BigTokes Hardcore, Bio-Buckets—Playing Around Is Over!!!

[BigToke]

Updates

Updates

Hey friends, it’s been a little bit since I’ve did an update, sooooo let me start off by updating you on the status of:

• The refrigerated clones, I lift them in the refrig for two weeks and when I removed them they stunk like hell!! Needless to say they were all dead.
  Ps….I do have a new method of this, and now with some working knowledge behind me I feel more confident that I know what I’m doing, so we’ll see how it turns out the next time.
• A dehumidifier is a wonderful thing, but if you have 36 bio-buckets as I do keeping the tray empty can be quit time consuming, so I found it more useful to hook up a water-hose line and just let it drain itself and this is working great.

I ran out of space, so I had to take some images off, sorry.

 

[BigToke]

Updates

Updates

Supp friends, will another successful harvest has come to an end…..I love doing this back-to-back grows, here’s a few pic’s for ya:

• To start off, I use 1” to 1 ½ Oasis Cubs and then I soak them over night in distilled water. Note: I have found that my clones do better when I use “rooting-gel” than when I use powder.
• Using the right media for successes, I take a try and put one to two inches of perlite in the bottom of it, and then I start putting in my clones in on top of the perlite, and after that I fell the hole try up with perlite to were you cant even see the Oasis Cubs, then with a spray bottle I soak the perlite very good and do this as needed.

I ran out of space, so I had to take some images off, sorry.

 

[BigToke]

Harvest Time!!!

Harvest Time!!!

Yet Another Successful Bio-Bucket Harvest!!

Well friends here it is; this is what I call the bitter—sweet part of growing to me.

I was hoping to harvest a two of weeks before Halloween, but it didn’t work out that way, come to find out it wasn’t ready until two days before Halloween, but that’s all right, I had plenty lift over from last harvest, btw that’s one resin I grow soooo much, I don’t like to be out when it’s party time!!

• Bud shots, unknown strain in other words, bag-seed; I can tell you this, growing the same plant out-side is great but not in-side!! The first time I grew this particular strain, I flowered at two foot and by harvest time I had plants that were six to eight foot tall, no joke!! I flowered one foot this time and got three to four foot tall plants, I am considering very serisly about ditching my already five inch tall clones and weighting until I can secure a better indoor strain. Note: if any one could recommend something to slow down or even stop the vertical growth of these plants I would love to here what it is, any one?
• Root shots, I don’t know why I post these for, but for some resin people love to see them? Well I put them on racks and let them dry-out for a week before I begin to clean them up, if you will let them dry-out good they are not to bad about cleaning, but I have found that if I try to clean them up before they dry-very good, it can be quit difficult.
• Roots in pips, it is very important that you clean the pips that your drain pips are connected to, check out the pic.
• Hang and dry, well not much to say here other than here is how I do it.

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BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[BigToke]

Continuation of Updates

Continuation of Updates

Yessss there's more!!!

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BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[J.R.R.Toking]

Yo BigToke!

I followed you over from you-know-where, and have a quick question concerning tap water PH. Mine is @ 8 out of the tap, and I'm wondering if that will be usable, will the system automatically adjust it down after adding nutes and running for a while (no plants yet, just trying to get the bacteria up an running). I know yours is @ 7, but need to know if I need to get a RO filter (which I'd prefer not to).

Nice threads, BTW, and thanks for all the hard work.

J.R.R.

 

[Guest]

Big toke = Congrats on the new harvest; U are the man = i just love to read your grow thread & it is very inspiring / keep up the great work as there is a new wave & your bio-bucket is a killer setup for a comersial grower -

May you always have peace joy love & good crops
Fredster

(I have never seen a root system as nice as that)

 

[BigToke]

Say Toking good to see you, yea your tap-water should be just fine, before you put your cuttings in the system add your nutrients to about 400ppm this will lower your (pH) just a little just depends on your tap-waters (KH) carbon hardness, or buffering strength. The day before your going to put your cuttings in the system check the (pH) 24 hours prier and adjust the (pH) down to 6.5, remember your reservoir is automatically adding back or topping off at 8.0, it is a great deal more easier to bring your (pH) down to meet your natural level of 7.0, or equilibrium point than it is to bring it up to that point, so you are already at an advantage, which means that your systems buffering abilities are awesome!! And should allow you to go even long runs in your system. Oh and btw make sure you have bought nutrients for hard-water!! And btw I sure would like to see a pic of that system!!!

Fredster – thanks for the prop’s bro glad you liked.

BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[J.R.R.Toking]

Thanks BongToke!

Seeds are on the way (K2, White Rhino, Ice, Master Kush), and thinking I'll monocrop the K2s first run (reportedly good for ScrOGging). Also, the nutes you mentioned are GH 1-2-3 for hard water, right? I bought some GH Flora Nova Grow to germinate some bagseed on a trial run (expensive stuff!), do you think I could use that, or just be safe and use what you've already been successful with?

Still getting parts together, and wanted to make sure of the RO situation/involved cost upfront. Damn it if I can't decide on a "normal" 4-6 bucket system or a mini-Farmer system. Area I'm using is 6 x 4. Everytime I get down to it with the "normal" setup, I see more pictures of your Farmer setup, and want it that way, with the reservoir just outside the closet (if you remember Foggy's Farmer setup on OG, that is just like my area), but I'd need to cut the wall a little bit. What do you think? I think with my 1000w HPS in a 6 x4 x8(h) area, it'd be a BIG advantage having the res outside the bloom room, and I could probably get 8 buckets in there. My main digicam bit the dust, but I have a very crappy backup I'll certainly be able to update you with. With all the work you've done here, it's the least I can do.

Peace, and stay safe.

J.R.R.

 

[BigToke]

Supp man!!! Nice line up you got there……..as for the GH 3-Part Nutrients, I do believe that all standard GH Nutrients are formulated for hard-water and that if you need nutrients for soft-water you must specify from GH……….yea that GH Flora Nova I’ve been told was good stuff, but imo is not practical in long term use such as the Bio-Buckets.

As far as which way to go (normal) or (farmer style), you know what I would say hands down all the way with farmer style for sure!!! Man I love foggy’s closet setup for sure!! And as for that little hole in the wall, shit you can patch that up in no time…….I’d fit as many in there as I could just as long as I had a way to bring fresh air in there and a way to get rid of the heat…….well you don’t have to break your back or any thing but a few good pic’s would be great!!

BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[J.R.R.Toking]

Yo BT,

My layout is exactly like Foggy's here, same area and even the reservoir placement. ( Link: http://www.overgrow.com/edge/showthread.php?s=&threadid=364488 )

Your new instructions clearly address the drain pvc, but I'm wondering how Foggy is running his lines inside the pvc and splitting it to each bucket. Is there some kind of barb that inserts into the main yellow hose at each bucket's drain hose, and then leads up to fill the buckets (to the fill elbows)? I know your fill lines are seperate, but the big advantage for me here would be any small leaks in the fill line would be contained within the return pvc pipe. Any leaks in this system and I'm screwed.

What do you think the best return pvc size for this system is? Can you tell what Foggy's using? Is that 1/2 inch yellow hose he's got, and what size pump/res would be the best for this setup? Also, I value your experience, and would like your opinion; in my 4 x 6 area, would you put up one 1000w Horitlux (on a mover) OR two stationary 600w Hortiluxs? It would only cost @ $150 more for the 600s, but cooling/power use would be a consideration (power included in rent, but I don't want to get the landlord wondering what's going on). I need to have this all setup within a week or so, so hard decisions.

I realize I have a lot of questions, and will certainly keep you updated with progress and pics (if I can get one for a good price, I'll buy a new digicam. Otherwise, I'll have to limp by on my old backup...very crappy). Thanks again, man, And I'm sure glad you're here covering our butts. Seems like all the other BB gurus have taken a powder lately...

J.R.R.

 

[BigToke]

Toking – if your going to build a setup exactly like foggy’s that’s one sweet setup for sure!! But I feel that I must tell you though, running your lines up through your drains is asking for more exchanging one problem for the anther………but if that’s the way you want to go let’s look at first things first…….pump sizing as you know will depend on how many bio-buckets your going to grow in? No matter how many bio-buckets you grow in always use the same size line that your pumps outlet uses, so let’s say that your pump uses a ¾ outlet line, just run that line up thru your drain line from the reservoir and when you come to each hole that you have drilled for each bucket just use one of these ¾ x ¾ x ½ Tee’s
Photo

Now remember that when you come to the second bucket to the last to use a ¾ x ½ x ½ Tee so that all the line pressure will not build up at the end of the line!!
Photo

As far as the drain lines go, you could get by with a 3” pvc drain line……..as for the lights, seeing that that is included in the rent I would be very careful about how much I would use, it really just depends on the sq-footage of the house? I would go with the two 600w over the one 1000w any day, but if thank that that’s going to be a problem just go with two 400w, that certainly wouldn’t draw any attention.

BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[J.R.R.Toking]

So, you'd go with two 400s over one 1000 on a mover (considering the mover will only go 2-2.5 feet)? With the second ballast, I'm thinking power consumption would be equal between two 4s and the one 1k. Plus, with the expense of the second reflector and hassle to actively cool two hoods (venting them off the same intake/exhaust)... I want nice tight nuggets, and am not sure 400s would give them to me, and with power consumption roughly equal...are you sure the 1000w is a bad idea?

I'm going exactly with Foggy's bucket setup, as the dimensions of our areas are equal (6 x 4) and laid out the same (res will be through the wall at the same place), supporting eight buckets. As far as exchanging one problem for another, would using 4 inch pvc drain line help alleviate any return issues the internal hose might have? Also, essentially an inner hose (like FG's) looks just like your pvc feed lines, except you use the hose and Ts inside, I.E. run the hose to the first bucket, cut it completely, attach the T, run seperate lengths of hose to the feed elbows and to the next bucket, then another T, ect., till getting to bucket 7 and there using a reducer T (how do you make the transition from the 3/4 in hose and previous Ts to say a 1/2 in, like your example). Do I just cap the line at the end (bucket 8), or just use an elbow leading to the last bucket? If I get over this little hump (I'm having a brain fart, and just not getting a clear picture of it), I'm sure I'll be on my way.

Would you rather I use a second 1/2 or 3/4 in pvc line going through the wall, and following outside the return line, and would I use the same reduction in T size (you specified for the internal hose) for buckets 7 and 8? Or would the 4 in drain with internal hose be OK?

Can you tell I'm getting a little panicked? Sorry again for all the questions, but I need to get this done. I'll document this thing when it's setup...I promise!

Thanks, BT!

J.R.R.

 

[BigToke]

If you are looking for a defiant answer out of me, here’s what I would do: I would go with the 1000w for sure!! I was just trying to give you options……….As for the drain I would go with 4” pvc………As for the supply line, I would run it separate from the drain line, I don’t think you would have to drill another hole through the wall, just run it up through the 4” pvc drain line and make one extra hole in the top before you get to your first bucket and then run your supply line up thru that, and then branch off to each bucket, I am going to supply you with a link to were you can see what I am talking about in another way, I want you to look at how he has his supply line right next to his drain line, get the point something like that.
http://www.cannabisworld.org/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?threadid=52652&perpage=40&pagenumber=5

Now as for the end of the supply line, all you need to do is use a ½ x ½ elbow that goes to you last bucket, there is no end, the end goes into the last bucket.

BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!!
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[Pound4Pound]

Very Well put together and it seems your system would go into overdrive with the advanced nutrients beneficial bacteria and fungi. I really enjoy the detailed well written eye catching style you employ. Your system would help me save boku bucks without a res. change. Very well done and its good to know people still take the time to teach their brethren how to grow their own high quality cannabis.

If you ever need any particular genetics for another run, feel free to ask me for any specifics you maybe interested in! A+ great job

 

[J.R.R.Toking]

How's it going, BT? After 3 hours in Lowes/Home Despot today, it brought on more questions than answers...almost.

If you don't mind, let me run this by you. I have decided to take your advice to go with 6 buckets, two 600w HPS lights, and make the feed line external, but I have a few questions.
For the external feed line, you advocate use of "reducing Ts" for the access lines to the buckets: 1 1/2 on either side and 3/4 to the 3/4 valve/nipple setup (hose is then connected to nipple, and then leads to the bucket). Q: For my setup, I was going to buy 1/2 in Ts (no reduction; 1/2 on all three sides) to match the 1/2 feed line and 1/2 in hose leading from the T and feeding the buckets. Is this right, each of the Ts holes being the same size? I'm concerned there will not be enough pressure, as you stressed the "Reducing" part of the T. I'm planning on using @ a 375 gph submersible pump, FYI. In my setup, how would you handle the last two buckets, so they don't get all the water pressure? I think somewhere you said you need to use smaller hoses/Ts, or put glue inside them and drill out a smaller hole to reduce flow? Q: Could you just use the same fittings throughout, and adjust the ball valves on the last two buckets to lesson the flow to them? How'd you handle this? You'd need five Ts and one elbow (for the last bucket) right? The PVC feed line terminates at the last bucket with the elbow, correct?

How is the pump attached to the feed line? I'm assuming I want to get a pump with 1/2 in pipe out. Also, can you explain in more detail how the feed line is connected through your buckets? Is it a water-tight seal? (Exact parts here would be most helpful!)

Sorry to lay so much crap on you, but I need to get up-and-running, as I have seeds germinating in Oasis cubes at the time of this writing (they seem to be working out OK). Any other knowledge you'd like to impart would be most welcome; don't worry about boring me.

Thanks professor. I really appreciate it!

J.R.R.

 

[BigToke]

Supp Toking, looks like your determined to make this thing work. Ok let’s get down to it:

For my setup, I was going to buy 1/2 in Ts (no reduction; 1/2 on all three sides) to match the 1/2 feed line and 1/2 in hose leading from the T and feeding the buckets. Is this right, each of the Ts holes being the same size? I'm concerned there will not be enough pressure, as you stressed the "Reducing" part of the T. I'm planning on using @ a 375 gph submersible pump, FYI. In my setup, how would you handle the last two buckets, so they don't get all the water pressure? I think somewhere you said you need to use smaller hoses/Ts, or put glue inside them and drill out a smaller hole to reduce flow?

first off, that’s good detailed info bro so here’s what I would do if it were me; if the supply line is ½ “ I would run that all the way to the last/end bucket and would put a ½ “ elw and turn it right into the last bucket and put another elw at the bucket, hope I explained that right?

Could you just use the same fittings throughout, and adjust the ball valves on the last two buckets to lesson the flow to them? How'd you handle this? You'd need five Ts and one elbow (for the last bucket) right? The PVC feed line terminates at the last bucket with the elbow, correct?

if you look at my photos you well see my ball valves on the floor and I adjust them to get the proper pressure at each bucket in my system, but if I were you I would put a ½ “ ball valve right up next to each bucket, right before it gets to the elw at the bucket and adjust each one to do the same as I did.

How is the pump attached to the feed line? I'm assuming I want to get a pump with 1/2 in pipe out.

whatever size the outlet is on the pump that your going to use that’s the same size you want to stick with; for example my pump is a Mag-Drive 5000, with a 1” ½ outlet so that’s what I used, so if yours has a ½ outlet on your pump that’s what you use or whatever the size is get it. Btw if you use a size larger than the size is on the outlet of your pump you will over-shot the ratings of what that pump is and also if you use a size smaller than whatever the outlet of what your pump is you would have undersized the ratings of what that pump is, I’m sure your getting all of this, it’ll all kick in after a little latter. For a better explanation of how the supply lines hook-up to your pump you’ll have to take a photo of the pump for me so I can see what they look like? Btw post it in the “How-To Of The Bio-Buckets 101” thread.

Also, can you explain in more detail how the feed line is connected through your buckets? Is it a water-tight seal? (Exact parts here would be most helpful!)

I do believe I have some photos of that in my “How-To” thread check it out and if that doesn’t answer your questions ask me again.

BigTokes: "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
BigTokes: Hard-Core Bio-Buckets, First Big Run!!
BigTokes: Secound Big Run!! :friends:
BigTokes: AK-47 Plus H.D.F Bio-Bucket Style

 

[GanjaJedi]

These trees are so nice I wish I had the room for this kind of setup, keep up the good work!

 

[tokinsmokin]

Well I finally am back on after everything that happened a while back, Good to see you again BigToke, How ya been, grows goin? Great thread once again, I'm not quite sure why you don't write a book out of all these threads with step by step info.

Man do I miss Bio Buckets they're just a blessing to us growers. Don't ever take your grows for granted, and cherish them for what they are!!

 

[BigToke]

G.J ~ glade you like the thread…………………

T.S ~ it’s good to see you again old friend I hope that you are recovering ok hopefully it want be long before you can have another Bio-Grow, until then stay safe ………………………well BigToke is taking some much needed time off from growing right now plus the Holidays and everything it’s just to much for me to balance right now but not to fear that old itch will come back soon enough…lol ~ that’s the good thing about grow more then you need is that your under no pressure to start up another one and can take some time off and enjoy.

 

[tokinsmokin]

ya, different than before security is my no. 1 priority, before I'd say it was just growing. I saw you put a link to my thread in one of your bio bucket threads a while back, which was a long while back. But I wanted to say thank you for that I'd like people to see that thread for not only growing but what not to do. Thanks bro.

And yes lucky you to have bud to last you a few months, Its nice to have both worlds of growing and not. But I'd prefer the growing world!

BTW, what happened to growerinshorts, I heard he is gone? bummer if its true.