Blumat auto watering

[rrog]

Just an update on my setup. Since I'll be running well water to the system, I need the ability to stop the water supply in the event of a runoff. Our friend Rives pointed me to an auto shut off valve with a water sensor. I'm still waiting on blumat materials, but was able to test the shutoff.

Very simple Chinese device, but was only $150. Cheap insurance. I can connect standard garden hose fittings to and from it. Has an audible alarm and a connection that allows an X-10 device or such to be connected. These other devices can phone you, etc. I will be looking into that also.

Functionally, it looks good. Very sensitive. One drop and it triggers the alarm. Just like in Mission Impossible. Ball valves close and lock until you press the OPEN button. Worst case scenario is the plants dry out after a few days. Better than a flood.

 

[beta]

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[ak-51]

I just got mine set back up and for sure using extra 3mm drip line makes it a whole lot easier. I have the 8mm running around the edge of my table and the 3mm just goes from that to each of my pots. I feel like I've been out of it forever, it's good to finally have everything set up again and running.

I just set it up straight line again, which is how I ran the first time as well. I think I'll try setting up what I was talking about earlier, where I have the line constantly dripping back into the lower reservoir to keep the lines fresh. I'll report back how it works later. I was thinking that the constant draw on the feed line may alter the drip rate for the blumats, but it can't be much different from just adding another blumat thas dripping. Everything in the system effects everything, so I think I should be able to compensate for it.

Adapt and Survive!

 

[rrog]

Sounds like exactly the thing I'm looking for - Mind sharing a link with us?

http://www.amazon.com/FloodStop-Was...QUYI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1314746463&sr=8-2

Note the hose attachment = easy. Also note the fact that there are two valves and I only need 1, but it had the hoses. I also picked up extra sensors. You can gang together many if you want.

EDIT: It also has a battery backup. Either 9V or AA

 

[rrog]

AK-51 nice to see you're back in the swing

 

[BIGGS]

just a quick question. do you get much run off when using blumat's? trying to plan my next setup using them, and was wondering if i need to take this in to consideration? i'll be using 20ltr pots, with coco and perlite.

 

[rrog]

BIGGS, yes you should consider this very real possibility / eventuality.

FOR THOSE THAT ARE USING A PRESSURE REDUCER: Are you ONLY able to connect the Blumat 8mm supply line to this? If so, I have to buy some. I had planned to use some line I have here, but that won't work. Not sure what I was thinking...

 

[rives]

BIGGS, yes you should consider this very real possibility / eventuality.

FOR THOSE THAT ARE USING A PRESSURE REDUCER: Are you ONLY able to connect the Blumat 8mm supply line to this? If so, I have to buy some. I had planned to use some line I have here, but that won't work. Not sure what I was thinking...

The Blumat prv that I have is set up for an 8mm outlet. You should be able to use any prv that is in the same pressure range, though. There are lots of fixed-pressure prv's available, as well as adjustable ones (get a pressure gauge if you get an adjustable one - they don't come with them).

 

[rrog]

Thanks Rives. I already have the Blumat pressure reducer. Just ordered the 8mm line also. So it's all Blumat product all the way through.

 

[supermanlives]

those floodstops are my next purchase. then i can finally feel secure setting up. thanks rrog

 

[rrog]

I am running hose to the area. Was going to run pipe, but that's harder to remove when I move. In 3 weeks, maybe 4, I'll be running 7 gallon pails, so these Maxi carrots should be good

 

[sunnydog]

Still good with P/R....

 

[rrog]

Very good news Sunny. Thanks a lot for that update.

 

[dansbuds]

Anybody try these in a hempy bucket filled with coco yet ? they work great with my promix buckets but they drain out the bottom , hempys have the rez at the bottom that need to be kept full .

well, i set them up in my hempy buckets of perilite to the runoff hole then straight canna to the top . we'll see if they work .... i hope so .

 

[blazedgeek]

thanks sunny

 

[sunnydog]

A great feeling!

A great feeling!

It really FEELS GOOD to have a room full of these dripping away perfectly!!!!

 

[rrog]

Damn! I have to run pipe and hose this weekend. Normally that would peak the interest of Mrs Rrog, but maybe not this time.

 

[rrog]

OK. Ran 1/2" PVC to my micro-grow. Took 60' of pipe to keep it hidden. This is from my well. I have a ball shutoff hose valve in the room, then my emergency flood stop, then the BluMat pressure reducer. Tested for leaks and flushed a while. Flood Stop works great.

All ready for the Blumat connections.

 

[sunnydog]

OK. Ran 1/2" PVC to my micro-grow. Took 60' of pipe to keep it hidden. This is from my well. I have a ball shutoff hose valve in the room, then my emergency flood stop, then the BluMat pressure reducer. Tested for leaks and flushed a while. Flood Stop works great.

All ready for the Blumat connections.

 

[rrog]

I'm looking at doing a straight run of MB 8mm line rather than a loop. Then the 3mm Tee'd off that 8mm. Seems like a valve at the far end of that 8mm wound be a good thing. For bleeding air, etc. What is recommended for a valve there? The standard BM valve? http://www.planetearthhydro.com/products/Tropf-Blumat-Shut-Off-Valve.html