What size pump for a 3x3 tent? And what are the best deals on other auto irrigation equipment?

I'm using 3 gallon pots, with an 18 gallon reservoir just outside. Would love advice on finding the cheapest stuff that works.

Build it yourself. Might be the cheapest way.

Could be something as simple as a timer set to whatever interval you want that controls a submersible pump plumbed to a drip manifold and irrigation line ran to each site. A second pump in the res to circulate water. Install a small float switch so you don’t burn out the pump.

Of course that’s just a very simple, but yet functional system. I personally would put more work into it, but that’s a start at least.

If your rez is right next to your tent, something like the 800gph vivosun submersible pump would probably work fine. Its about $33 on amazon, I bought one a few months ago and it was only $22.

I use one to circulate my rez and use a 1/4hp Superior brand submersible pump (~$55) to feed my plants since my Rez is a little far away from my green house. I have all that plugged into a smart surge protector that I can set individual schedules for each plug. Some people say smart surge protectors can be unreliable due to wifi connectivity issues, but I havent had any problems with mine.

Thanks guys! Are the 80gph vivosun ones just for stirring or something? They're not even much cheaper than the big ones. What else would you add into it? I'm looking at these for a timer and drip pipes and sprayers.

What's your runoff situation? Are you using flood trays?

I have some circular trays, but they aren't sized very well. I was thinking about not using any, and not having a ton of runoff. either that or a shop vac, but that doesn't seem very efficient

GrowBeyond said:

I have some circular trays, but they aren't sized very well. I was thinking about not using any, and not having a ton of runoff. either that or a shop vac, but that doesn't seem very efficient

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Are you growing in soil?

Similar to what I use has worked great for 2 years now. I had issues with aquarium style pumps not outputing close to spec. I even hooked two pumps up together and got no where close to the needed pressure for a single flora flex manifold.

A lot of people like these Blumat systems. I just set one up today myself. There are YouTube videos explaining the system and setup.

GrowBeyond said:

Thanks guys! Are the 80gph vivosun ones just for stirring or something? They're not even much cheaper than the big ones. What else would you add into it? I'm looking at these for a timer and drip pipes and sprayers.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H7YF3N4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2YLFOGZN3OM81&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MVF16JG/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=AARY1ZSUT9VPR&psc=1

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You'll have a flood with these....Them are for outdoors!!

manfredo said:

You'll have a flood with these....Them are for outdoors!!

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Naw, it's fine.




Do we even know what the OP's media type is yet?

I think I have some leftover fox farms soil and some perlite that it'd be good to put to use, (and a whole bag of unopened vermiculite lol) but if I'm automating things, coco would probably be better, right? I'm planning on using general hydroponics nutrients in the reservoir.

I’d suggest figuring out how you’re going to grow before building a kit out.

How you grow can change how your auto feed system is built and functions.

GrowBeyond said:

I think I have some leftover fox farms soil and some perlite that it'd be good to put to use, (and a whole bag of unopened vermiculite lol) but if I'm automating things, coco would probably be better, right? I'm planning on using general hydroponics nutrients in the reservoir.

Click to expand...

Automation is pretty tough without a way to deal with runoff. Especially when using coco. People have had success using Blumats and coco by feeding them low enough EC light to where they don't require runoff, but I had issues when I attempted it. I think they would work best with an organic setup where you don't need runoff at all.

If you had flood trays you could build a cheap automatic runoff disposable system. Otherwise try to find some zen in hand watering.

Very good advice, I was realizing I hadn't thought far enough ahead when I was writing that lol. What are some good ways to automatically deal with runoff? Would it be possible to lightly water with coco, or does it just flow through too quickly? If I go for soil instead, could I use something like a seed starting mix, and use the liquid nutrients on each watering? Or would I be better off just getting some fox farms and top dressing with compost? I've mostly stayed away from organic due to the sheer number of ingredients, compared to a set nutrient schedule.

With an 18 gallon res and 3 gallon pot in a 3x3 if using coco every 2 or 3 days you will need to fill that res. No circulation pump is needed.