Need help with automated top fed system asap!

psychadelibud

Well-Known Member
Howdy, just wanna apologize ahead of time for my lack of knowledge on this subject... I am your average hillbilly grower, who actually has around 17 years of growing experience, but have always grown the old fashioned simple way "watering by hand".

Basically, I'm getting older, my back can't handle all the toting of hundreds of gallons of water per week. My room is getting crowded and I need an easier way of watering and feeding. So I have been looking into the cheapest auto watering system I can design to ease the hassle and allow me to focus more on other important things and save a backache.

What I have in mind is an automatic, top feed irrigation system. I kinda understand the basics of how it all works, I am just trying to find the easiest, cheapest possible design. Basically what I am planning is something like a 50 or 60 gallon reservoir, with a pump that can feed around 30 to 36 plants. My room is 17ft in length, 6.5ft wide. Plants are in 3 gal to 7 gal plastic grow bags, ready to flip to 12/12 any time now. I would love to just get this designed and setup before I flip. I will be going on vacation in a month and I most definitely need it up and functioning by that time. What exactly do I need? How much will it cost me? Just a rough estimate?? How exactly do I set this up? I know 50 to 55 gallons wont get me by too long on a 4 day vacation but I can set it up at that time period to dispense a smaller amount of water just to get me through till return home.

I saved an interesting link that goes in depth pretty well on a simple system and according to this link and by estimating what I think I'll need, I am looking at around $300 to get it going, or possibly more. However, it would be nice if I could do this even cheaper if someone had an easier way... Sorry for my lack of knowledge with these systems and I appreciate any help I can possibly get!

Here is the link I was referring to:

https://cocoforcannabis.com/diy-automatic-watering-system/


I forgot to mention, I am in promix.
 

psychadelibud

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone! Helped a lot..

https://www.digcorp.com/irrigation-professional/multi-outlet-drip-emitters

i use the 6 outlet adjustable.

get 3 of the 12's, 3 pumps and a roll of silicone aquarium tubing and a timer.

I really like the idea of those outlets. What kind of emitters do you recommend and what size pump, type of timer, size of hoses, etc... sorry man but I am a complete idiot when it comes to drip irrigation, i don't know jack about it buddy.

How do i set this all up? I am leaving out of town next week for 5 days, need to get my shit ordered tomorrow night and set up by next Tuesday. I will only be able to fit a 55 gallon barrel as a reservoir to my setup. And why do I need three pumps? Will one not do? Those pumps are kinda high. If you could give me a list of all the equipment I need to the T, how to set it up, and get it going I would love that man.

Three 8 port Orbit manifold.
The emitters in this pic did not work, not enough volume from the pump. so switched to 2 gal/hr dripper's.
View attachment 4302464
This also looks good. Looks like you are using the same manifold type things that @rkymtnman recommended to me. So you have 3, do you run 3 pumps as well??

And guys I know that a 55 gallon reservoir is not much for 35 or so plants and 5 days away from the grow, but as long as I can set it up somehow to just give enough to get it by till then, I would be very very happy with that. Once i return I will be able to manage my grow on a daily basis and keep up with keeping the reservoir full. I'm worried that I wont be able to get this together and setup by next Tuesday and I have to go on this trip, and I cannot lose my grow... it's very crucial I get it set up and functioning correctly by then.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
PSB,
Hey dude...I'm in similar circumstances. Tired of hauling water.

But first man...a month is too long to expect to leave your garden unattended. You would need a 500 gal res for one thing...unless you have a float and a keep full system.

To say nothing of the safety issue. Just sayin'...

If you go the manifold route, be sure to get the adjustable ones since you have different pot sizes.
Good luck,
JD
 

gr865

Well-Known Member
I love that miniture manifold.
Have you used those orbits long enough to comment on leaks, any other problems?
I have had no issues at all, it has a filter built in and when I was running Great White with my main filter removed the filter on the Orbit plugged a bit, but it is removable and cleanable. I now hand water in anything that does not mix thoroughly in the rez, Great White and SubCulture II are the two main things I have to water in by hand.
Other than that issue since I use Canna nutes and they are clean I have had no issues at all, no leaks. You can adjust flow with screw setting on each port but be gentle as it is soft plastic.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
https://www.digcorp.com/irrigation-professional/multi-outlet-drip-emitters
i use the 6 outlet adjustable.

get 3 of the 12's, 3 pumps and a roll of silicone aquarium tubing and a timer.
Hey Rky,
Wanted to ask if there's been any issues using clear aquarium tubing. Algae...that sort of thing.

I hate that stiff black tubing.

Oh and a little aside. Set up a couple of my Waterfarms yesterday. They re-designed the air riser tube so it can't be disassembled. I think it has fewer holes too. Like the old one better.
JD
 

gr865

Well-Known Member
Hey Rky,
Wanted to ask if there's been any issues using clear aquarium tubing. Algae...that sort of thing.

I hate that stiff black tubing.

Oh and a little aside. Set up a couple of my Waterfarms yesterday. They re-designed the air riser tube so it can't be disassembled. I think it has fewer holes too. Like the old one better.
JD

What size tubing are you using?
 
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