Using Blumats to water for you

Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
Gladstoned had asked about these so I thought I'd start a thread on it for the MIGrow Brethren. Their website is here: http://www.blumat.at/automatic-watering-system.php#bltropf I like these guys: http://www.sustainablevillage.com/products/blumat-deck-and-planter-box-kit

I have used these in 5 and 7 gallon plastic buckets and now in 7 gallon Geo Pots.

I run the system with straight well water, no chlorine or chloramine. I use the BM pressure reducer to drop the well pump pressure to feed the plants.

Bigger containers like 5 gal and up should use the longer Maxi "carrots" and three distributors.

Personally, I have my fabric pots resting on mesh racks, which are sitting in big trays I bent from sheet metal. In the bottom of the metal trays (troughs, really) I have a water sensor and auto-shutoff used for washing machines. If the system were to fail and not shut off, the sensor will detect the runoff and shut off the water. You can add a device to send you an email to your phone.
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
I also use a cool Tensiometer which is like a 6"long finger down in the root ball. Very accurate moisture readings. No one needs the Tensiometer, but I like to measure things and be able to speak factually, so I use them.

I've been running Blumats for over a year. Like anything else you have to invest, set up, fart around, but they work great when dialed in.
 
P

pinche

Member
im starting my first run with blumats and im liking them alot just like you said though like everything you gotta dial in your set up....roots are exploding in coco
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
Cool! So what size pot? Are you using the long carrots? I use both. For veg in 1 gallon fabric pots, I use the short carrots and two distributors (drippers), and then after transplant to 7 gallon fabric I go with the long carrot and three distributors.

Are you running a res?
 
P

pinche

Member
im running 2 gallon pots with the short carrots as well ....what medium are you growin in 7 gallon is way to much for coco but the fabric pots work good just make sure you pack the medium your using pretty tight to make sure the carrot stays secure....as for a rez im running a 19 gallon tote that just gravity feeds the drippers.. its working great so far
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
OK. I am a few days late, and a few dollars short.
Thank You Rrog for posting this information.
So it's easy to set up, but there is a little fiddle-fucking involved eh.

Are these the larger carrots?
http://www.sustainablevillage.com/products/tropf-blumat-outdoor-greenhouse-sensors-case-50-free-shipping
These and some hoes. I'll see if any of them have hose.
Any sensors or fancy shit?
I'll get it all ordered within the next few days.
Hillbilly Armor will be the test run.

Today for lack of cooking time I mixed up
Ocean Forest/Coco/Worm Casting/Perlite
all equal amounts. I have several 5, 7, 10 gal smart pots.
I better pick one and figure the blumats out I imagine, eh.
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
Glad, those are the small carrots. Good for 1-2 gallon pots. There are the large ones I use in 5 and 7 gallon pots / pails: http://www.sustainablevillage.com/products/tropf-blumat-maxi-outdoor-or-greenhouse-sensor-extension-free-shipping

The entire carrot is the "sensor" As water levels change in the soil, water levels change within the carrot. The orange cone at the bottom is pottery material and very porous.

Would you be running from well water? You'll need a pressure reducer from these people as well. three drippers per pot recommended.

These have the potential to have a "runnoff" meaning they don't stop dripping. This is usually due to air bubbles and there are things you can do to purge air. The point being if they don't shut off, what's your plan? I have large trays with sensors that detect water. If I were to get a flood, the sensors would shut off the water and sound an alarm. That's what I did, anyway.
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
Well fuck Rrog. Those are more expensive.
lmao. Just kidding.
Whoa. 3 of them in a 7 gallon pot?

That potential for run-off has a tendency to burn me.
I would just wade my way to the steps, come up here and
I'll be posting :cuss::cuss::wall: :cuss::finger::cuss:. lmao.


edit. I have well water. I would like to use a 55 gallon drum though if possible.
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
Glad - The carrot is the "sensor" and I have one per pot. The single sensor controls three drippers is all. One sensor + 3 drippers per pot.

Run-off sucks, but once dialed in that becomes a remote likelihood. Also, if running off the pressure reducer, less likely for a run-off. What's the reason for the 55 gal if you're running well?
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
OK. One carrot, 3 drippers per pot. That sounds more affordable.
I didn't want to run garden hoses across my basement. I am used to
barrels with my hydro, it's just what I do. If I'm better with pressure
reducer hooked up, then I will make it happen.

Run-off is something I will need to work on. That may be a group effort also. lol.
 
T

tomcatjones

Active Member
Rrog said:
Gladstoned had asked about these so I thought I'd start a thread on it for the MIGrow Brethren. Their website is here: http://www.blumat.at/automatic-watering-system.php#bltropf I like these guys: http://www.sustainablevillage.com/products/blumat-deck-and-planter-box-kit

I have used these in 5 and 7 gallon plastic buckets and now in 7 gallon Geo Pots.

I run the system with straight well water, no chlorine or chloramine. I use the BM pressure reducer to drop the well pump pressure to feed the plants.

Bigger containers like 5 gal and up should use the longer Maxi "carrots" and three distributors.

Personally, I have my fabric pots resting on mesh racks, which are sitting in big trays I bent from sheet metal. In the bottom of the metal trays (troughs, really) I have a water sensor and auto-shutoff used for washing machines. If the system were to fail and not shut off, the sensor will detect the runoff and shut off the water. You can add a device to send you an email to your phone.
Click to expand...
WANT!!!

what about 20 gallon? too small for those?
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
Glad, you can run off a res, but you need pressure for this to work so the res is elevated. I ran 1/2 PVC to the area under my stairs. Then a pressure reducer. That's also where the auto-shutoff is. In my new place, I'll be doing the same thing.

Tomcat, you might consider running with two maxi-carrots and several drippers. Otherwise no reason for a 20 gallon pot not to work.
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
At the beginning of every project I say
"Can I build a hillbilly basement water tower now!?".

Looks like I finally have the right answer to that question.
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
I will buy one of those and the pressure reducer for running it direct also. I can just hard plumb something over there and be done with it. One less thing I will need to mess with. My water comes out with high ph though.

I'm stoned and typing between Lions plays. lol. I want to hook up my ro filter for my organic soil plants.
 
Rrog

Rrog

Well-Known Member
My pH is high also. And very hard water. Water is hard at my new place also, so I'm wondering what I will do if anything. I'm recycling the soil so this hard water buildup may be an issue.
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
I will use the RO filter for the organic buds. Advanced Nutrients claims they will take water right out of the hose, that is how they roll.
Which meds do you think will be better? lol. I know that answer. Not all my patients feel that way though. (This one does though, that
is why I am putting forth so much work, to probably yield less. lol)
 
gladstoned

gladstoned

Well-Known Member
I do not have these ordered. I am much closer though. I started to order what I figured I would need, then I thought, maybe I will make a quick call to these people
and place one order instead of two. Phone call wasn't successful, but I emailed them and think I am about ready to rock n roll. I will copy and paste each email.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
>>> From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx <[email protected]>
>>> Date: Tue, Dec 4, 2012 at 11:46 AM
>>> Subject: Blumat order help.
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I am wanting to try out some blumats for my soil plants. I want to use 7
>>> gallon smart pots. I haven't been very successful
>>> in finding out much info on these. I want to place an order
>>> though and figure it out. I am thinking enough supplies for 18 plants to
>>> start. I have well water, but my ph is high, so I think I will
>>> get a 55 gallon drum and elevate it higher than the pots for gravity,
>>> correct? I friend online told me that I would want the larger
>>> "carrots" and 3 drippers per pot. Is that correct? Could you tell me what
>>> all I would need from the connection needed for the water
>>> reservoir all the way to the pots. Please.
>>>
>>> gladstoned
>>> [email protected]




On Dec 4, 2012, at 4:59 PM, Steve Troy <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> xxxxx, sure - I would be more than glad to help!
>>
>> And yes, usually with larger than 5 gallon pots its better to use the
>> longer, Blumat Maxi's (IG14618). I know some people like to use both
>> the long and the regular ones (IG14607) though. I think you know
>> already that the way these work is by sensing the moisture level in
>> the ground and turning on the drip when it gets dry. The shorter ones
>> turn it on more quickly but also turn it off sooner as the surface
>> plant mix gets moist. The longer one will keep the flow going longer
>> which makes the moisture go deeper.
>>
>> Three per pot is fine. You could probably get along fine with just two
>> - it would depend on your plant mix, temperature extremes, your
>> settings, and how high your water storage tank is. It's not an exact
>> science but if you just watch carefully at first, you can fine tune
>> and then just let it take care of itself.
>>
>> As far as what you'll need: Blumat adapter for your 55 gallon drum
>> (IG15443), 8 mm tubing (IG14608) - that's for 100' but we can send any
>> length (we cut it here from big rolls), an on-off valve is optional
>> but nice - I'll send you a picture of one installed here (IG14614).
>> packs of 8 mm elbows and tees are nice for making things neat (also in
>> a picture I'll send), the Blumat sensors come with the small, 3 mm
>> tubing and a T to connect to your 8 mm main line; there are support
>> stakes to keep the lines down if it's windy; and some people like to
>> use the distribution drippers. These come off the regular sensors and
>> go in a circle around your plants. They make the water distribution
>> more even but the line is really small (3 mm) which makes them easier
>> to clog up. If you would like to try some, a set of 3 with the tubing
>> is $8.95 and a set of 10 is $15.
>>
>> If you tell me how many sensors you'd like, how much tubing, and
>> answer the questions above about options, we can send you a quote with
>> everything recommended.
>>
>> I also attached a picture showing an easy way to watch the water level
>> in your storage tank so you'll be able to quickly see when you need to
>> fill it up again. I also put in a picture of a filter system that we
>> make up here but you probably won't need that - only if your water is
>> really dirty.
>>
>> Hope this helps!
>> Any other questions, just let me know.
>> You can also call me: 303-669-1323.
>>
>> Happy growing,
>> Steve Troy
>>
>>>



On Tue, Dec 4, 2012 at 3:15 PM,
<[email protected]> wrote:
> Thank You for the response Steve. I will read this over later and try to figure it out. I would like to get my order placed tomorrow. I will set this all up online, so others can see also.
>
> Sent from my iPhone



From: Steve Troy <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 4, 2012 5:50 PM
Subject: Re: Blumat order help.


Sounds good, xxxxx!
 
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