cold weather passes, I'll be spinning them up to get ready for planting and will post some addition information and pictures. I may even build one of the Dutch bucket systems from the video that was posted ....as if I have nothing else to do. So much to do so little day light time to do it in. :) :laugh: :-X
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Took a quick trip to Collage Park just this side of Atlanta yesterday to Atlantis Hydroponic and pick up nutrition for the system and a few other items. Found out why I need air to the roots and the liquid nutrition also but forgot to ask how long it is pump in and how often, will write me a list the next time. I see I am going to have to build me an rain proof enclosure to house the timer and air pump and wire an electric plug to it also, more work to it than I first though.
Ken
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Thanks Richard, yeap, I see it up at the top. Been a few days since I read the beginning of the thread. I really think this is going to be fun to do.
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I see I am going to have to build me an rain proof enclosure to house the timer and air pump and wire an electric plug to it also...
Ken,
I use a Weather proof Powercord Connection Box. Might save you some work.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/SOCKiT-Box-13-5-in-Weatherproof-Powercord-Connection-Box-Black-FL-1859-285/203131960?keyword=extension+cord+weather+proof+box
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Well today I finish the hydroponic garden, now to wait on the weather, 80 today and 55 tomorrow with a few lows into the lower 30, be glad when it finally stables out so I can plant and get it growing, here some pictures.
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I am adding some picture of my hives I painted, don't they look good, oh and one with activate.
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That looks great, the hydro and the hives! Did you build your hydro off of specific plans or put it together with several ideas.
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blueblood I got most of my idea to make it from rrog13 here and videos on you tube and I liked the htf system being up off the ground easy to reach and not worry about weeds. I also got information at a hydroponic store. Simple to build but cost more than I thought it would but than again doesn't everything and should last quite a few years so get money back from some good home grow vegetables and worth it.
Ken
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Looks great Ken! :goodjob:
Cost…lol, I haven’t had to run a tiller in going on 4 years! That alone is worth it. 8) I planted my A-frame a couple weeks ago with lettuce and broccoli. They’re cool weather plants so they should do well. I was planning to get my other system up and running this weekend but, it looks like I may have a cut out to do on Saturday. Can’t pass up free bees.
Great pictures! Before the end of the summer, you can expect to be able to see your tomatoes while lounging at the pool on the other side of the fence. ;D
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I got my plants today, added the fertilizer to the water and turned on. Didn't know it but I got 6 plants to many, oh well may plant in the ground and see which grows the fastest, I am sure not going to pull weeds though. When they start growing good I will take some pictures, yum fresh vegetables. I might be able to get two crops this way, hoping so anyway.
Ken
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I got my plants today, added the fertilizer to the water and turned on. Didn't know it but I got 6 plants to many, oh well may plant in the ground and see which grows the fastest, I am sure not going to pull weeds though. When they start growing good I will take some pictures, yum fresh vegetables. I might be able to get two crops this way, hoping so anyway.
Ken
Because of my wife's spinal surgery a couple of years ago, she's not able to get out into the garden. So we're going to try some big flower pots in the driveway outside the back door.
I am probably going to plant some cabbage and broccoli in the garden, but unless work slacks off, I won't have time to mess with it much.
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Looking good Ken.
Here is my setup. Still got a little work to do, but I hope to get it planted this weekend. I will be building two other types of hydroponic systems soon.
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I can add four more pipes in the future if this system works out.
Dan
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Here is my setup. Still got a little work to do, but I hope to get it planted this weekend. I will be building two other types of hydroponic systems soon.
That looks doable. It might be worth experimenting with.
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Dan that looks good, I think you will enjoy it, if mine works out I will be added to it also, sure beats pulling weeds to get some good vegetables.
Ken
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I'll second the no weeding Ken!! It also beats trying to dig in soil that thinks its a rock!! You may be more in the coastal plains, but I am in the piedmont and our soil is difficult at best to till without serious amendments.
Dan
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I'll second the no weeding Ken!! It also beats trying to dig in soil that thinks its a rock!!
Looks good Dan! I sure don't miss digging up and tilling our Georgia clay!
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Well I hope Dan you didn't get any vegetables out for my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers plants were killed in the freeze Wed. morning. I am getting more and hope that it dose not get that cold anymore. Raining here has been since 7:00 am this morning and some tomorrow, picking up my package of bees in the morning, will spray with warm water and keep in a warm place until I can get them in a hive. Hope it stops raining by afternoon as they say.
Ken
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Well I hope Dan you didn't get any vegetables out for my tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers plants were killed in the freeze Wed. morning. I am getting more and hope that it dose not get that cold anymore. Raining here has been since 7:00 am this morning and some tomorrow, picking up my package of bees in the morning, will spray with warm water and keep in a warm place until I can get them in a hive. Hope it stops raining by afternoon as they say.
Ken
My rule of thumb is don't plant tender plants before tax day (April 15th).
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Thanks had not though of that may wait until than, my lettuce, strawberrys and cabbage look good though.
Ken
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I’ve got lettuce and broccoli growing nicely. I threw a tarp over my “A” frame during the night time freezes. I picked up some tomatoes, cucumbers and banana peppers this past weekend and will probably add some butternut and yellow squash this weekend. I also took a couple blueberry bush trimmings and planted them in the hydroponic as an experiment, just for the heck of it. We’ll see if they root.
Ken ....I did some cabbage last year. It was beautiful. If all goes well, your gonna love it!
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I finally got my other hydroponic system up and running. Today I planted cucumbers, banana peppers and a few varieties tomatoes. The plants I started in my “A” frame 4 weeks ago are doing very well also. The last couple days we’ve been able to harvest and enjoy some of that fresh lettuce. It was a little interesting spinning up the second system since it has the bait hive on top. I had that nice swarm move into it last weekend and they are some very busy girls. They didn’t seem to mind it too much though. After I finished planting, I transferred them to a regular deep and strapped it all together to get them ready to move.
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Here is something that all hydroponic gardeners (and every citizen for that matter) should keep in mind. The government is out of control.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/12/dea-marijuana-garden-store_n_5128771.html
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Well they can come by all they want, might get a change to sell some honey when my bees make some. I will also say they are a bunch of no good dea to do what they are doing, any thing for a buck and the police are getting away with murder.
Krn
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I get the occasional late night, low flying chopper…..hummmm, I wonder what that’s all about. :laugh:
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"I get the occasional late night, low flying chopper…..hummmm, I wonder what that’s all about. :laugh:"
LOL!!!
we get some funny stuff that goes on around here, one year there was quite the plantation growing across the river from us on my neighbor's property, remote area. (he's never around, and doesn't live here.) it sure was a site to see....errr and smell when they lit that up....... :D
the other thing the dea does is meet with the local trout unlimited chapters, and the rush river clean up that happens once a year. the fisherman volunteer to clean up trash along the river, but are also educated on looking out for other sorts of things, and during the year while fishing on all the property that the river runs along. ( oh and shhhh.....they are not supposed to say anything to the property owners.... :D)
btw, nice set up you have going there!
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I got some more tomatoes and cucumbers plant planted in my hydroponic systems and I problem lose them again come Tues night, suppose to get
down to 35 degrees here, know it not as cold as you people up north but here it is, and I say when will winter be over.
I have choppers fling over me all the time ever since I started signing all the form that the tea party sends out in the email.
Ken
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btw, nice set up you have going there!
Thank you! I'll never go back to running a tiller. :)
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I have nothing to hide at all... but I am here to tell you, they kick in my door they better already be shooting because I sure will be if they don't announce themselves first. As long as they announce who they are first they are welcome to search all they want.
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I have a problem with my hydroponic garden leaking, I try stop it the other day by gluing the end on it where the pump hose goes in, than found out that it is pushing the liquid up around the first tomato plant, I puled it up and pushed the hose in passed it. now it leaks even worst than before. I am learning a lot on my first try, don't put tomatoes plants in first. I had the timer with 15 on and 15 off, change to 15 mins once an hour now, hope this kind of slows it down for it is coming out at 3 gals an hour before.
Ken
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I run my pumps continuously ...no timer. But, I'm also able to control the pump flow to some extent. If you're not able to reduce the flow at the pump, try putting a valve on the input line and close it down enough to stop the water from overflowing around the plants. The roots of those tomato plants do tend to get massive. If you're able to remove the end caps on you're runs, you could take a section of 1/2 PVC, drill/cut the pvc where it falls between you plants. If you want you can also secure some weed blocker on the 1/2 pvc in those areas to keep the roots from getting in there and still let the water flow in and underneath the roots. That should help relieve some of the backup.
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I run my pumps continuously ...no timer. But, I'm also able to control the pump flow to some extent. If you're not able to reduce the flow at the pump, try putting a valve on the input line and close it down enough to stop the water from overflowing around the plants. The roots of those tomato plants do tend to get massive. If you're able to remove the end caps on you're runs, you could take a section of 1/2 PVC, drill/cut the pvc where it falls between you plants. If you want you can also secure some weed blocker on the 1/2 pvc in those areas to keep the roots from getting in there and still let the water flow in and underneath the roots. That should help relieve some of the backup.
Richard I hope you mean a valve on the input to the bed, ie pressure side of the pump.....
the other way to make a manifold with wide area for the incoming water to disperse , make a T and cut or drills lots of holes on the outward legs and bury this in the media
Never got mine started as my CFO shut me down from buying any parts.... SWMBO is on my case about my hobbies .... so beer making took priority
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Thanks rrog13, I am going to have to order some fitting to get the flow down for that seems to be the only way I can do it, this place around here has nothing in way of supplies, and when they do you would think it was gold at the prices.
Ken
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Forgot about TSC Tractor Supply, was in there looking for something about a month ago and remember I saw some plumbing supplies, so went in yesterday and low and behold they had what I was looking for in the size also, so now it is fixed with no leaks and running all day and only some breaks at night. Thanks again rrog13 for the suggestion and Zulu I knew what he was talking about on this one.
Ken
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Forgot about TSC Tractor Supply, was in there looking for something about a month ago and remember I saw some plumbing supplies, so went in yesterday and low and behold they had what I was looking for in the size also, so now it is fixed with no leaks and running all day and only some breaks at night. Thanks again rrog13 for the suggestion and Zulu I knew what he was talking about on this one.
Ken
Glad it worked out, seen people throttle the input to a pump and kill it soon thereafter ....
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...now it is fixed with no leaks and running all day
Glad to hear it Ken.
Zulu.......yeah, I see what you're saying. Restricting the flow of water to the pump itself would cause it to cavitate and wouldn't be a good thing.
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The book I am using is called Aquaponics, and instead of nutrient the ideal food is fish waste from either goldfish or food fish. However I had to pull the fish from the 1000 gallon pond that I raise my water lilies in due to a disease *(not using medicine and growing food on same pond) so for right now instead of hydroton I have my plants potted in organic potting soil via Living Earth.
I just added the tomatoes yesterday. Hydroton has zero nutrients and it would cost me about $450 for enough for my setup. I spent $10 on the potting soil. I will be picking up some 4 inch catfish for the pond in the next week or 2, have to drive a ways to get them, but I want a food fish in there.
I have tilapia in my setup in the greenhouse, but no food plants on it yet, haven't had time to work out the plumbing issues. The tilapia started in the outdoor pond but a temp below 45 degrees becomes fatal fairly quickly, I have 45 in the greenhouse (having lost the big ones to a late season cold snap IN the greenhouse), and a few in the house.
Greenhouse: raising aquatic iris and pickerel rush for my pond business. The fish at that time was a customer's injured koi, Feb 2014
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi338.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn406%2Fgypsi_fw%2Faquaponics2_26_14_zpscbbfd79d.jpg&hash=fd78061d73ffda4766a7fdf1afab6f885e647d9d) (http://s338.photobucket.com/user/gypsi_fw/media/aquaponics2_26_14_zpscbbfd79d.jpg.html)
tilapia Nov 27 2013, in the house
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi338.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn406%2Fgypsi_fw%2Ffish%2520stuff%2520for%2520sale%2FtilapiaNov27_2013_zps3de176aa.jpg&hash=68d2b97cc6310a9fc5455d186d5ba9c726b7619a) (http://s338.photobucket.com/user/gypsi_fw/media/fish%20stuff%20for%20sale/tilapiaNov27_2013_zps3de176aa.jpg.html)
Before adding vegetables. I actually got the dirt idea when my blueberries died of drought and I tossed them in pots and set them on the big wide tray... they came back to life, noticed yesterday, bought some tomato plants. $450 for hydroton is a LOT of money. built the tray from curb wood - old garage shelves out of 5/8 plywood with 2x4 frames and braces. Scrap pond liner 11 x 12 taken off a customer's pond when we put in a hardshell. Cinderblocks ran about $20
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi338.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn406%2Fgypsi_fw%2Fpets%2FIMG-20140428-00431_zps8cd46448.jpg&hash=24023196cc9b8528b76c8b329139ce83c64978d1) (http://s338.photobucket.com/user/gypsi_fw/media/pets/IMG-20140428-00431_zps8cd46448.jpg.html)
Will post veggie photos when I get the trays filled up, maybe this weekend. Ideal time to plant in Texas is April, and I worked every day.
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Looks good Gypsi, looks like you put a lot of work into this.
Ken
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Nice set up. Do you have to do anything to keep the water temperature from getting to hot?
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Thank you guys.
The fountain in the center (off in this photo) and another fountain help keep the temp down to 80 or below. The pond is in full sun. The media stuff is going to be the tricky part, mainly trying to hold my costs down to a reasonable level. Had a guy trying to sell me 3/4 inch expanded shale last week, and I'm just not into that volume I think. I gather it lets all the nutrients run through but until I have fish in the pond, my plants will starve on that pond water.
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wow gypsi, very cool, thank you for the pictures!!!
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Mine is a maximum low budget system. My garden cost me so much to water last year and produced so little with the drought that I am giving this a try. The guys up thread are real hydroponic, I am taking a course on permaculture and a part of that is being cheap, recycling, reusing and getting animals to feed the plants and plants to feed the animals.
I spend so much time dealing with plumbing leaks on customer sites and I am gone so much I would be afraid to do a pipe system. My fountains aerate, the spray bar in to the plant tray oxygenates the water too, the whole thing drains back to the pond, the sidewalls are strong enough that if I blocked up the tray with media to a 6 inch depth and ran the water level up I believe it would hold water (keeping tall aquariums teaches you a thing or 2 about water pressure), and like hydroponics, no weeding.
If I can get some catfish in there and feed them heavily for the freezer I will not have to add any fertilizer and can gradually eliminate soil in pots to feed the plants.
In Texas if you go to the hydroponic store you will be followed home, I'm pretty sure. Cops used to sit in the parking lot taking plate numbers. I don't want my dogs shot, and am much more interested in fish and food than testing water for fertilizer additives, although I expect to have to add some soluble iron (tried tomatoes over the tilapia last year, finally put them in the ground due to chloriosis.)
I like your big systems guys, they are beautiful and neat and MUCH tidier than mine.