Floraflex Matrix top feed system

Hey everyone,

Trying to implement something like this in my expanded bloom space. Nutes mid and aerate in reservoir and are pumped through 2 multiflow Octa Bubblers.

2 tubes connect to each circulator that sits on top of the matrix shield which is basically a maze that guides the water evenly over the tops of the plants. There are also wicking pads the allow the water the drip even more evenly through the medium.

What do you guys think?

I've been interested in their products for a while. I wish they offered an all in one package like piping and all. Looks good! Is there a general rule for pump size vs # of drip lines?

Has anyone solved the pump issue yet? I would like to try this system, but it says the pump needs to make 20 PSI into the bubbler to work correctly. 20PSI is a lot in a water pump, I’m not finding any really good options. Leader 230 I believe is what Floraflex recommends, it’s about $300 and is 800W at like 11 amps or something…an awful lot for a small grow.

FlowerPower88 said:

Has anyone solved the pump issue yet? I would like to try this system, but it says the pump needs to make 20 PSI into the bubbler to work correctly. 20PSI is a lot in a water pump, I’m not finding any really good options. Leader 230 I believe is what Floraflex recommends, it’s about $300 and is 800W at like 11 amps or something…an awful lot for a small grow.

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DC HOUSE 33-Series Industrial Water Pressure Pump, 115V 3.3 GPM 45 PSI Water Diaphragm Pump Power Plug for Bathroom Sprinkler Faucet Agricultural Irrigation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DKV1NWX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QW266FY04SGPKXD09H3P

I use this style of pump works great.

Closet-Gardenholic said:

View attachment 4037262 Hey everyone,

Trying to implement something like this in my expanded bloom space. Nutes mid and aerate in reservoir and are pumped through 2 multiflow Octa Bubblers.View attachment 4037265

2 tubes connect to each circulator that sits on top of the matrix shield which is basically a maze that guides the water evenly over the tops of the plants. There are also wicking pads the allow the water the drip even more evenly through the medium.View attachment 4037263

View attachment 4037266 What do you guys think?

Click to expand...

You won't get equal flow with that design because you aren't closing the loop and aren't keeping the leg lengths equal. But other than that should work ok. Lol.

Thank you, I ordered this immediately, should be here Wednesday

ThaMagnificent said:

I've been interested in their products for a while. I wish they offered an all in one package like piping and all. Looks good! Is there a general rule for pump size vs # of drip lines?

Click to expand...

Yes there is at least a 35psi pump

MidnightSun72 said:

DC HOUSE 33-Series Industrial Water Pressure Pump, 115V 3.3 GPM 45 PSI Water Diaphragm Pump Power Plug for Bathroom Sprinkler Faucet Agricultural Irrigation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DKV1NWX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QW266FY04SGPKXD09H3P

I use this style of pump works great.

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What are you doing for water frequency and volume, how do you utilize the pump in your garden?

I use a cheapo low-psi (~4psi) submersible pump with the matrix tops and it works great.
When the pump is triggered, water streams from the ring immediately, water flows along the top and is evenly distributed
Maybe a high-psi pump works even better but it's certainly not necessary.

Better than drippers or drip rings in my experience

25 days after transplant:

Is that matix paper stuff worth it? It seems like a good idea, but I've never tried it.

lusidghost said:

Is that matix paper stuff worth it? It seems like a good idea, but I've never tried it.

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I think they're great and very economical. A few bucks per top and circulator ring.
I'm not sure how much it matters, but their design ensures the entire surface is watered evenly.
The optional mat helps to distribute the water and keeps the top moist enough so that roots fill 100% of the pot
I'm using the small matrix tops with 2 gal pots

Billy the Mountain said:

I think they're great and very economical. A few bucks per top and circulator ring.
I'm not sure how much it matters, but their design ensures the entire surface is watered evenly.
The optional mat helps to distribute the water and keeps the top moist enough so that roots fill 100% of the pot
I'm using the small matrix tops with 2 gal pots

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The mat is what I'm talking about. I'm feeding rockwool slabs with water rings that sit on top of the slabs between the plants, and it would be nice to have square mats to spread the water evenly. I used to use a different type of Floraflex toppers, but I've never tried the mats.

Billy the Mountain said:

Better than drippers or drip rings in my experience

25 days after transplant:

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is there always enough room for the main stem through the hole in the matrix top? I heard that occasionally Floraflex has had problems with the floracaps, but if you send proof then they will send you new caps or something

You will need their air bleed valve as well

FlowerPower88 said:

is there always enough room for the main stem through the hole in the matrix top? I heard that occasionally Floraflex has had problems with the floracaps, but if you send proof then they will send you new caps or something

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If you let the stem get too thick, you might not be able to get the ring around the stem. I transplanted at 3 weeks and it was a tight fit but I'm using the smaller diameter circulator.
I can't imagine what could fail with a cap, it's just a molded piece of plastic.
I don't have a bleed valve and don't see any issues; water flows when it should.
I do take the bubbler apart weekly to clean out any gunk

The floraflex disc are capillary matting you can buy it by the metre from any garden centre at a better price then cut your own sizes.

Closet-Gardenholic said:

View attachment 4037262 Hey everyone,

Trying to implement something like this in my expanded bloom space. Nutes mid and aerate in reservoir and are pumped through 2 multiflow Octa Bubblers.View attachment 4037265

2 tubes connect to each circulator that sits on top of the matrix shield which is basically a maze that guides the water evenly over the tops of the plants. There are also wicking pads the allow the water the drip even more evenly through the medium.View attachment 4037263

View attachment 4037266 What do you guys think?

Click to expand...

don't forget a anti-siphon outlet back to the red or your red will empty out, and you will have the whole res in your room. you can put a t fitting above your letter "E" in Res with a cap and drill a hole. I use superior aquarium pump 1/3 hp(safe for fish and plants. Very reliable. make sure your feed lines from bubbles are the same length. Get 1 gallon buckets and use it to monitor flow. I use the 1 gallon home depot mini 5 gallon buckets. money well spent in the long rum. I also use couplers for the feed out of the pump so cleaning and replacing pumps is pretty easy. everything based off of 3/4 pvc good luck.

I think if you are using a pump your leg length does not need to be the same. I thought a "gravity" feed system needs legs the same length but not a pressurized one. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

sureshot138 said:

I think if you are using a pump your leg length does not need to be the same. I thought a "gravity" feed system needs legs the same length but not a pressurized one. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

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Kind of

Using PC (pressure-compensating) drippers with a suitable pump, length differences have a negligible effect.

Otherwise lengths should be kept equal for equal pressure