a ppk for a 6 plant limit

[Mister_D]

I got one question folks being this is flood and drain and i am placing 4 drain pipes in my 20 gallon medium how does it fill up the medium before it actually drains ???? you know what i mean ??? like cycle to fill medium then drain to bottom res then back to main nutrient res ????? or when the flood cycle comes and it actually fills bottom res first then up into the medium till till ful then cycle goes to pump to main res ????
I know usually one res with plant in that one but i am doing actual 20 gallon medium with actual seperate res just below it like that picture i showed u guys ???? as well as having another feed res where all the fluids gets pumped after drain cycle and ends up before next cycle and so on lol


Hopelessly confused Doc

The lower bucket/res always has water/nutes in it. It's level is set by adjusting the water height/level in the main res via float valve (that is how you set/adjust the air gap in the lower bucket). Flooding the upper bucket/s is accomplished by using a pump capable of filling it faster than the drains can drain the water/nutes. Most of us run a 1/2" hose of some sort from a pump in the main res to the upper bucket of each site. The hose floods the upper bucket, where it drains into the lower bucket, then back into the main res where it's ready for the next flood cycle. A cycle timer programmable in seconds controls the pump so each bucket gets a complete flood. When initially setting up the system you turn on your pump and count how many seconds it takes to fill the upper buckets, then set the timer based on your findings.

In a PPK set up like this are the roots allowed to grow down into the lower res via the wick as much as they want or are they trimmed back to wick as they grow?

IME roots tend to not grow into the tailpiece past the water level. Probably due to the solution not being aerated, but whatever the case it's not an issue with the larger 3" tail pieces.

 

[twist1uc]

only the one pump here in this one but there is no reason you couldn't use multiple pumps. they could all be fired from one timer or you could have individual timers.

The Sentinel DRT has a 15A output.

Could I put three pumps on there (each pump are only about 1.5-2A). Each pump would be in a separate room.

EDIT: Nevermind, I found another way: The Sentinel MDT-4 (http://growgps.com/products/mdt4/) has multiple outlets. Only a little bit more money.

 

[Miraculous Meds]

The Sentinel DRT has a 15A output.

Could I put three pumps on there (each pump are only about 1.5-2A). Each pump would be in a separate room.

EDIT: Nevermind, I found another way: The Sentinel MDT-4 (http://growgps.com/products/mdt4/) has multiple outlets. Only a little bit more money.

Yeah, but u could do that with the drt1 too, I do. IF something says 15a, I just use 10 to 12a to stay safe. So 5 or 6 of those little pumps, I do 4.

 

[SecondAttempt]

Yeah, but u could do that with the drt1 too, I do. IF something says 15a, I just use 10 to 12a to stay safe. So 5 or 6 of those little pumps, I do 4.

I was using the DRT as well... running 3 1/4 horsepower sump pumps... never a glitch even though I've read mixed reviews. Now that CAP is gone I don't know the status of new DRTs available in the marketplace.

 

[Mrrite008]

The Sentinel DRT-1 & DRT-1A are two of the most accurate (to the second) digital timers ever made. Unfortunately, both have now been discontinued by the manufacture. Sentinels MDT-4 adds a Hot Temp. Shut Down Feature, but it also retails a considerable amount more, than what the 1 & 1A once did.

 

[Mrrite008]

I was using the DRT as well... running 3 1/4 horsepower sump pumps... never a glitch even though I've read mixed reviews. Now that CAP is gone I don't know the status of new DRTs available in the marketplace.

The original DRT-1, will pop up for sale on eBay from time to time. Some brand new, some used. The DRT-1A is nearly impossible to find.

 

[twist1uc]

Sentinel - Digital Recycling Timer (DRT-1A) $137 Shipped
Sentinel MDT-4 Master Digital Timer $189 Shipped

So, $50 more and the outlets are built in (less & cleaner install, less parts, more capability if needed later, etc...)

EDIT: Just found at Amazon for $168.00 & FREE Shipping. Can't beat that.

 

[DapperDon]

The original DRT-1, will pop up for sale on eBay from time to time. Some brand new, some used. The DRT-1A is nearly impossible to find.

http://www.planetnatural.com/product/digital-recycling-timer-drt-1/

 

[twist1uc]

Float valve and air gap?

Float valve and air gap?

Can someone please explain the float valve set up and the water level/ air gap?
Thanks!

 

[twist1uc]

http://www.planetnatural.com/product/digital-recycling-timer-drt-1/

Even better, only $124.51 shipped.

 

[Mrrite008]

http://www.planetnatural.com/product/digital-recycling-timer-drt-1/

I called "planetnatural" and all other online sources that list the DRT-1A for sale nearly 3 weeks ago, before making a disappointing order. Some online venders told me it was on "backorder", some in fact knew, that it had been discontinued, eventhough their website indeed have it available for purchase. I spoke to a Sentinel Rep. before making these calls, and he said they will not be shipping anymore DRT 1A's and they are in the process of changing to a new plant, and any DRT 1A's that are available would have to be from a vendors "old stock". He suggested, a new recycling timer they have available (Not digital = Not as accurate) So before making a online purchase, i would suggest calling the company and confirming availability. To save yourself the time...start checking eBay.

 

[Miraculous Meds]

Can someone please explain the float valve set up and the water level/ air gap?
Thanks!

A extra, premixed with nutes, bulk res is connected to the float valve.
Float valve sets inside the control res. It gets installed in a cereal plastic bin. the cereal bin has a 1/16" (size I use) hole in the bottom so the float valve slowly refills the control res. That's what the pin hole is for. When ur pump waters, the float valve would add too much water back to the control res. That keeps ur control res topped up to the level that u set ur float valve at.

The water level and air gap are how u control how much wicks back up and how often u can water. If its staying to wet lower ur water level/ which raises ur air gap. If ur medium stays too dry u can raise the water level/ while reducing the air gap.

More control over watering, and also ur frequency of waterings, and duration, offer lots of room for dialing.

 

[Miraculous Meds]

Sentinel - Digital Recycling Timer (DRT-1A) $137 Shipped
Sentinel MDT-4 Master Digital Timer $189 Shipped

So, $50 more and the outlets are built in (less & cleaner install, less parts, more capability if needed later, etc...)

Twist

u make a great observation there with the master controller for $50 more. If its like the ones Ive seen, u get ur digi water timer, automatic light shutoff if too hot, light timer, and something else. great deal for another $50

 

[Mrrite008]

Sentinel - Digital Recycling Timer (DRT-1A) $137 Shipped
Sentinel MDT-4 Master Digital Timer $189 Shipped

So, $50 more and the outlets are built in (less & cleaner install, less parts, more capability if needed later, etc...)

Ive seen "Brand New" Drt-1's on eBay for $60-$70 Shipped! Even seen a used Drt-1 sell for $20. They dont pop up very often, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you can scoop one up dirtball cheap!

 

[jonesb]

Might try this one
http://blueprintcontrollers.com/Product/Details/BDCT602

 

[delta9nxs]

http://blueprintcontrollers.com/Product/Details/BDCT601

i've got 2 of these coming for 88 bucks each. we'll see how good they are.

 

[twist1uc]

http://blueprintcontrollers.com/Product/Details/BDCT601

i've got 2 of these coming for 88 bucks each. we'll see how good they are.

SCORE! Can I be down. LOL!

 

[Grow4Flow]

i knew there was i reason i kept my MDT-1 and CHHC4 even though i don't use them, lol. i was able to control multiple pumps using these on my MDT-1....
http://www.lowes.com/pd_72589-334-1147W-SP-L_4294722476__?productId=1099231&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

I just recently changed everything over to Titan Controls due to OCD. one didn't match so i changed them all out, hahaha. <--idiot

 

[Permacultuure]

good day everyone well started my drum build today top bucket is 20 gallon and bottom is 23 gallon should work out pretty good still got lots of modding to do buts its a start
feeling lazy today and the Rums are tasting better n better

Not sure what size plants your going for but I've ran rooms with the 55g drums with the bottoms cut off as my top buckets. One room used 3.5g as bottoms, another used old CCH2O 13 gallon buckets as bottoms, I found that its overkill, even for 2.5lb plants.....but looks like your already committed.

I would suggest keeping the media shallow.....are you just planning on putting one half on the other?

 

[Mrrite008]

D9,

Since switching back to turface, from floor dry...are you still screening and washing the turface?...If so, are you still using your slide/cement tub methods?