Grow Mediums How hard to change Autopots over to a drip line system?

[Need4Weed]

Like the title says, I'm considering ditching the trays, pots & valves and only using the res & 3/8 in line. I'm thinking I could use an adapter to reduce the lines to 1/4 inch & then use a 1/4 in soaker hose with support stakes, I'm wondering what kind of pressure I'd get & if I should consider drip emitters instead? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Bill.de.Cat]

Think you'd have to raise the res pretty high to get any real pressure just from gravity.

 

[Need4Weed]

Think you'd have to raise the res pretty high to get any real pressure just from gravity.

I was thinking about that! I got mine on a step stool right now on 1 plant that looks awful rough & I've decided to ditch them. Running 1 plant I noticed a lot more pressure, especially when it flooded! I'm just going to start running 3 plants instead of 4, so that would help some with the pressure issue. I also noticed the fuller the res, the higher the pressure. It wouldn't be much trouble elevating it about 4 ft off the floor, but would make topping off the res a bitch. Is there a pump that somehow hooks into the line available? If it had an on/off timer would be even better, but I bet that runs into some money.

 

[Bill.de.Cat]

I was thinking about that! I got mine on a step stool right now on 1 plant that looks awful rough & I've decided to ditch them. Running 1 plant I noticed a lot more pressure, especially when it flooded! I'm just going to start running 3 plants instead of 4, so that would help some with the pressure issue. I also noticed the fuller the res, the higher the pressure. It wouldn't be much trouble elevating it about 4 ft off the floor, but would make topping off the res a bitch. Is there a pump that somehow hooks into the line available? If it had an on/off timer would be even better, but I bet that runs into some money.

I'm sure an inline pump can be found and made to work. Just have to figure out the GPH needed for the drippers. Timers can be had at any hardware store.

 

[JP1]

Might be tricky to find a pump that fits the line for the autopots. I think it's an odd size or metric. I ditched my autopots recently and I'm currently waiting for my drip parts to arrive. I'll make a post with a parts list and directions next week when everything comes in and I get it running

 

[St. Tom]

Like the title says, I'm considering ditching the trays, pots & valves and only using the res & 3/8 in line. I'm thinking I could use an adapter to reduce the lines to 1/4 inch & then use a 1/4 in soaker hose with support stakes, I'm wondering what kind of pressure I'd get & if I should consider drip emitters instead? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I always thought you did very well with autopots I use mine for health issues also I've found growing photo plants in them can be less problematic as I have some stunners on the go at the min and I'm sorry I cant advice on a pump but I'm pretty sure someone will know

 

[snerval]

I'm considering gravity watering for my little outdoor vegetable garden ; I just had a 1000l tank installed at a height of 1,40m, which should be good for added gravity pressure. I'm yet to find the right system to work with that. Will follow your post and maybe it will give me some ideas

 

[Need4Weed]

Might be tricky to find a pump that fits the line for the autopots. I think it's an odd size or metric.

Wonder if I could re-drill or expand the hole to be able to find more available accessories, (mainly a grommet & black line). 3/8 to 1/2 inch perhaps?

I always thought you did very well with autopots I use mine for health issues

Health issues is why I started using them as well, but I've never had what I call a good harvest. My stash got so low after 2 autopot runs, I switched back to fabric pots & for good measure, I went up to 5 gallon pots for the 1st time, (but only 3 pots instead of the usual 4 to try & cut down the work load). I ended up pulling 30 zips using coco/perlite, MC & Mars TS-1000.

 

[St. Tom]

Wonder if I could re-drill or expand the hole to be able to find more available accessories, (mainly a grommet & black line). 3/8 to 1/2 inch perhaps?


Health issues is why I started using them as well, but I've never had what I call a good harvest. My stash got so low after 2 autopot runs, I switched back to fabric pots & for good measure, I went up to 5 gallon pots for the 1st time, (but only 3 pots instead of the usual 4 to try & cut down the work load). I ended up pulling 30 zips using coco/perlite, MC & Mars TS-1000.

if you found something that's working for you better bro but I've always done good harvests even with the autos but id get lockouts regularly and have to reset them but the photo strains seem a lot happier with no build-up problems also can you please tag me as your adventure goes forward as id love to tag along

 

[Need4Weed]

if you found something that's working for you better bro but I've always done good harvests even with the autos but id get lockouts regularly and have to reset them but the photo strains seem a lot happier with no build-up problems also can you please tag me as your adventure goes forward as id love to tag along

Until I figure out a recovery system, I'm still stuck with sucking out the run-off. Kind of makes me want to water/feed less, lol. I just recently tried to germ 4 CDLCs for a quick run in fabirc pots, but only 1 germinated. I'm thinking maybe I need to let a seed warm up for awhile, instead of just taking it out the fridge & dropping it in water for 16 - 24 hours. That's the only thing I can think of as I've had trouble germing seeds from the same 10 pack. I really hate it with seeds being so expensive anymore! Anyways, I dropped a Grape Crinkle seed & planted it last last night. Once it gets big enough I'm going to try & adapt the res. I found some 3/8 to 1/4 inch adapters & I'm going to see what happens after I add some 1/4 inch soaker hose. If you want to follow along the links are in my siggy.