...probably the latter.

I'm finally knee deep in this thing and I thought I'd post a diary for those interested in the nuts and bolts behind grow space builds.

Previous threads on the subject:

cabinet planning stage
hydro setup questions

So far I've got a huge box with some shelves and no doors:

Click to view attachment

I've made quite a few changes since I got started with the build. The plans in the first thread have pretty much been abandoned regarding the chamber and equipment layout. The dimensions are still pretty much spot on though. I'll do another blueprint in photoshop this evening and post it up for an idea of where I'm headed.

The other big change is with the hydro system. I was originally going to bite the design of Esoteric's detachapod flood and drain for blooming and BC Northernlight's hybrid drip/DWC for vegging. The responses I got in the second thread above really got me questioning why I decided to use those systems. The answer -- I haven't the foggiest. I guess my inexperience was causing me to get way more complicated than I needed to be. In order to simplify things I'm going with a different design (sorry Edgeworth for making you look up the specifics of yours).

Anyway, I've decided to build a four bucket recirculating bubbler system with a fifth controller bucket for easy nutrient changes and testing, both for the bloom and the veg chambers. I am going to use Esoteric's double bucket detachpod design for easy moving from veg chamber buckets to bloom chamber buckets. The only foreseeable problem I might have is that I'll be using two gallon buckets instead of the preferred 3.5 or 5 gallon. Two gallon buckets are the largest I can fit as I had already measured and cut the pieces for my cabinet when I decided to make the switch. I've read that it should be okay, I just need to be EXTRA aware of my PH and EC levels since they can really fluctuate in smaller buckets. More to come...

I'm also looking at mounting my extraction fan/filter horizontally and using it to cool the reflector as well. Still haven't completely worked out the ducting needed to light proof the exhaust vent, deal with the loudness of the airflow and facilitate raising/lowering the reflector. I'm looking at Hydrofarm Daystar AC 6". At 22.5" wide and with 6" ducting, it will be a tight fit in the 30" wide bloom chamber.

If you read all this, thanks. I'm off to the woodshop to hang those doors. Pics in a bit...

Yeah, so only one door went on and I didn't take pictures. Did get some heavy duty rolling casters put on though -- much easier to move around.

I know plywood box construction isn't that interesting, but I'll be getting into the actual hydro system in the next week or so. I'm sure I'll be doing something wrong so any wise words of advice will be appreciated.

Until then, what are the guidelines for choosing a submersible pump for a recirculating bubbler bucket system? Total volume of nutrient solution exchanged a certain number of times per hour?

Here's a quick Photoshop diagram of what I'm envisioning for the system:

Click to view attachment

Again, I'm looking at using 2 gallon buckets for the controller and bubblers. All tubing will be 3/4" poly and all fittings will be 3/4" barbed couplers with appropriate grommets and "click clamps".

The buckets will be connected in series with each bucket's bottom port connected to the next bucket's top port. I figure this will encourage better nutrient mixing. Actually, as I type this I'm realizing that this top/bottom port thing will make the following impossible:



See, my original plan was to use two buckets per bubbler. The outer/bottom bucket would be grommeted with fittings for fill and drain and and also hold the air stones. The inner/top bucket would have holes cut in the bottom and be covered with silkscreen. So the inner bucket would contain all the roots and be interchangeable with any other outer bucket in the both the veg and bloom chambers. This convenience would be impossible though if I do the top port / bottom port thing.

Does this make sense to anyone other than myself? Another case of making things way too complicated for their own good??

Sorry De.......... cant help just done compost grow myself,i'm sure someone will give you some help/advice though,but hope all goes to plan for ya,cheers,4eh.