Can anyone help with ebb and flow controller?
- Thread starter longroot
- Start date
Detroitgrower313
Active Member
Like i said...... digital timer vs. store bought controller or diy: which one will stand the test of time? Which is most likely to breakdown? You can set a timer to your exact prefrence. Try that with some controller you go pick up! It just makes more sense. Easier,more exact,less componets to malfunction,an all around hassel and worry. Like i said..... Set it and forget it.lol.
longroot
Well-Known Member
Your controller looks great! Im quite serious when it comes to growing and I hear the warning in your tone. Common sense tells me that a float switch is the safest way to go. I am here on RIU just trying to get some kind of concensus among growers who have used this system. If I am wrong, either way, I will know soon enough. By the way what did that controller cost you to build?
longroot
Well-Known Member
Damn Detroit, just when Hammer almosts talks me back into a controller, you come back with some great points too. WTF!! LOL!
I make DIY controllers and all you do is set a schedule on you computer (for some of my controllers over bluetooth) and sit back and watch the show, every five minutes(or whatever you want) itll do a status report, ph, ppm, co2, temps, humidity, etc... A controller like hammer posted is based on industrial automation components so if I had to pick one out of any to stand the test of time it would be his.
Detroitgrower313
Active Member
the main problem i had with the controller was with this type of set up,unless ur drains are on the bottom of ur bucket ur always guna have a little water at the bottom of ur bucket.but with the controller there was alittlemore water left in the bucket than i cared for.so i found with the digital timers i can fill and drain drain my buckets exactly the way i want. not however high the manufacturer set the floats.idk, two timers are like $35 bucks at home depot.a conroller bucket can be as high as $300.jus seems logical to give it a try.u dont like it, go cop a controll bucket.jus my opinion,im far from an expert.
longroot
Well-Known Member
Thank you Detroitgrower and everyone else who commented!
my controller never failed me,not once. i had the aqua -hub jobby, not the newest model the previous one. one timer,5 float switches,sound too much but basically 3 of those are safety features to make sure your pumps turn on and off. 2 for low water height 2 for high water and an emergency anti flood float incase the other 2 stop !
i made my own so i could decide flood and drain heights. to avoid the majority off water left in buckets put a small piece of wood under one side of the bucket so water runs toward the hole. i bought proper stands that make my pots lean over in the same way.
if mechanical timers dont suit you these can be changed to digital so you have precise times. i was lucky it took exactly 15 mins to fill my pods.
there are loads of diy flood n drain bucket systems about n some are genius.
ogreseeker was the 1st i saw but some are real simple. look around see what you like n can afford.
i gotta be honest and say my whole system is sitting idle as im using dwc at mo and find it easier as long as its checked every day !
i made my own so i could decide flood and drain heights. to avoid the majority off water left in buckets put a small piece of wood under one side of the bucket so water runs toward the hole. i bought proper stands that make my pots lean over in the same way.
if mechanical timers dont suit you these can be changed to digital so you have precise times. i was lucky it took exactly 15 mins to fill my pods.
there are loads of diy flood n drain bucket systems about n some are genius.
ogreseeker was the 1st i saw but some are real simple. look around see what you like n can afford.
i gotta be honest and say my whole system is sitting idle as im using dwc at mo and find it easier as long as its checked every day !
my mate used 2 timers n flooded his downstairs neighbour apparently because the root ball had got bigger......... wont be a problem if your checking everyday though to change times if necessary... cheap enough to have a go and decide if thats how you want to grow.
have a go see what suits.
have a go see what suits.
longroot
Well-Known Member
Thanks Stinky. Im am taking all this info in and will continue to research before making a decision. Man if I put as much time into work as I do growing weed my boss would love me.
Wish you were closer, Id buy that system of yours. Maybe I could get Detroit to sell me his, hes much closer.
longroot
Well-Known Member
Rootball gradually taking up space in the bucket. I can see how that could be a problem. I wouldnt have had the foresight to see that had you not mentioned it. Thank you.