Rez not big enough??

[yamaha_1fan]

Looks like my custom built rez with pond liner is a bit too small. still havent put any plants in in it and I am hoping that once the plants go in, it will displace some water (hydroton media). Right now the rez runs dry while filling up the table and it is only filling up 2-3 inches, so lowering the fill level is not really an option.

I was wondering if there would be an easy way to add a second rez, and use a simple siphon method to pull from the extra rez.

 

[Guest]

At the side near the bottom of many res are an indention in the molding. You can connect 2 together with a short length of 1 1/2" flexible neoprene hose and some fittings. Make the holes a tight fit and seal the connections well. This will equalize the water level between the res's and the pump need only be in one. Yes, go for the 1 1/2 inch hose. Pump out of one res and return drain to the other. Works like a champ.

This will also work on your DIY, just make sure you have the fittings water tight.

There are 7.48 gallons per cubic foot, use this calculation when building a new rez or if adding to the old one.


Ty-Stik

 

[Guest]

Considering your DIY Rez, the seal can be made secure, use Vulcum, available at most hardware and home improvement centers. Most of the tubes are the size that painters use tho you might find a small squeeze tube if you are lucky. (like a toothpaste tube). Don't be afraid to apply an adequate amount and let it cure to spec's.

Ty-Stik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

I guess I was trying to find a way to do it w/o cutting holes into the rezes. More plumbing means more potential leaks. Guess ANOTHER trip to the depot is in order.

I did calculate the rez using some online conversions. I may still be OK as I did a test and the hydroton seems to displace 50% of the water. I filled a 5 gallon bucket with hydroton, then filled with water. Then I dumped all the water into another 5 gallon bucket and filled it halfway for 2.5 gallons roughly.

Is Vulcum an ingredient or is it a brand name like Liquid Nails? Will I find it in the plumbing section or paint section with all the silicone?

 

[yamaha_1fan]

uggh bumping for more info from TY.

I bought a 50 gallon rubbermaid, some 2" pvc and 2 2" drain fittings. The drain fittings are threaded, come with 2 gaskets and have a nut on the back. I thought that would be a good way to make a good mechanical connection on the rez itslef, then I could seal it off using a sealer for any leaks.

Well I busted the rubbermaid container cutting my hole. I used a razor blade, and when I pushed the drain through, it cracked the container in 2 spots.

I just needed to vent this sucks. If I had the money, I would plop down to the hydro store and by 2 reses but thats like $500 for two.

SO what kind of tubing and connections would you use? I am more interested in exactly how you would run the tubing into the res and and what kind of fitting you would use to attch it to the rez??? Thats my biggie question.

 

[Guest]

Yamaha, Vulcum seal is a brand.

Look around for a couple of 30 to 55 gallon plastic barrels. They are food grade and thick walled and won't crack. I bought one from the local feed store $15 and another at the Honey Processor also for $15. A hole saw kit can be had at Harborfreight.com, they do mail order. The top is a welded seam with 2 bung holes and can be cut out with a reciprocating saw.

The PVC piping is not flexible, that is why I recommended the neoprene hose and other items in the previous reply.

Ty-Stik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

The 55 gallon drum is good but it needs to go under the table unless I start pumping the drain back to it. Those tables are 4' wide and the rez runs the whole width, plus an extra 12" for access. The pump sits in the rez, and the overflow drain drains right back into the rez.



I have an idea of what to do and finish this once and for all. I saw some containers that have fittings on them. I am going to go look at them in a few and post the results.

Next setup, I am buying the tables and rez already made

BTW When I was at Home Depot, I looked high and low for Vulcum and could not find it.

 

[testpilot]

Find an aquarium store nearby and pick up bulkhead fittings. I have them in 1/2" through 2" sizes. Use a proper holesaw for the size fitting you use.

150qt marine coolers work well and stay cool, they usually come with a 3/4" hose thread drain. I got them on sale at the end of the summer for under $100 each. The downside is finding a nice flat place on the inside where you can fit the bulkhead and gasket....

 

[Guest]

Yamahamahamaha-----gracious sakes, cut the barrels in half, makes a rez and a stand too and doesn't cost a fortune. The wall thickness is a minimum of 3/16ths of an inch. You have probably seen these barrels in your travels, many are Blue, others are opaque

Vulcum is used in industry to seal mobile home roof joint leaks, travel trailers, etc., Most RV supply stores have the product by one name or the other.

The recommendations that I offer are based on successful application by myself and others in the local growing community as well as common practices in the Construction Trades, not on guesses.

Ty-Stik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

I was thinking of cutting the barrels in half. However my rez is already about 100 gallons and it is too small. So I would need 2 drums cut in half for 4 pieces, then build stands so they wouldnt roll and plumb it together. Maybe if I had the time but I got clones rooting and I want this done ASAP. I want the whole room tested (a/c, ventilation, lighting, pumps, etc) in the next two days. Then I have 5 bags of rocks to clean and put in net. Plus clean the whole room

I picked up 2 100 gallon commercial rubbermaid containers. They are black and of similiar material as the 55 gallon drum, if not thicker. It already has a 1 1/4 threaded fitting in it and the feed store had the right fitting to go in and barbed on the other end for the hose. So $130 later, my issue is resolved.

The problem is the table is so big, 4x11 it takes alot of water to fill it. I did calculate it but I really cut it close and I started thinking once those babies get to flowering and get some size, they are going to drink some water and I may be topping it off every day or more.

I will be posting a grow log soon and will have pics of everything in a couple days.

Thanks for the advice Ty. Its not that I dont appreciate it, I guess I was hoping for some miracle solution.

 

[Guest]

Well the feed store was a good place to send you. By the way, had you cut the barrels in half (not length wise) you would not have needed to build a cradle.

Glad you have it nailed down, its been fun Yamaha.

Ty-Stik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

Cut in half that way, haha, dont know why I didnt think of it. But that wouldnt have worked out well weither. Since I am ditching the home made rez, I would need 4 drums for 200 gallons, cut in half for 8 pieces. I will keep that in mind for the future though.

Will that Vulcum work on pond liner? I used some Marine 4200 but when I pulled the liner up to fix the rez issue, the 4200 just peeled off the liner. I also have some 5200 but I want to make sure this bond is permanent.

I do appreciate the advice and help.

 

[Guest]

Try this one, take a couple of small pieces of pond liner down to the local tire shop and ask them if they wouldn't mind using a small amount of the inner tube repair cleaner/glue to see if it will bond. OR go buy a small patch kit at Wally World's automotive department.

Hey, just bought pond liner a few hours ago for a drip pan, maybe I will have to try it. Naw! you first.

Ty-Stik

 

[yamaha_1fan]

heres what I had.




Heres what I went with. Here the 2 rezes are outside plumbed together test fitting all the connections.









And then installed




Much cleaner this way. Wish I did it this way from the start

 

[gdawg]

good lookin work for real yamaha.