Nylon stockings for RDWC pipe filters

JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
I just fished out a bunch of roots in the pipes, as well as the return tube. It was fairly easy, but I do want to avoid it from happening again.

I use panty hose/nylon stockings for air filters. I stretch them over ducting, and they work great at keeping stuff out. So, I think I'm going to try stretching one over the two 2" bulkhead return pipes. Can't think of any reason why it wouldn't work.

Opinions?
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
Airwalker16 said:
The sooner you accept that the sooner you'll think of methods that actually work. What diameter are your returns?
Click to expand...

2"

I've seen plastic screens, but I'm not sure how well they work. This is actually the first time I've had roots growing, not only into the 2" returns, but through the 3/4 vinyl tube, and through the elbow!
 
fragileassassin

fragileassassin

Well-Known Member
you still using the bigger tote sites you were?
I really havent had much traveling at all in the single 17 gal sites. I have to watch my veg buckets much closer. I pull those plants up at least every other week to make sure they arent venturing.
 
Airwalker16

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
JSB99 said:
2"

I've seen plastic screens, but I'm not sure how well they work. This is actually the first time I've had roots growing, not only into the 2" returns, but through the 3/4 vinyl tube, and through the elbow!
Click to expand...
I don't remember how you built yours so I'm lost. Why do you have anything less than 2" on the return pipes at all?
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
fragileassassin said:
you still using the bigger tote sites you were?
I really havent had much traveling at all in the single 17 gal sites. I have to watch my veg buckets much closer. I pull those plants up at least every other week to make sure they arent venturing.
Click to expand...
Yep, still using the HDX 27-gallon totes :)
 
JSB99

JSB99

Well-Known Member
Oh, looks like it's another name for Undercurrent. Mine's just an RDWC, as my pump isn't powerful enough to qualify as UC. Plus, I use airstones as well.
 
fartoblue

fartoblue

Well-Known Member
I wouldn't put a filter somewhere where it can't be checked almost daily or you are asking for trouble, it could flood the place. I have some fine net material on the waterfall back into the epicenter but I can check this every day and wash it. I did try ladies tights but they blocked pretty quickly causing a balloon effect.

If you can access your roots then pruning them will work.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
fartoblue said:
I wouldn't put a filter somewhere where it can't be checked almost daily or you are asking for trouble, it could flood the place. I have some fine net material on the waterfall back into the epicenter but I can check this every day and wash it. I did try ladies tights but they blocked pretty quickly causing a balloon effect.

If you can access your roots then pruning them will work.
Click to expand...
sorry to hijack JSB, but good to hear you @fartoblue finally got your stuff figured out. i felt bad for how much troubles you had with root rot.
did you ever figure out the source?
 
L

Larry3215

Well-Known Member
By the time you get a filter/screen with small enough holes to stop the roots, water wont flow through at more than drip speed.

As mentioned above, you're going to have to prune as needed.
 
Airwalker16

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
Just for anyone reading this thread, learn from our trials and error. Roots can not be stopped with any screen no matter the size, design, shape, or anything else. PERIOD.
What CAN be done is a barrier, such as using a 3" pipe and using some kind of rigged piece of material to block the bottom 2/3rds of the pipe. That's about the best you can do.
 
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