Plastic Duma Flood Tables - Water wont drain properly?

[HendrikOl]

Hi,

I am using plastic flood tables and I have pots standing on them and feed via a top feed drip system.

However I have a high humidity since I started using these tables.

I noticed that the water wont drain properly as a part of it will remain in the larger channels.

Hence the water is vaporizing and is probably contributing mostly to the high humidity.

The tables are positioned lower on one side so the water should drain properly.

These tables are standing on a wood rack which I built myself.

But the wood is bending a bit due to the weight of the plants, pots, substrate etc.

Therefore I assume that that the flood tables are also bending a bit and hence the water will remain in some channels.

If you are using the same plastic flood tables: Is the water properly draining in your setup?

If so, are you using a rack made out of aluminium profiles instead of wood?

 

[DoubleTripleOG]

I have used flood tables for a long time. I have encountered the same problem. The table will sag, especially in the middle. Supports under the flood table will help to fix this(lifts up the bowing section. Another solution, when the table is empty, take a piece of quality plywood and run it the length and width of the table. Attach it to the frame you already made so there is no give to it, and drill some holes in the plywood where the bulkheads are supposed to go. Silicone caulk may be needed to ensure water doesn't leak between the table and the plywood.

I tried everything to fix the problem your having, and that was the best way I could fix it for myself. Hope it helps ya some.

 

[HendrikOl]

Thanks for your reply! Placing some plywood on my frame makes sense but I think even the plywood will need a good frame underneath or it eventually bend too. I will probably end up building a sturdy frame out of square aluminium profiles and place plywood on top of it. Before that I will try placing a spare flood table in a way which will simulate a 100% sturdy frame and will place some filled pots on it to see if the water properly drains then. I just need to know if I can get rid of this problem before investing in an expensive aluminium frame.

 

[DoubleTripleOG]

I agree 100%. The frame for the plywood needs to be sturdy. I would akin it to building a wall. Supports every 12" or so to support the plywood. 2x4's and 3" screws will do it good. Use a level and build the frame level. Then the supports for the plywood can be set up on a slope. Which I'm sure you already know how to do all that(your posts read like your intelligent). Just had to put it in writing for anyone else reading who are not DIY inclined.

Your aluminum frame idea is awesome. I have always wanted one, but they are so damn expensive. If I knew how to weld I would make one myself, but I don't. Hence the plywood/2x4 route.