Bubbler Raft System

Hi All, I'm currently growing in a soil perlite mix and am thinking about going for a full hydro setup, a bubbler with a raft, has anyone got any thoughts on this.

I know it'd probably be better to flower them all in one batch because of the nutrients they use at the different stages, but it could all balance out, what'd think?

I only need to grow four plants, I was going to put them all in the same tank two weeks apart giving me a fortnightly harvest of one plant. I assume the raft system floats on top of the water and goes down as the water is used, keeping the roots submerged.

I already have a tank and an air pump with two curtains, looks like the Cracken has awoken when on full blast. I was using it to water the plants when away using a fish tank pump to distribute the water.

I idea of the bubbler is to be able to leave it for a week if I have to go away on business or whatever (trying to sound like I have a life, I'm just a lazy fecker). I want something that is the least amount of hassle. And of course I'd be expecting a better harvest too : )

Any thoughts?

Dude

.

i've never heard of a raft system. most people don't just let the tub get drained (so to speak,) they top it off in between change-outs with ph'd water.

I like the idea of the little floating raft for my plants... I think i might build a small scale version for cloning... I do not think i would like it for a full grow though...

Not sure what to do about long periods away from the plants as almost any system needs proper maintenance and attention...

It may be possible to create an ALMOST automated system but i think the work and $$$ involved in that would heavily outweigh just paying some attention to your system and plant needs...

Look into Autopots they sound pretty low maint...

all you need is a seprate tank with plain ph adjusted water atached to the main tank regulated by a simple toilet or swomp cooler float

yeah raft works best for quick turn crops like lettuce i wouldn't try it with tomatoes.But heres a link to a raft system Hydroponic float system - Instructables - DIY, How To, home, diy
And beyond that instructables.com is really a kick ass site if your a tinkerer, They have a few DIY hydroponic systems aswell, Check it out.

example of a bubble cloner -4 long bubbler stones - one pack of aqufina water- and a little liquid karma....... I would say it does the job...man this guy has it down if i ever try to clone somthing i would go this way

maybe i misunderstood, if were talking about a cloner i see no reason not to use a raft, just not all the way to harvest .

Like i said sounds great for a lil mini cloner... =]

As for a minimal attention full grow system...
I was going to suggest a separate res with a way to regulate water level but you will still need to monitor your tds levels... =]

thanks for the heads up, I've had a good look around thanks to the new info and I've decided to go for a bubbler without the raft, according to all I've read they're only suited to smaller plants.

I'll head out in the morning and pick up a few of those baskets and some medium, thinking about those little round pebble things, I have eight clones ready to insert, pressure's on now...

I already have a tank that I've fitted a stopcock to, just need the second tank as a backup. I was going to use plain water in this, so all it'll do is dilute the solution until I get a chance to check it.

Cheers,
Dude

.

fallinghigh said:

example of a bubble cloner -4 long bubbler stones - one pack of aqufina water- and a little liquid karma....... I would say it does the job...man this guy has it down if i ever try to clone somthing i would go this way

Click to expand...

Who is "this guy"... ??

moon47usaco said:

Who is "this guy"... ??

Click to expand...

well i cant say any names but he is the inventer of skunky brewster

Right so, have everything I need, barring what I need from the grow shop. Woodies is a bit light when it comes to hydro supplies. Need to pick up medium & nutrients, and then I'm ready to transfer.

Speaking of which, I decided to experiment with a mini bubbler cloner to go in my existing PC cloner. I'll take some pics when I get the new pump (smaller) tomorrow, I'm currently using the dual one from the larger tank. I've added a along air curtain which I've bent round the inside of the edge, so that all eight clones get the same amount of bubbles.

I know I have enough light in the PC cloner, I've been getting 100% results since I built it a few months ago. Fingers crossed for this new upgrade to hydro.

I'll take some photos tomorrow in the light of the new mini cloner unit. I'll be adding them and full info to my Grow Journal https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/40838-growing-limited-space.html

Dude

fallinghigh said:

well i cant say any names but he is the inventer of skunky brewster

Click to expand...

I have no clue what you are talking about... =]

I'll take some photos tomorrow in the light of the new mini cloner unit.

Dude

Click to expand...

Sounds good look foreword to seeing the finished full size bubbler too... =]

i have a little skunky just picked up an 8th here is a pic it is the new thing in california btw good luck on your bubble cloner from what i seen thay work well