bubbleponics system questions

[danielatl05]

ive seen many homemade b.ponic systems but the MAIN question i have is, if the netcups in which the roots will extend from are constantly suspended "IN" the bubble solution, wont the roots that grow(and continue to grow) eventually rot and die? of there is someone with a design that can show me how to solve this problem please let me know lotss rep!!

 

[BendBrewer]

no, the roots in solution drink, the exposed roots out of the water gather oxygen. They can rot if you get slime or have warm temps but you control that.

 

[danielatl05]

so in essence, there is a space of air that needs to be between the bottom of the net pots, and the ends of the roots which should be in the bubbling solution drink?
and thanx for the info too!

 

[BendBrewer]

Yeah, I start with the water level touching the bottom of the posts. Once roots start showing through the nets, I drop the water to about 3" below the nets.

 

[danielatl05]

fucking genius BB. so as the roots mature, i need to make sure i keep that space between the bottom of the netty's and the root ends.
also, in bubbleponics, do you leave that air pump on continuously bubbling 24-7, or is there recommended time intervals where it bubbles on and off ?

 

[BendBrewer]

I would run it 24/7. I don't do Bubbles but RDWC and I top feed 24/7 but same principle when it comes to roots in solution.

I keep it at that 3" below level for the rest of the grow.

 

[taipanspunk]

...there needs to be a gap of air 1/2"-1" between the bottom of the net cup and the top of the water. The bubbles will pop and give your plants a great water to air ratio...

that being said

...pump stays on 24/7, otherwise water ratio is high and your plant will drown (leaves will start drooping)...

 

[danielatl05]

im assuming RDWC is "reverse deep water culture?"

 

[BendBrewer]

There you go. A little less space in bubbles. Makes sense if you are relying on the bubbles to wet your medium.

(damn, that made my shorts jiggle a bit..........)

 

[BendBrewer]

im assuming RDWC is "reverse deep water culture?"

"Recirculating". Connected buckets and a reservoir.

 

[danielatl05]

@ taipanspunk

I see so can the roots (when they get that long) sit safely in the bubblebath even with the airstone providing oxygen? i would continue to keep my one inch of airspace between the nettys and the remaining roots that is NOT submerged

 

[hydromarge]

@ taipanspunk

I see so can the roots (when they get that long) sit safely in the bubblebath even with the airstone providing oxygen? i would continue to keep my one inch of airspace between the nettys and the remaining roots that is NOT submerged

You got it bud. Our vegetative tank starts with the water level about 1/3 into the net-pots, and as evaporation takes over, we re-fill when the water level gets too low, topping back up to the same level. The airspace can be quite variable depending on the root system of your ladies, at a minimum, all the plants need to keep their feet wet.

 

[allybam]

Heres a Design I had in my head for a dwc so the water level is allways kept topped up to just below the net pot, Current Dwc or so i beleave they called it and btw ive had this idea in my head long before i ever read the shit out about it, the bastards that was my idea lol sure shit happens eh,

And the containers are 35 litres (UK) each so thats 70 litres (-10 for depth of net pot roughly) so by the time the baby drinks loads the chem levels will still be well diluted, which means in full bud i can get away with a few days maybe more without having to tend to the baby

oo and anybody got any ideas on making sure i get the last bit of old water out of the bottom apart from flushing through with plain phed water before refilling,

Also any ideas on what the algee will grow like in the grow pot if i never clean it and just drain it and no i wont dare touch my system with hydrogen peroxide fuck that poison it can keep its extra oxygen!?