Hey BBD, are you running an orgranic drip system? I don't have any issues with drippers getting clogged since I've been using drip clean, it's worth the extra $$$ IMO. I think the problem your having is deffo got to do with your drippers, by the sounds of their design, they are built to get blocked. I use a fast flow dripper and set the pressure with a home made inline tap on the main feed line just above the pump, here's a pic...
And the drippers that I use.
Get your thread up when ya can, I'd love to see what your working with.
Hey bobble, I'm with you 100% on the run to waste, it's the only way I grow in coco. Some people think that it's a wast of nutes but it really is worth it for the end result plus you don't have to worry about spreading disease and destroying your whole crop.
On the NFT, it really isn't needed but when I thought up the idea I realised that's exactly what would happen when the roots grew through the guard and into the guttering, you'd have an NFT effect. It's more of a bonus rather than a necessity. I think I'll go with the 80/20 coco/perlite because it's what I know best.
Bobble when I seen your pots I though wow that is perfect for what I'm working out, I even said it in your thread lol.
Ok I'm pretty sure this is what I'm gonna go with for my next grow, I'll go price hunting tomorrow and see what I come up with.
Cheers
HGO
Now I understand... For some reason i thought that you were talking about having constant NFT, and that's where I thought the coco wouldn't be good. Yes, the roots do grow down into the collection tray, or in your case, gutter. I find the fine white roots growing out of the bottom to be an indicator of healthy plants that have appropriate moisture levels. Sometimes the roots will grow right out the sides too.
Basket stakes are definitely the way to go. Drippers suck balls.