Here's a pic of my current hydro design I'm upgrading this week. Don't want to use the name "undercurrent" as that obviously is a commercial hydro system name & this is my emulation (not exactly copy). Instead of bottom flow I could say bottom current too but my diagrams say "water flow direction" so I'll stick with that.
The 6 5 gallon buckets are in the veg stage arrangement which will switch to a 24 sq ft hexagon arrangement for stacked vertical bare bulb in flower (1,200 watts) but stick with the same design. In early veg the circulation pump is less important though and possibly just top feed pump could be used (along with lower water/nute levels).
I'm also incorporating a 4 section shelf with res & chiller on bottom & 5 gallon bucket with a 20 gallon tub w/ball valves for both topping off res with pH adjusted water & nute changes respectively. Could also incorporate a float in the res to keep water levels steady & keep premixed nutes in 20 gallon tub.
First pic is of the top feed design part and 2nd pic is of the bottom or reverse flow design (it's all in the same hydro setup, like parts A & B):
Not included: water level indicator which is just a 1/2" vertical tube (blue in color to inhibit algae) connected to 2 1/2" elbows in the bucket on top & bottom. One at each end of the row of buckets. If your picky or concerned about algae just cover with Velcro tape squares & Panda film. Also a 1" elbow on circulation pump in diagram 2 that goes before the waterfall to res. The top feed has a 3/4" flex hose coming from Uniseal on bottom res to fit right in.
Also have 4'x8' foot Orca grow film panels which keep the grow perimeter and reflect back a lot of light from the bulbs. I use shims to keep and put them in place. They are 1 1/2" thick foam board with reflective foil backing. I cut out vent holes in top and bottom centers on each one, 1' high x 2'wide.
Any input will be greatly appreciated. You members have already helped out tremendously and doubt I'd have 1/2 the ideas here.
The 6 5 gallon buckets are in the veg stage arrangement which will switch to a 24 sq ft hexagon arrangement for stacked vertical bare bulb in flower (1,200 watts) but stick with the same design. In early veg the circulation pump is less important though and possibly just top feed pump could be used (along with lower water/nute levels).
I'm also incorporating a 4 section shelf with res & chiller on bottom & 5 gallon bucket with a 20 gallon tub w/ball valves for both topping off res with pH adjusted water & nute changes respectively. Could also incorporate a float in the res to keep water levels steady & keep premixed nutes in 20 gallon tub.
First pic is of the top feed design part and 2nd pic is of the bottom or reverse flow design (it's all in the same hydro setup, like parts A & B):
Not included: water level indicator which is just a 1/2" vertical tube (blue in color to inhibit algae) connected to 2 1/2" elbows in the bucket on top & bottom. One at each end of the row of buckets. If your picky or concerned about algae just cover with Velcro tape squares & Panda film. Also a 1" elbow on circulation pump in diagram 2 that goes before the waterfall to res. The top feed has a 3/4" flex hose coming from Uniseal on bottom res to fit right in.
Also have 4'x8' foot Orca grow film panels which keep the grow perimeter and reflect back a lot of light from the bulbs. I use shims to keep and put them in place. They are 1 1/2" thick foam board with reflective foil backing. I cut out vent holes in top and bottom centers on each one, 1' high x 2'wide.
Any input will be greatly appreciated. You members have already helped out tremendously and doubt I'd have 1/2 the ideas here.
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I was thinking of 1" Uniseals which are basically foolproof too. I see you use 4.5" of 1.5" pvc & 1.5" Male 2 PVC Trap Adapters (Nibco) w/neoprene washers & female adapters to connect your buckets.
