Adding aeration?

[DogterB]

I have an auto-watering SIP style DIY Octopot type setup, 6 pots in a 4x4. I'm thinking of adding some aeration but don't know where would be best for the stone. I know that Octopot doesn't recommend a stone in the res under the pot, but what about farther up the line? Would there be any cons to adding aeration? Here is a diagram of my setup:

#1 is a water bucket outside of the tent (black lined), it feeds to #2
#2 a small bucket in the tent with a float valve, it feeds and maintains a constant water level in #3
#3 are the 6 individual reservoirs under fabric pots

So, where would putting an air stone be advantagous? Would you put one in? I'm just thinking here, curious as to others thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Original Lowryder #12]

I have an auto-watering SIP style DIY Octopot type setup, 6 pots in a 4x4. I'm thinking of adding some aeration but don't know where would be best for the stone. I know that Octopot doesn't recommend a stone in the res under the pot, but what about farther up the line? Would there be any cons to adding aeration? Here is a diagram of my setup:
View attachment 1470045
#1 is a water bucket outside of the tent (black lined), it feeds to #2
#2 a small bucket in the tent with a float valve, it feeds and maintains a constant water level in #3
#3 are the 6 individual reservoirs under fabric pots

So, where would putting an air stone be advantagous? Would you put one in? I'm just thinking here, curious as to others thoughts. Thanks!

Honestly I'd probably put it in #2 if you can. It's closer to the pots so the water they are getting is airated rather than being bubbled and then going to sit in a res and waiting. The air bubbles might mess with your float valve though so id be cautious of that.

I know there are liquid products that can add oxygen to water as well so that might be a better option for you in this case instead.

 

[Death The Cultivator]

I have an auto-watering SIP style DIY Octopot type setup, 6 pots in a 4x4. I'm thinking of adding some aeration but don't know where would be best for the stone. I know that Octopot doesn't recommend a stone in the res under the pot, but what about farther up the line? Would there be any cons to adding aeration? Here is a diagram of my setup:
View attachment 1470045
#1 is a water bucket outside of the tent (black lined), it feeds to #2
#2 a small bucket in the tent with a float valve, it feeds and maintains a constant water level in #3
#3 are the 6 individual reservoirs under fabric pots

So, where would putting an air stone be advantagous? Would you put one in? I'm just thinking here, curious as to others thoughts. Thanks!

Rather then having aeration, having circulation in the reservoir is preferred. It prevents pH fluctuations but keeps your solution mixed. A small sub 100gph pump in the main reservoir will keep everything circulated.

 

[DogterB]

Rather then having aeration, having circulation in the reservoir is preferred. It prevents pH fluctuations but keeps your solution mixed. A small sub 100gph pump in the main reservoir will keep everything circulated.

I use living soil and teas, no nutes/solutions go into my res system. I don’t even pH the water that goes in the res. Would recirculating be of more benefit still? They are just starting flowering and already pulling 2+ gallons through a day. I definitely need a bigger res outside the tent

 

[Weedname]

Is this a full-hydro system or will you use soil/coco?

 

[DogterB]

Is this a full-hydro system or will you use soil/coco?

This is a hybrid system based off of Octopots. I have a 3 gallon fabric pot with a mesh pot hanging into a small res. A sub-irrigated soil system

 

[Death The Cultivator]

I use living soil and teas, no nutes/solutions go into my res system. I don’t even pH the water that goes in the res. Would recirculating be of more benefit still? They are just starting flowering and already pulling 2+ gallons through a day. I definitely need a bigger res outside the tent

I would keep it circulated, still water isn't my preference as I am concerned about anaerobic bacteria forming. You could also add UC Roots to further prevent any nastiness in your lines or the reservoir itself.

 

[Weedname]

I would say that you could add airdomes or a hose straight into the pot next round, or at the same place where your roots are today.

This is what i did -

Hose straight in in one of the holes at the bottom of the pot. Just pushed it in...

 

[Weedname]

And easy-peacy she got into this -