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BigTokes ~ "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
- Thread starter BigToke
- Start date
amsterdame
Member
Hey BigToke, you available for on-site bio-bucket consultations and contracting? If so, I got a job for ya here in chilly New England! 
I'm a little engineering/tool challenged, but I may be able to enlist some local aid in helping me set this up. (If not, I got a plane ticket w/your name on it.)
I've been doing autopots this last grow, and while they're great in terms of low maintenance, I SOooo miss the yields of DWC. I'm thinking the bio-buckets would satisfy both desires -- easy maintenance and higher yields.
Thanks again! Yo da man!!!!!
A*dame
I'm a little engineering/tool challenged, but I may be able to enlist some local aid in helping me set this up. (If not, I got a plane ticket w/your name on it.)
I've been doing autopots this last grow, and while they're great in terms of low maintenance, I SOooo miss the yields of DWC. I'm thinking the bio-buckets would satisfy both desires -- easy maintenance and higher yields.Thanks again! Yo da man!!!!!
A*dame
A*dame – thanks for your kind words and your confidents in me as a hydro Bio-Bucket engineer, that’s a very sweet offer and it sounds like it came from the hart but I’m going to have to turn you down on that, I’m still just a little bit to skittish about meeting folks, although I’m sure you’re a wonderfully person and how know some day maybe I’ll be in that part of the county and I’ll look you up, but for now every body will just have to settle with my teaching here at IC, but don’t you think that I didn’t appreciate the offer!!!
A*dame, for now all I can offer my friends here at IC it the information that I’m giving and my experience with it, if you have any questions at all just ask and I’ll do my best for ya, and if you don’t understand something that I’ve said/written just ask again and I’ll try to explain it again in a different way.
A*dame, for now all I can offer my friends here at IC it the information that I’m giving and my experience with it, if you have any questions at all just ask and I’ll do my best for ya, and if you don’t understand something that I’ve said/written just ask again and I’ll try to explain it again in a different way.
the protege
Member
WOW! Big toke, that was nice. I have only done DWC once and that's it so I am pretty much a total noob. But if I were to build a 2-4 bucket system how long do you suppose it would take?
Would it even be worth it with only 2-4 buckets?
Is it the pump that forces the water in one side, and pushes the water out the other side into the 4" pvc pipe? Is the PvC pipe angled so as to flow directly back into 55 gallon drum?
I don't think I can completely understand, I guess I will re-read. I am mainly interested because I am tired of monitoring reservoir temp.
Would it even be worth it with only 2-4 buckets?
Is it the pump that forces the water in one side, and pushes the water out the other side into the 4" pvc pipe? Is the PvC pipe angled so as to flow directly back into 55 gallon drum?
I don't think I can completely understand, I guess I will re-read. I am mainly interested because I am tired of monitoring reservoir temp.
Protégé, when I decided to build my Bio-System I took a lot of things into consideration that I wonted out of a hydro system like: low-maintenance, simple-operating, back-to-back 24/7 365 days a year operating-system in other words a lean mine growing machine that would pump out the green, if you know what I mean…I first looked at the open market to see what I could find and to me for what I wonted there was not a system to be found at that time, so I built something more in the lines of a commercial hydro system that would do what I wonted, you could say that it was special built for me and my needs.
Let’s get down to business and answer some of your questions, and they are:
If you will proceed to the section call Part four -- Supply and Return you will see what I am talking about.
Let’s get down to business and answer some of your questions, and they are:
I can’t tell you whether or not it well be worth it, that’s really left up to you? And it really depends on what you wont, but if your asking me can the Bio-Buckets be down sized then the answer is yes!! I can tell you that the Bio-System will grow some of the best plants that you’ve ever seen and in the fastest time you’ve ever seen!!
Yes!!
Yes!! You wont to have a plumber’s level and lay it on the end of the 4” pvc drain pip that’s furthest away from the reservoir and it should break a half a bubble, and on the other end that goes to the reservoir it should break a full bubble. I will include a picture of that and many more once my harvest is completed the tutorial is a ongoing project of mine and hope that many growers will gain new prospective and insights to the wonderful world of the Bio-Buckets Systems, but for now here’s what I am talking about.
If you will proceed to the section call Part four -- Supply and Return you will see what I am talking about.
the protege
Member
Whoa! I think I got it. It's like a break through in your brain when you've been studying something and then pow, it makes sense. So what determines the level the water stays at? Is it just where you place your sump hose that leads to the 4" PVC? That is the most ingenious thing ever.
Also, what about you stands? How high off the ground do you have your buckets? And does it matter if your res is elevated or not? Does the pump actually push water all the way through the small PVC pipe to every bucket?
Final question. If the 'waterfall effect' is say 1.5-2 feet, would that help? So you have no oxygen sources other than the water being pumped in the buckets from the res?
Sorry for so many questions but this system really has me intrigued. Thank you for taking so much time to help.
Also, what about you stands? How high off the ground do you have your buckets? And does it matter if your res is elevated or not? Does the pump actually push water all the way through the small PVC pipe to every bucket?
Final question. If the 'waterfall effect' is say 1.5-2 feet, would that help? So you have no oxygen sources other than the water being pumped in the buckets from the res?
Sorry for so many questions but this system really has me intrigued. Thank you for taking so much time to help.
Man I hope I am right...lol
Man I hope I am right...lol
hey protege...I used to build koi ponds back in the day...turns out this is the same idea!!!
lets see if i can help and give toke some time off
you come off of the supply line that is 1” ¼ pvc pipe, with a ¾ water/hose and ran it up to each bucket
the pump doesnt actually push the water through......the pump pushes water to the buckets...when they fill to the 'sump line' it overflows into the sump hose, then the pvc, then eventually dropping via the waterfall..
The more drop the merrier...more oxygen...just watch your splash!!
The waterfall effect produces more oxygen in the water than an airpump could so no other oxygen sources are needed.
I beileve the elevation of the pots is merely to let gravity and the waterfall effects be able to work properly...
Man I hope I am right...lol
the protege said:
hey protege...I used to build koi ponds back in the day...turns out this is the same idea!!!
lets see if i can help and give toke some time off
you come off of the supply line that is 1” ¼ pvc pipe, with a ¾ water/hose and ran it up to each bucket
the pump doesnt actually push the water through......the pump pushes water to the buckets...when they fill to the 'sump line' it overflows into the sump hose, then the pvc, then eventually dropping via the waterfall..
The more drop the merrier...more oxygen...just watch your splash!!
The waterfall effect produces more oxygen in the water than an airpump could so no other oxygen sources are needed.
I beileve the elevation of the pots is merely to let gravity and the waterfall effects be able to work properly...
R
rule35sub1
Hey BT,
I am so impressed with bio buckets that I found a new grow room (a spare bedroom somewhere) to try them out in. Can you give me a list of all the items I'll need for an 8 bucket system? Can you also show me a good layout for this room?
It is a 12' by 12' room and I will be using a 400w light. I can't go with a higher wattage cuz of electric bill. The reservoir will be in the room.
I will most likely use one corner in the room for this setup, so I can use 2 of the rooms walls for light reflection, I will probably have the other 2 walls be temporary ones that I build. I would appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks, Rule35sub1
I am so impressed with bio buckets that I found a new grow room (a spare bedroom somewhere) to try them out in. Can you give me a list of all the items I'll need for an 8 bucket system? Can you also show me a good layout for this room?
It is a 12' by 12' room and I will be using a 400w light. I can't go with a higher wattage cuz of electric bill. The reservoir will be in the room.
I will most likely use one corner in the room for this setup, so I can use 2 of the rooms walls for light reflection, I will probably have the other 2 walls be temporary ones that I build. I would appreciate any help you can give.
Thanks, Rule35sub1
the protege
Member
Ok, so is that the only way for your return pipe to drain? So you must have it propped up at least a couple feet for it to flow by gravity back into the res? So when looking for a res, you want a wide short tub so it's easier to make that 1ft. clearance for the water to drop? I hope I'm right. 
Thanks Sunnyside, for backing me up and helping me out any time bro!!
Let me clarify some arias up for ya if I can,……. Protégé, there is no stupid questions were all learning here bro so ask all you like and we’ll do aware best and hopefully in well sink-in. so let’s get down to it:
Let me clarify some arias up for ya if I can,……. Protégé, there is no stupid questions were all learning here bro so ask all you like and we’ll do aware best and hopefully in well sink-in. so let’s get down to it:
Yes, sunny said it right.
From the bottom of my Bio-Buckets to the floor is 14”.
My reservoir sets on the floor.
Again it’s like sunny said, but I do believe I did a typo!! I have a 5000GPH Mag-Drive Pump, and the pvc pip that connects to that is 1” ½ not 1” ¼ my mistake sorry about that, but yes each buckets is supplied from that 1” ½ pvc pip, and then braches off with a ¾ line to each bucket.
let me put it this way, I did no guess work on this I actually bought a DO-Meter and let me say that by doing a water-fall-effect in my reservoir by one foot creates enough dissolved oxygen to keep alive 36 very healthy plants, I believe I included a photo of this.
Yes!! You’ve got it!!
Well you might need just a little help with this one. Look at my res-photo it wide but not short, from the water level in my reservoir to the top of the reservoir is 12” to 14” with a lid!! You don’t wont stuff flying into your reservoir.
Say rule how’s it going, wow a 12’ x 12’ grow/room man your in grow/room heaven!! That’s an over-kill for the Bio-Buckets, I run in a similar size room and I have 36 Bio-Buckets in there, but if 8 is all you can handle maybe you can rent me the other half or not!! Just kidding, and with a 400w there wont be much heat in there to worry about so I believe you’ll do just fine, give me a little time to work up something for ya and we’ll see what we can do, just touching base with ya for now.
R
rule35sub1
I may be able to put up two 400w lights, not sure yet. I also read all the posts by hurtback too. Info overload! LOL
I'll be watching...........
I'll be watching...........
MsHerbalivation
Member
I'm definately sold on the Bio Bucket setup. Way to go BigToke. Thanks for makin it so damn simple to follow!
keeporegongreen
New member
bio buckets vs flood and drain?
bio buckets vs flood and drain?
From my understanding of your system, the water levels in the buckets and res stay constant while the system is running (and the pump fills and drains the containers). In similar systems I've seen, water is flooded into the buckets and then they are drained completely, to be flooded again (and so on). Have you tried the flood and drain system? Can you speculate on the pros and cons of both systems, and how they measure up?
Good post.
bio buckets vs flood and drain?
From my understanding of your system, the water levels in the buckets and res stay constant while the system is running (and the pump fills and drains the containers). In similar systems I've seen, water is flooded into the buckets and then they are drained completely, to be flooded again (and so on). Have you tried the flood and drain system? Can you speculate on the pros and cons of both systems, and how they measure up?
Good post.
MsHerbalivation, – thanks for the kind words and your support, if my explanation of the Bio-Buckets was good enough so that you could understand, then I have succeeded!!
Supp KOG welcome to IC, let’s see if I can answer your question;
“bio-buckets vs flood and drain?”
first of all let me say that I’m not going to spark up some keep of heated debate about witch hydro system is better then the other that’s not my style, but if it’s my opinion that your after here’s what I got to say about hydroponics systems in general; all hydro systems boil down to two things imo, 1) the system!!! 2) the operator!!! And one ant worth a plug nickel without the other, the success of one system over the other may not have any thing to do with the system it’s self at all, but may rather have to do with the operator!! Guess what my friend, your in luck!! IC’s community of grower’s is the best of any grow-site you could find, and as for the speculating on the pros and cons of both systems, seeing that I have never grew in nothing else but the Bio-Buckets I think that it would be very unprofessional of me to advise you of the pros & cons of any other system than the Bio-Buckets and if it’s pros & cons that you wont of the Bio-System go to the first page of this thread and you will find it there.
In conclusion: all hydroponics systems, are systems of design, and so if you embark upon making your own home-made system, then make sure that it is designed right, for if not it will not do it’s function, if the Bio-Buckets are designed right, they will grow massive plants, for that matter so will all other hydroponics systems, the design of your system is the foundation of your success, so weather it be store-bought or home-made just do it right.
I will tell you this one thing, that if I ever wonted to grow in a flood and drain bucket I would seek out the advice of the IC community for they are the best imo.
Btw for those of you who are keeping up with the “How-To Bio-Bucket Thread” I have added lot’s of new stuff in the last few day’s, so you might wont to go back and look over it again, it is an on going project and as time and thing become available to me I will post them.
Supp KOG welcome to IC, let’s see if I can answer your question;
“bio-buckets vs flood and drain?”
first of all let me say that I’m not going to spark up some keep of heated debate about witch hydro system is better then the other that’s not my style, but if it’s my opinion that your after here’s what I got to say about hydroponics systems in general; all hydro systems boil down to two things imo, 1) the system!!! 2) the operator!!! And one ant worth a plug nickel without the other, the success of one system over the other may not have any thing to do with the system it’s self at all, but may rather have to do with the operator!! Guess what my friend, your in luck!! IC’s community of grower’s is the best of any grow-site you could find, and as for the speculating on the pros and cons of both systems, seeing that I have never grew in nothing else but the Bio-Buckets I think that it would be very unprofessional of me to advise you of the pros & cons of any other system than the Bio-Buckets and if it’s pros & cons that you wont of the Bio-System go to the first page of this thread and you will find it there.
In conclusion: all hydroponics systems, are systems of design, and so if you embark upon making your own home-made system, then make sure that it is designed right, for if not it will not do it’s function, if the Bio-Buckets are designed right, they will grow massive plants, for that matter so will all other hydroponics systems, the design of your system is the foundation of your success, so weather it be store-bought or home-made just do it right.
I will tell you this one thing, that if I ever wonted to grow in a flood and drain bucket I would seek out the advice of the IC community for they are the best imo.
Btw for those of you who are keeping up with the “How-To Bio-Bucket Thread” I have added lot’s of new stuff in the last few day’s, so you might wont to go back and look over it again, it is an on going project and as time and thing become available to me I will post them.
R
rule35sub1
hey BT,
I think I have most of it figured out now. I will post any questions I still have as they come up.
thanx
I think I have most of it figured out now. I will post any questions I still have as they come up.
thanx
Well said, BT :friends: It seems to me everytime i turn around i see another awesome grow on this site, using a different method. There are so many different ways to grow our beloved herb that sometimes i cannot decide which method to use It seems to me the growers that stick to one system ( for three or four harvests or so ) and get it mastered, end up with the best results. just a thought, peace,Bonzo
It seems to me the growers that stick to one system ( for three or four harvests or so ) and get it mastered, end up with the best results. just a thought, peace,Bonzo
G
Guest
Very nice and informative.may have to rethink my Hydro system,I dont know i have the room for something like this, but i can surely find room for improvement.
myrth – just keeping it real man, you know what I mean.
rule – good to see your going forward as planed, if there’s any thing I can do to help just let me know.
Bonzo – well said right back at ya, I’m the same way there are so many good grower’s here at IC it’s hard to settle down with just one, shit fire I may build one of each before it’s over, lol.
Journeyman – I’m the same way; there’s always room for improvement that’s for sure!!
rule – good to see your going forward as planed, if there’s any thing I can do to help just let me know.
Bonzo – well said right back at ya, I’m the same way there are so many good grower’s here at IC it’s hard to settle down with just one, shit fire I may build one of each before it’s over, lol.
Journeyman – I’m the same way; there’s always room for improvement that’s for sure!!
