LiquidLumen
Active Member
I'd like to do a cost/benefit analysis of High Pressure aka "True" aeroponics versus Low Pressure aeroponics. I am impressed with those of you who are willing to put the time and effort into taking aeroponics to the next level. I'm wondering if anyone is interested in doing a complete breakdown of all the components needed to build one of these high pressure aero systems, and can provide production numbers as well. I'm interested because I use LP aero and have considered experimenting with HP aero, but it just seems so expensive and complicated compared to LP. I'm definitely all about investing the proper amount of time/effort/money if it pays off in the long run, but it's hard to imagine getting much better results than what I've seen with a properly maintained LP system. So, let's start off with what I know can be produced with a 600W light in a 5x5x10 room running CO2 at 1500 PPM using a home made LP Aero system with Canna nutes and running on a 15 minute on/15 minute off pump cycle.
Cost of components:
1 1000GPH pump....$70
2 Tote reservoirs....$35
40 ez clone misters....$25
5 Micron Filter from Home Depot...$25
Tubing/PVC....$10
2 air pumps + 2 air stones to oxygenate the water build up in bottom of rez....$40
15 minute interval timer from walmart...$10
Total Cost of complete aeroponic system...$215
Production capabilities: With CO2 injection, starting from clones of an indica-dominant strain, going into12/12 immediately after root development, with 20 plants:
Average production....18 OZ
Maintenence:
Filter replacement: Requires replacing about once per month @ $8 per filter.
Pump replacement: Hydrofarm models come with 1 year warranty, and they usually last longer than that.
Water: Never replace water, simply refill and check pH/ppm on a daily basis.
Misters: Never clog as long as filter is replaced once per month.
Build time: 2 hours.
So, in the end, you can produce a system in a couple of hours, for around 200 bucks, that requires very little daily maintenence or replacement parts, and can produce close to an ouce per plant in a SOG style set up.
Now let's hear some numbers from other HP or LP aero set ups.
Cost of components:
1 1000GPH pump....$70
2 Tote reservoirs....$35
40 ez clone misters....$25
5 Micron Filter from Home Depot...$25
Tubing/PVC....$10
2 air pumps + 2 air stones to oxygenate the water build up in bottom of rez....$40
15 minute interval timer from walmart...$10
Total Cost of complete aeroponic system...$215
Production capabilities: With CO2 injection, starting from clones of an indica-dominant strain, going into12/12 immediately after root development, with 20 plants:
Average production....18 OZ
Maintenence:
Filter replacement: Requires replacing about once per month @ $8 per filter.
Pump replacement: Hydrofarm models come with 1 year warranty, and they usually last longer than that.
Water: Never replace water, simply refill and check pH/ppm on a daily basis.
Misters: Never clog as long as filter is replaced once per month.
Build time: 2 hours.
So, in the end, you can produce a system in a couple of hours, for around 200 bucks, that requires very little daily maintenence or replacement parts, and can produce close to an ouce per plant in a SOG style set up.
Now let's hear some numbers from other HP or LP aero set ups.
if you will be only doing a few grows than its not worth it.