Here is my wal-mart built ebb-and-flow setup. This is my first attempt so any positive input is good!


The first pic is what it looks like to give you an idea. My main reason for going to ebb and flow was that I was sick of 7-8 different res's to clean, ph, etc. This setup is shown as a 12 plant setup but 6 and 24 set-ups are built the same. Entire build should cost no more than $100-150 depending on what you have lying around.

Attached Images

	ebbnflo1.jpg (45.1 KB, 350 views)
	ebbnflo2.jpg (46.8 KB, 264 views)
	ebbnflo3.jpg (41.7 KB, 282 views)
	ebbnflo4.jpg (38.8 KB, 266 views)

its hard to tell but it looks like the big rockwool cubes are sticking pretty far above the top of the flood tray. Are you going to be able to flood 2/3 of them that way? I don't know how tall your overflow is but you also gotta think that you can't flood the tray completely to the top anyways because of overflowing..

Then again, there's no plants in there yet so perhaps you just set it up quickly to take some example pictures and you'll have everything perfect when it's actually go time, if that be the case than please go ahead and disregard above comments.

__________________
" It's, like, the rarest. It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb. "

Next, your going to need a few supplies. I am using the serilite brand from walmart for my res and trays. The trays are the clear 39l serilite. Ebb and flow fttings or some pvc fittings from the hardware store. The air stones and air pump are optional. The 400 gph pump is not.


First thing you want to do is to build a stand for your trays. They should be about 1/2 inch difference in height sloping towards the res. The shortest side should be the same height as the res. Because there are many ways to construct your stand, ill skip to the next step.

If your using air stones glue them into the res now leaving space for you pump to fin in. Set your trays on the stand and let them hang off the short end about 6 inches. Move you res into position and mark on the lid where your fill and drain holes are going to be. Drill holes in your lid giving yourself about and inch all around. I use a 2 inch hole saw for this.


2 39l serilite under bed bins
1 132l 35 gal tub with lid
ebb and flow fittings ( or make your own, see later)
2 air stones
1 dual air pump
1 400 gph pump
1 t fitting
tubing air and water line

Attached Images

	ebbnflo5.jpg (38.9 KB, 118 views)
	ebbnflo6.jpg (31.6 KB, 107 views)
	ebbnflo8.jpg (24.6 KB, 102 views)
	ebbnflo7.jpg (27.7 KB, 104 views)

Next using a marker, draw a circle around your fitting and cut that circle out. When using the serilite trays, use a drill or dremel. Do not press hard or you will crack it. A glue gun my work to repair minor cracks. Make sure your holes line up and leave room for both of the trays to sit side by side.

The first picture is of the 1st tray I did with an actual drain kit. The other pics show using some pvc pipe fittings for flood and overflow drains. you can use netpots as screens as shown.

Attached Images

	ebbnflo15.jpg (41.1 KB, 134 views)
	ebbnflo16.jpg (19.9 KB, 123 views)
	ebbnflo18.jpg (32.1 KB, 147 views)
	ebbnflo23.jpg (26.2 KB, 122 views)

More pics of the home made fill and drain. I go over everything with a hot glue gun.

Since there are two trays to fill and drain, make insert a "t" in your pump tubing and mock it up to size. Cut to proper size.

Attached Images

	ebbnflo25.jpg (29.6 KB, 86 views)
	ebbnflo26.jpg (25.4 KB, 74 views)
	ebbnflo29.jpg (53.8 KB, 84 views)

Now cut an access in you lid and duct tape it. I made some flaps here to keep the light out. Also take this time to put a notch in the lid for the pump power cord. I took out one of the handles and routed my air lines thru the holes for that and to my air stones.

Attached Images

	ebbnflo31.jpg (31.5 KB, 70 views)
	ebbnflo30.jpg (33.8 KB, 69 views)
	ebbnflo32.jpg (43.9 KB, 76 views)

This is what is looks like all set up! I just need to get the blocks positioned correctly (First time doing ebb), and I should be set!

Attached Images

	ebbnflo34.jpg (54.9 KB, 181 views)
	ebbnflo35.jpg (46.3 KB, 187 views)
	ebbnflo36.jpg (76.2 KB, 140 views)
	ebbnflo38.jpg (55.0 KB, 186 views)

This is the part im having a har time with. I was told not to let the cubes get closer than 1/2 to the water line. Right now they are 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the waterline when the trays are flooded. Hope this is correct!

Thank you!

When I was building mine I thought I read somewhere that it should be 2/3 but I can't find it right now. I haven't fired mine up yet so unfortunately I can't tell you from experience but I did find this that says 1/4 to 3/8

http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/678.htm

__________________
" It's, like, the rarest. It's almost a shame to smoke it. It's like killing a unicorn... with, like, a bomb. "

Anyone know the optimum water level in relation to the rockwool cubes?