AeroGrowJoe
Member
Hello friends,
Even though I just joined here, this website helped me learn to grow hydroponically about 8 years ago now. Once I got the hang of things, I ducked from the site (being illegal and all). I deleted the account and haven't been back since. There was always great advice. Even though I ducked from the forums, I kept nerding tf out on hydroponics and cannabis science and I was lucky enough to stumble upon a cannabis analyst role as a chemist for part of the MN medical program a few years ago. I'm now taking my hobby and my career and combining them and launching my own company in the MN market after partnering with a team of business professionals. We are getting funded by a VC for 5M to build a 15,000 sqft canopy operation, and we have priority status for license applications due to MN's social equity program. This was originally going to be a 2,000 sq ft cheap micro operation and has evolved since. I'm a hobby HPA grower myself and would love to run a portion of the operation (2,000 sq ft) as a high pressure aeroponic setup, and I'm aware how technically difficult this can be. I'd be starting small to run it through a test phase and gauge results.
We are working with consultants (Cannacribs) who I'm sure have great design plans that I intend to follow, but I really want our premium brand be able to boast such a unique and effective growing method, and they aren't too keen on aeroponics for a nascent market.
Is there anybody in here who has first hand knowledge of commercial HPA set ups? I know there are some out there in other states, but their designs all seem a mystery to my research. It sounds too crazy to me even at 2000 sqfeet to scale an at home setup, but at the same time with how simple the design of HPA totes are (5 mins to zip tie the nozzles in each tote) I don't see why it can't be done with the help of an electrician for wiring solenoids and an array of relay timers in a matter up to code. Buying a setup like this costs thousands of dollars premade and diy'ing it (not counting any grow lights) costs like 250 bucks for an 8800 pump, pressure tanks, lines, nozzles, quick connect adapters, and totes. Especially if bought in bulk. It doesn't sound like more than 2 weeks of work for 3 guys, an electrician, and a plumber, to set up 80 4- tote 32 sq foot aero systems in the same space we would otherwise put basic coconut coir pots. That's only 20,000 dollars total in materials for 2000 sq ft.
By using 3/8 inch tubing from the aquatec to the accumulator tank that splits to 4 (one line for each tote) and then using an adapter to 1/4 inch quick connect just after the solenoid on each tote, this will help keep pressure on each line down even though it splits into 4. Also, utilizing 4 relay timers (12V, 5 bucks a piece) for each tote means you can stagger misting intervals so only one tote is misting at any given time (the same thing I do at home). 40 gallon resevoirs underneath each 4 tote system can be filled from a bulk made solution pumped from the fertigation room just as irrigation pumps might pump to coco pots. It's a more complicated setup and obviously labor intensive, but we are very early to this and have time for it as founders. Do the payouts not permit the rewards of this growth method?
Am I crazy? I'm probably crazy. I'll listen to the consultants. Anyways hi guys good to be back.
Even though I just joined here, this website helped me learn to grow hydroponically about 8 years ago now. Once I got the hang of things, I ducked from the site (being illegal and all). I deleted the account and haven't been back since. There was always great advice. Even though I ducked from the forums, I kept nerding tf out on hydroponics and cannabis science and I was lucky enough to stumble upon a cannabis analyst role as a chemist for part of the MN medical program a few years ago. I'm now taking my hobby and my career and combining them and launching my own company in the MN market after partnering with a team of business professionals. We are getting funded by a VC for 5M to build a 15,000 sqft canopy operation, and we have priority status for license applications due to MN's social equity program. This was originally going to be a 2,000 sq ft cheap micro operation and has evolved since. I'm a hobby HPA grower myself and would love to run a portion of the operation (2,000 sq ft) as a high pressure aeroponic setup, and I'm aware how technically difficult this can be. I'd be starting small to run it through a test phase and gauge results.
We are working with consultants (Cannacribs) who I'm sure have great design plans that I intend to follow, but I really want our premium brand be able to boast such a unique and effective growing method, and they aren't too keen on aeroponics for a nascent market.
Is there anybody in here who has first hand knowledge of commercial HPA set ups? I know there are some out there in other states, but their designs all seem a mystery to my research. It sounds too crazy to me even at 2000 sqfeet to scale an at home setup, but at the same time with how simple the design of HPA totes are (5 mins to zip tie the nozzles in each tote) I don't see why it can't be done with the help of an electrician for wiring solenoids and an array of relay timers in a matter up to code. Buying a setup like this costs thousands of dollars premade and diy'ing it (not counting any grow lights) costs like 250 bucks for an 8800 pump, pressure tanks, lines, nozzles, quick connect adapters, and totes. Especially if bought in bulk. It doesn't sound like more than 2 weeks of work for 3 guys, an electrician, and a plumber, to set up 80 4- tote 32 sq foot aero systems in the same space we would otherwise put basic coconut coir pots. That's only 20,000 dollars total in materials for 2000 sq ft.
By using 3/8 inch tubing from the aquatec to the accumulator tank that splits to 4 (one line for each tote) and then using an adapter to 1/4 inch quick connect just after the solenoid on each tote, this will help keep pressure on each line down even though it splits into 4. Also, utilizing 4 relay timers (12V, 5 bucks a piece) for each tote means you can stagger misting intervals so only one tote is misting at any given time (the same thing I do at home). 40 gallon resevoirs underneath each 4 tote system can be filled from a bulk made solution pumped from the fertigation room just as irrigation pumps might pump to coco pots. It's a more complicated setup and obviously labor intensive, but we are very early to this and have time for it as founders. Do the payouts not permit the rewards of this growth method?
Am I crazy? I'm probably crazy. I'll listen to the consultants. Anyways hi guys good to be back.
