For All Cap Ebb and Grow Users

[COLOR=#556b2f said:

What I dont understand is how I have had both of my controller buckets have the same problem [/COLOR]
and the company is more than aware of the problem there having with there controller buckets.
But NOT 1 of you on this post have said 1 thing about having this problem or any other problem
with this contoller bucket.
Have any of you had this problem or heard of this happening to anyone else ?/QUOTE]

Well, I posted several times about my controller problem a month ago or so and others commented about other problems associated with controllers. My problem was it wouldn't stop filling...talk about a mess. They replaced it and it seems to be working ok three weeks later. I do however also have an "emergency" pump in my tent in case of another overflow.
First suggestion is always check your pumps...air trapped or just not functioning. If your replacement was like mine they sent me a pre-packaged unit with new pumps and fittings too. Try a new pump...the hose fitting just pulls out and can be stuck right in the new pump with the hose already still attached. Also, when I drain the system and replenish I make sure the air is bled out of the hoses and pump. Other than that I suspect that the float valves are probably a mass produced item with minimal quality control. I doubt that CAP can or do check each unit prior to selling. In any case mine didn't fail until after 30+ cycles (and in the middle of the night).

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dtp5150 said:

i just ordered one of these. thank you for the tips

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dtp5150 said:

that sucks isn't there an aftermarket one?

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morrisgreenberg said:

tomato cages are the way to go, forget trellis systems and nets, the cages allow you to keep your pots independant. used as you would normally do will not cause any shading, they are thin wire! sick LST work can be done, like spiral limbs along the outside of the cage or traditional tie down, you can pick up at garden shops rolls of twist tie string, very cheap and makes things easy. i love to fold the center cola down and tie her to train to go on the outside while trying to get some outer colas into the center. definitly increases production

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xceptional said:

Cap has some financial issues if you have not heard the rumors there are tons floating around about the reason like them owing something like 2.1 million to Sunlight supply and potentially loosing 41% of the company to them due to the debt.

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puttnbike said:

Google "diy ebb and grow" look for Ogre and follow the tutorial(easy lots of pics), the biggest expense were the 2 gallon black buckets and shipping(US Plastics Corp.or something like that). Works great. The only thing I will change on my next controller bucket is to mount the lower level float switches lower.

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patlpp said:

The design flaws I see in this ebb/grow system:
1) No redundant float switch to prevent overflow. Easy fix
2) Analog timer (runs too slow or fast) unable to adjust <12 min increments. Should go digital. Timer too mechanical, prone to problems
3) Controller should be segregated from bucket so you can mount externally (have a wiring harness to bucket)
no more crawling to set time!!
4) Too small plumbing system - Could have used larger bucket & larger diameter lines to increase flow. Bucket capability overstated
5) Power feed to controller enters from bottom,almost at floor level. Should be from top so if there were a flood, ac would not be submerged.
6) More durable buckets. Better pump adapters (remember getting the flex hose on them?#&*^%

The good thing is they grow excellent plants!! I have had good support also. But if I had to do it over, I wouldn't buy one . It is designed for big grows, I'm small time. I's ideal for fast install/big grow.

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xceptional said:

1. i agree but i dont see it as a issue i have never had a overflow nor has my buddy in his.

Others have. The float switch is maybe 2$ and could be placed upside down and wired in series with the existing one.. Let me tell you, the first time you have to clean up a 50 gal spill, it's an issue.

2. what is the issue with the timer! digital by far is more prone to issues. the more parts the more potential for failure! why would you want less time 15 min is the least amount of time i would want to run even 12 buckets.

I don't see where a digital unit would have more parts. There already is a small circuit in it handling time delays and the sensor logic. CAP has the mec. timer and internal relays that are constantly an issue. The float switches are actually pretty nice though, they are magnetic.

Anything mechanical is more prone to failure. Take the old TV tuners, completely mechanical and the first thing to break.
Mechanical Relays also are prone to failure

Digital means control, the ability to be programmed and monitored by computer. For example: Wireless at the bucket for the sensors bluetoothed to the controller housing the AC for the pump control....

Digital means precision. At 2:00 the system will flood, not 2:10 or 1:55. These analog timers never are that accurate. You may want to time other apparatus events concurently or preceding the flood event.

If you are running only a few buckets, 15 min may be too much. Anyways, some like to flood at less time but at more intervals.


3. TOTALLY AGREE!!!!! it also prevents the electrical waist up, water waste down protocol.
4. bucket size looks ok to me i have a friend with plants over 50" right now and they are feeding just fine. why more space? sounds like just more medium to clean to me. the hose could be bigger that would prevent clogs i agree.

If the plumbing had a wider diameter, bucket fills would be quicker. It's no big deal to replace it though, just throwing it out there. Some have complained that it takes too long to fill. When I said bucket capability overstated I meant that the small controller bucket was too small to control 48 buckets. Let alone with just a 55 gallon tank. Takes forever to fill 48 buckets.

5. this is not a issue if 3 was resolved!
6. i have not cracked a bucket but i have heard about it happening so i agree. putting the fittings in was not that bad i didnt have a issue but i had a hell of a indent in my hand by the time i was done!

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dtp5150 said:

i think i will look at installing a 2nd float valve

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