24 site coco dripper set up help.

[caljim]

I am looking to set up a drip system for 24 plants in 2gal pots that are spread out over three 4x4 drain tables. I would like to have 2 drip lines per pot, open 1/4" tubing, coming out of 8 line risers.

I will be using a couple 50 gal trash cans tied together for the res and my tables sit just 5" of the floor.


My idea is to run one main line, that is fed from both sides. That pipe will have the 8 line risers. The ones I found at RainBird have screens built in and adjustable flow to each line.

This method would have about half the pipe length to fill compared to Pico's manifold that wraps around the table. My thought being that I could use a smaller pump to do the job. The other trade of would be longer 1/4" line increasing needed pump pressure.

I have done a lot of reading and some parts window shopping, now I'm just looking for some input. Feel free to pass along some wisdom on pump size or set up in general. Thanks for the help.

 

[caljim]

Looks like the Shurflo 198gph, 115v model# 32088-594-154 should provide the pressure needed to run 6--10gph octabubblers.

To help with flow rate, and add some redundancy I am considering using two of these: http://www.amazon.com/SHURflo-Industrial-Pump-Model-2088-594-154/dp/B0001FAA5Y.
One to feed the manifold from either side.

 

[caljim]

This Flotec pump: http://www.flotecpump.com/ResidentialProduct_fl_ut_wt_FP5112.aspx.

Looks like it may be just right. Provides up to 60psi, self priming, provides the right flow to operate the octabubblers and at 7 amps I don't need to run a new circuit to drive it.

I am thinking about using the 20 gal/hour bubblers to restrict flow as little as possible.

If you have any experience or thoughts on DTW drip systems, using the octabubblers or pump choice feel free to chime in. I'm all ears, and I know I'm not the first to build a drip system. so speak up and help me avoid some pitfalls on my way to breaking the chains of my grow and getting a little me time.

 

[mowood3479]

I've only ever run the pico manifold method... So i guess I can't really comment on ur set up... Let us know how it works n post some pics of it if u can. Thx

 

[caljim]

It's a lively thread we have here.....I found the 1/2hp Flotec ,http://www.flotecpump.com/ResidentialProduct_fl_ut_wt_FP5112.aspx, for the right price on the web and it looks to be what i need; creates enough pressure (61psi) to operate the pressure compensating drippers, made of non reactive thermoplastic, and I have the 7 amps to spare to power the unit.

What kind of pump are you using with your Pico style manifold Mowood3479?

The pump will arive early next week, then I can mock some things up. After talking to the good folks at Flotec I am considering using a pressure tank to take it a little easier on the pump. I see that the folks using blumats and fertigating are using pressure tanks for there on demand needs to avoid rapid cycling of the pump. With my application, watering 3 to 5 times a day, I am not really seeing the need.

As usual, feel free to speak up with your thoughts or experiences. I'll get some pics up of what I'm doing once some parts start to come in next week.

 

[mowood3479]

I just use cheap mag drive pumps 700gph. I think they were like $65 bucks or something.
I just do 1/2" poly into a 4'x8'rectangle (manifold) and come off that with an open ended 1/4" line (12 per 4x8)
I set it with a cycle timer to run 3x during lights on for 60'seconds at a clip.
It's no were near the pressure that Ull be running but it distributes the feed pretty evenly and can be tweaked if one plant is drinking more than the others.

 

[watts]

I do similar to mowood but your plan sounds good to me, caljim.

 

[caljim]

What size pump are you running watts?

The whole jet pump seems like a great idea, but it is really taking the KISS out of my operation. Like mowood, I find the simpler(yet effective) approach is often the best.

Thing is, I ran a drip system a few years back and my pump and my mag drive pump (same size as the pump in my cloner 200gph) just was not cutting it. Last thing I want to do is build a rig with uneven flow and an anemic pump.

The jet pump setup I was planning is going to have me plumbing for days and worrying about leaks and just plain going to be in the way of me moving around and actually tending the plants. Plus, at 7 amps and 1/2hp, the pump really needs to be switched by a rated relay, have a disconnect and some circuit protection ahead of it. Not beyond my skill set, but not kiss. I can run three 700gph mag drives off a plug and play recycle timer with out all the fuss.

So...I am rethinking the build with KISS as a prime directive.

I have three 4x4tables that I want to build drip rings for, skip the pressure compensating emitters, use open 1/4" line coming off 1/2" pvc just like the Pico set up.

One 700 mph mag drive in a 30 gal res for each table. My 1/2" pvc square is going to be a small as possible though. Just big enough to fit a 2 gal pot in the middle of the ring with the other plants around the perimeter. So the square manifold will be just 2 linear feet as opposed to going around the outside of the tray at 16 linear feet. It will save a ton in friction losses letting a pump that is not designed for pressure have a fighting chance at providing even flow.

Currently I water once a day, 20 gallons into 27, 3 gallon pots. It works but it makes it hard to get away for a day or two. Without the jet pump and its' piping in the way there is room to run a res for each table, more than tripling my water holding capacity. Plus it can all be broken down and moved out of the way with much less effort.

Please excuse my ramblings. I don't live in a legal state and don't have a circle of friends that are growers, so Icmag is where I go to talk shop.
Ill get some pics up next week after i put together the prototype.

 

[watts]

I use a 264gph submersible pump but I have a smaller grow so it works well enough. I feel you on the KISS method. I've thought of using the Octabubblers on a bigger setup but I have never tried them for the same reasons you mention, so I can't say what would work best. Your 2nd option sounds like a good plan to me, I would just go with that. May take a little tweaking at first. Try it on one table to see how you like it.

 

[mowood3479]

Sounds like a good revised plan. I also saw pics on really bad ass grow threads where the guys were doing drip with jet pumps and octa bubblers.
I mean I'm not gonna knock that way, I bet it's really nice but I couldn't source many of the things needed easilly so anyway, similar situation...
The pico manifold has worked pretty well for me...
Don't forget a siphon valve (I just use 1/4" barb and 2" of line redirecting the flow back into the Rez)... Otherwise after ur pump shuts off the siphoning will empty ur resevoir (learned the hard way).
Also I recently came across at my local hydro store are little 1/4" ball valves... I put them on the end of my 1/4" lines and it allows for micro adjustment of flow (somewhat).. I have run them for 3 cycles on 1 table and no issue yet with clogging..
I think u could find them at sunlight supply mayb, I think that's the stores distributor.

 

[watts]

I recommend these if using tee's on your feed lines:

John Guest Speedfit PP0208W 1/4OD Union Tee, 10-Pack $28

 

[mowood3479]

I recommend these if using tee's on your feed lines:

John Guest Speedfit PP0208W 1/4OD Union Tee, 10-Pack $28
View Image

Oh these look cool, it appears as though they split a 1/4" line without restricting the flow down smaller than the 1/4".
I quit using t's cause I had a few clogs... Seems like these would be pretty clog proof.
Good find
Thx

 

[caljim]

First off...Thanks for your input. It really helps me to talk out a plan, and the shared experience of others is always valuable.

So I got my hands on some 1/4" top hat grommets, 1/4" drip line, 1/2" pvc and various fittings. Then built a prototype to test for flow and hooked it up to the Jebao wp 2000 pump, 533gph/8ft head, that I use to hand water with. It is the same model pump that comes with a 48 site turbo cloner set up and can be had on eBay or amazon for anywhere from 20 to 50 bucks.

Much to my surprise, and pleasure, the little pump charged the system and provided a very steady and powerful flow from the 8--1/4" open drip lines coming off the manifold. This was after pumping the roughly 4' up and out of my trash can res and then through another roughly 8 feet of 1/2" pvc.

No need for a 1000gph jet pump here, plenty of flow and pressure for my needs with the little mag drive pump. Success! Very happy with the simple set up.

Ordered 3 new pumps from Amazon. Jebao makes a bunch of fountain pump sizes. I bumped up to the next larger size, the WP-3000. It is rated at 790gph, 11.5ft head, and 1.5 amps. It should allow me to run two open drip lines per plant for a total of 16 per pump.

The pumps will be put in 55gal trash cans, which I just found in laboratory white, and those cans should hold 40 gallons of nutrient a piece comfortably.

Currently I use 15 to 20 gal a day to water 3 tables, so this is promising to help me break my chains and get a little free time. Mission almost accomplished.

Mowood, thanks for the heads up on the siphoning. I had been planning to send a 1/4" line back to the res from the top of the run. The prototype did not get one, and yes, it pulled all the water out of the reservoir when the pump was turned off.
As far as the 1/4" in valves, I held off on buying them, $2 a piece at the hydro store. With the flow I'm getting, it doesn't look like I'll need them. But it is good to know they are there if I do.

Watts, I like the John Guest products and almost bought their 1/4" drip line, I did not need the pressure rating it comes with so I just went with some store brand 1/4" line for half the price. The hydro store wanted .25 afoot for the John Guest line.

I'll grab a couple pics when my phone charges up. After that, watch for my first run to be shown on Icmag in quite a few years. On deck is the corner stone of my garden, BOG's Lifesaver. There are also a handfull of Lifesavers from seed and a SourBubble that may just show sex before I flip.

Once again thanks for the input. It will be nice to run coco with multiple feeds per day and really see what my gals can do.

 

[caljim]

Here are some Pictures of the manifold.

So simple. I must have been high as hell when when a 1/2hp jet pump with a bunch of pricey, pressure compensated drippers and a contactor to start the pump sounded like a good idea.

When a pump that I have beenusing for years can do the job.

Looking back I think the last attempt failed because I used 1/8" tubing that was very flexible and plugged on the dripper stake nice and tight, but should have been used with a pressurized system and just stifled the pumps flow.

 

[caljim]

So lets put this baby to bed and get on with growing more of this....

 

[watts]

Excellent, Jim. I'm glad it's all working out for you and good to see you posting. I find that ATP IMBIBE NSF 61 Polyethylene Plastic Tubing, Black, 11/64" ID x 1/4" OD works best for those John Guest fittings and even standard 1/4" barbed fittings. $8 on amazon for 100 ft.

 

[caljim]

Excellent, Jim. I'm glad it's all working out for you and good to see you posting. I find that ATP IMBIBE NSF 61 Polyethylene Plastic Tubing, Black, 11/64" ID x 1/4" OD works best for those John Guest fittings and even standard 1/4" barbed fittings. $8 on amazon for 100 ft.

Just what the doctor ordered.

 

[caljim]

Here are some shots of what I ended up putting together.

The Blueprint cycle timer is accurate to the second, easy to use and is just a trigger for a 25amp solid state relay, so it sees no load and hopefully will last awhile.
The 700gph mag drives charge the lines quickly and provide plenty of flow to the basket stakes.

Anyhow, it works great. Thanks for the input ICMAG.

 

[watts]

Badass Jim, everything looks great. Glad it's working out for you and thanks for the update.

 

[caljim]

So one of the 3, 700gph pumps quit working as lights came on.

It was making that death rattle sound mag drive pumps make when they quit. Screwed around with it for a bit to no joy.

Swapped it out with a smaller spare that will get me through. Decided to change all three over to Ecoplus 596gph pumps, heres why:

The ecoplus lets me suck right off the bottom of the reservoir, with an additional fitting, with the pump in its natural horizontal position. I think running the Jebeo pumps on there sides having the impeller vertical, so they would suck off the bottom, was going to be a problem in the long run.

Secondly, they pump just fractionally less water. The Jebeo 700gph were almost too strong, the 596gph pumps will be slightly softer while still charging the lines quickly.

Third, the Ecoplus pump comes with a 12' cord, the Jebeo was lucky to be 6'.

And if that wasn't enough, the 596gph pump actually draws half the amps as the 700.

In the end the new pumps will do a better job and I will have a couple spares on hand for the inevitable break down.