The Bubbleponic thread. Well Roseman asked me to drop by and show you guys my very easily maintained and very easily and CHEAPLY built DWC system.
It requires 1 10 gallon tub, I got mine from WalMart for $3.50, got an Double line air pump from Walmart too for aroun 12 bucks, 2 air stones or bubble stones, and 25" of clear plastic tubing. All for aroun 20 dollars total.
The local grow shop had my water pump and I didnt necessarily get a manifold, but instead I got black plastic tubing, very flexible, and small 1/4 in. feeder lines, including a very nice timer, all for around 35 dollars, the timer was the most expensive piece. Hydroton, Net pots, 2 drain plugs and plastic tubing, aquarium silicone (from your local Lowes or Home Depot) on top of that, AND YOUR SET.
IT REALLY IS THAT EASY!
So guys lets get down to the construction, and it only took me a couple hours, keep in mind to soak your bubble stones in water according to the directions.
The first step I took was to cut a hole very close to the bottom of my 10 gallon tub for easy emptying, so I can clean it and refill it weekly with my nutrient solution. Put the drain plug in, seal it with some aquarium silicon and set that aside to dry. I cut three large holes in the lid, with an exacto knife, so I can sit my net pots into the lid, with my rockwool cubes and hydroton.
I also cut two small holes in one of the corners to run my air tubes and power cord in and out for the bubble stones/water pump.
I used two bubble stones because I wanted to make sure that the water is HELLA Oxygenated because I dont want to have to fight Root rot later on.
You can also use 35% food grade Hydrogen Peroxide in case root rot sets on.
Fill with water, check your PH, add your nut solution, stir it up, and plug it in, thats how easy this can be made and for very cheap.
Now of course I use a 400 watt MH/HPS grow light and use two fans for ventilation/cooling.
I also feed my plants 3 times a day for 15 minutes each with the water pump to insure that my babies are well fed before the roots hit the solution.
I keep the water level 1/2 in - to 1" underneath the net pots so that when those strong healthy roots hit the water BOOOOOM, explosion of growth. Here are some pics and if you have any questions then please feel free to check out my bubbleponics grow, and please comment/constructively criticize etc.....
The last two pictures were also taken right before I cut three paper plates to fit around the stem and feed line, I cover them to reduce any excess light that may want to find its way into my tank. And the way I made my feed lines was a simple tube punch, or sharp object to make a small hole in the main line, coming off of the water pump, and insert the small feed off lines into it.
