Can anyone help with ebb and flow controller?

longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
Hello RIU. Can anyone share with me how they set up their ebb and flow system and controller. My question is do you have to use some sort of level control switch or can you just time your pumps to control your level? I am looking at a 24 plant- 2 gallon bucket on the floor setup. Thanks for any help!!
 
S

stinkyg

Well-Known Member
you dont have to use a float but it helps, too many mishaps without it.
aqua hub do a kit but you can copy it too.
if you google diy ebb n flow controller there are a few.
hope this helps
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
stinkyg said:
you dont have to use a float but it helps, too many mishaps without it.
aqua hub do a kit but you can copy it too.
if you google diy ebb n flow controller there are a few.
hope this helps
Click to expand...

Thanks alot. Yes it does help! Much appreciated. Thanks for the next lead in my research. rep2u.
 
MasterS

MasterS

Well-Known Member
A controller for ebb/flow is a waste. You use a fitting that pumps water in at the bottom of the container, you add a second fitting that starts overflow when the water gets to desired level. Then when the pump stops it all drains back through the bottom of the tank that was initially pumping water in. The fittings cost about $2/(ebb/flow)
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
MasterS said:
A controller for ebb/flow is a waste. You use a fitting that pumps water in at the bottom of the container, you add a second fitting that starts overflow when the water gets to desired level. Then when the pump stops it all drains back through the bottom of the tank that was initially pumping water in. The fittings cost about $2/(ebb/flow)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. If i understand you correctly, what you describe is how to flood a table with the resevoir below it. What I mean is something similar to a CAP ebb and grow system where a 55 gallon drum is used as a res and each individual bucket sits on the floor.

In my digging I found a great link to the exact information I was looking for and the reason I started this thread.

If anyone else is trying to figure out how to make a DIY controller check out this guys thread. Seems like a winner to me.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=92963
 
Detroitgrower313

Detroitgrower313

Active Member
i got the same set up and u dont even need those controllers.i just put a timer on each pump acording to how long i want that pump to fill or drain. SET IT,AND FORGET IT! LOL
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
Detroitgrower313 said:
i got the same set up and u dont even need those controllers.i just put a timer on each pump acording to how long i want that pump to fill or drain. SET IT,AND FORGET IT! LOL
Click to expand...
So you dont agree with stinky that just using pumps and timers is an accident waiting to happen? Thanks for your response, this is exactly the debate i was hoping for.
 
Detroitgrower313

Detroitgrower313

Active Member
Me personaly, the controller makes me way more nervious. I mean when is the last time u had a digital timer take a shit on u? Id bet my bottom dollar that a brand new timer vs. A controller, the timer wins every time as far as relieable,consistancy,simplicity,and of course life spand and a malfuction factor. I got a system from rasta grow and the controller sukd!!! My buddy got a cap.junk! In my opinion its just mor exact with the timer. Like i said, just my opinion.
 
Detroitgrower313

Detroitgrower313

Active Member
Yea i seen the pic and i got the same thing.if i knew what i know now i could have saved a few bucks n put my own shit together from home depot. But yea, i say screw that controller.its just easier for me to use the timers,and makes me feel better about a disaster not happening.
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
Detroitgrower313 said:
Me personaly, the controller makes me way more nervious. I mean when is the last time u had a digital timer take a shit on u? Id bet my bottom dollar that a brand new timer vs. A controller, the timer wins every time as far as relieable,consistancy,simplicity,and of course life spand and a malfuction factor. I got a system from rasta grow and the controller sukd!!! My buddy got a cap.junk! In my opinion its just mor exact with the timer. Like i said, just my opinion.
Click to expand...

Thanks alot man. Sounds like you've learned from experience. Now, you still use the controller bucket as a place to put your drain pump right? If so how many lines would i need to run out of the controller bucket for a 24 bucket system?

Just a sidenote but do you have any idea what the dispensaries are charging a gram down in the 313?
 
Detroitgrower313

Detroitgrower313

Active Member
Yea u still need the controller bucket,just dont plug it in tho.i got 4 hose's running from the controller,and 6 in each row.24 buckets.
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
Perfect. Thanks again. I dont even have the controller yet so nothing to plug in. If its not necessary, I may not get it. Thanks for the info on the tubing, I needed that too. By the way what size and type hosing do you use? Flexible or PVC?
 
Detroitgrower313

Detroitgrower313

Active Member
Half ich hose.look up rasta grow n give em a call. They build there own systems and u can custom order.u can get 24 buckets w/ all the fittings for like $150.u can also tell em to send u a cotroller bucket w/out the actual controller or floats.jus the bucket w/the 4 outlet plugs. Rastagrow.com
 
hammer21

hammer21

Well-Known Member
Without a controller that has float switch you are not in control and time is not on your side. good luck
 
longroot

longroot

Well-Known Member
hammer21 said:
Without a controller that has float switch you are not in control and time is not on your side. good luck
Click to expand...
Thanks for the input. I believe we are now tied. Two people say level controllers are a must and two say not necessary. Have you had experience running this system?
 
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