GH WaterFarm 8 Pack - pump time

how long do you run this thing? 24/7??? i will be using clay and i since they hold no water i assume its 24/7...

You are correct 24/7.

You mean the air pump, or the circulator pump?

yes, since i havent put it together yet and all i have is an air pump, that one

wait, how many pumps does it take? just the air i thought

you run the air pump! only when the lights are on! so 18/6 or 12/12! they dont drink at night! do you when your sleeping hahah jk but good luck and need help let me know this is a great system! also are u putting on in each or two? bec u might have to do something!~! else!

no just one in each bucket, i am into aeroponics and i run im pump at night, albiet not nearly as frequently...but if you tell me its all good to have the pump off and roots will be fine being not watered in 6 hours ok then, the clay pellets dont retain moisture and thats what im worried about

i feel like such a new jack!

I've used the waterfarm 8 pack system for the past 3 years. I used to leave the airpump on for the light cycle, but found I would get algea problems, and root rot. The plants would look healthy but would not produce to their fullest. The best way I have found to use the system is to hand water once a day for the first week or so (once plant becomes adjusted and vigorous) then cut some black\white poly into 16x16 squares, slit the poly to fit around the stem and cover the bucket and growing media.(prevents algea and other contaminants). Then I use a timer and set it to 1\2 hour twice a day, during the light cycle for the next 2 or so weeks. Remember, the plants likes dryer conditions. However once the roots go into to bottom half of bucket, an added airstone in each bucket is a must to prevent rot root. One more dual diaphram pump like the one that came with your system will do. As the plant matures, I will start watering more, up to maybe 1/2 hour every 2-3 hours. This is what worked best for me, I found plants did poorly (but looked healthy) if contantly too soaked. Oh yeah, I used clay pellets aswell, don't worry, they do hold water for awile, roots do a good job of sucking them dry.

I have been using waterfarms for the last 3 years as well. I leave my air pump which feeds the drip rings on 24/7 - that is what GH suggests and I have not had any problems. If you shut it down there is no oxygen being put in the water. I have not found it necessary to use an additional airstone in the reservoir - although oxygen is a good thing. I keep my res temps about 72 degrees and add hydrogen peroxide every third day - never had a root problem and they produce killer plants.

450 rider u said it perfect!! hahah nice job go off what he just said! i was going to say that but was not sure if u would catch on in my words! hahaha but nice job! and make sure u make those holes bigger and a few more !!! but dont make the hole to big or clay pallets aka hydroton will fall and cause problems pluging the lines! also its a great idea to have air going but the plants done need the water and if u water at night it could cuase root rot but if u have not had problems then great! but try out what works best but dont try anything to crazy! and IF U CANT DO PUT THE AIRSTONES IN THE BOTTOM off the bucket! this way u turn of the water and keep the airstones on all the time! i am about to do that this time around!~ but WF do kick ass just have to do af ew things! its the base for a great set up!!

I assume you guyslike th waterfarms since you've been using them the past 3 years ? Can you tell me more about your opinion on them ?

from what i gather and why i got it, i was looking for low maintenance, its a simple top feed system, this one though requiring an air pump to bubble water to the top as opposed by a weak water pump pushing fluid through tubes

lol, i bought one, I royally crapped out a fem cheese seed. IDK, iad it on 24/7 but I think it was user error, too cold or I nuted. Anyway, they are easy to set up, and I am about to run mine for a basil plant or something as I have gone over to the organic soil side. I dont know why I respnded, I am just mellowed out, lol.

GH recommends a 24-7 drip for waterloving plants, look up what they recommend for tomatoes or peppers. They have similar growth aspects of marijuana. However I am amazed at what the rootball submerged in water turns into at ther end of a 4 month crop (assuming you have an airstone pumping 24-7). Examples of this can be found in numerous other waterfarm forum thread in this site.

i leave mine on 24/7 its hard to believe that they can get OVERWATERED wit hydroton.