Thanks Senile, after 3 goes using these I swapped my whole system out. I was wanting to change out my flood and drain system so that I could move to a more perpetual grow, rather than producing a massive amount every 3-4 months I now produce 4 plants the same as these every 3 weeks.
I did consider the smaller systems like the 5 gal pots, but then realised the logistics of having to change out 24 lot's of nutrients every 5-7 days would have been a nightmare!! Now I just take the lids off and drop in a more powerful pump attached to a length of hose to pump out the water, then just refill with the hose. Nice and simple!
They hold approx 35-40 litres of water to bring it up to the bottom of the inner pot, which I think helps having a larger body of water as it's harder to heat up. The dripper constantly recirculates the water, and as an added bonus helps to aerate the water with the waterfall effect running through the clay pebbles. Plus the roots in the tray are getting a constant supply of fresh nutrients which they seem to thrive on.
It did get me thinking of bigger systems too, I'm thinking 1 plant started indoors after Christmas and vegging for 4 months until April then moving outside. Veg outside for another 3 months outdoors in a 1000 litre tank!! Finished by the end of September by calling in some tree surgeons to cut it down!!
I can dream can't I? lol
