Best way to handle runoff?

  • Thread starter AngmohGrowz
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congolaw

congolaw

15
3
I found a 'Little Giant' pump works best for this application if you can fit it in your rez. It is the simplest and best for pumping water out. A similar approach to a vacuum, but cleaner, smaller footprint, and direct your to with a garden hose vs. vac drum... another container.
 
illmatik

illmatik

63
33
Anyone know any online sites where I can get some 4x4 OD trays for a reasonable price?
 
Culymaan

Culymaan

20
3
These are facts. My first few cycles I was under the impression that lots of run off is good.

I've since done more reading and have learned that the way to do it is constant feedings, multiple times per day. If the coco never gets dry, it will never accumulate salt, and runoff is not necessary.

That being said, when you have an automated drip system, it's a good idea to have an automated drain system. Peace of mind is priceless.
I love growing in coco I grow in 5 gallon bucket‘s with great results but the runoff is a pain when I noticed your post I was very interested, can you please share what you’re feeding schedule is, approximate how much you’re feeding what size or style pot you’re using?
 
illmatik

illmatik

63
33
I love growing in coco I grow in 5 gallon bucket‘s with great results but the runoff is a pain when I noticed your post I was very interested, can you please share what you’re feeding schedule is, approximate how much you’re feeding what size or style pot you’re using?

I grow some big ass trees in 2 gallon pots. I set my timer to feed every 3 hours for anywhere from 3-5 minutes each time. You'll spend a day or two getting the feeding times dialed in. The good thing is that you can't overfeed, so the goal is really to dial it in so that you're keeping the pots moist without wasting nutrient water. As the plants go into flower and start drinking more you may need to add another minute or two to your feeding schedule.

The runoff is definitely a pain. If you can set up an automated drain then it is really low effort to keep your coco plants fed and happy.
 
Culymaan

Culymaan

20
3
I grow some big ass trees in 2 gallon pots. I set my timer to feed every 3 hours for anywhere from 3-5 minutes each time. You'll spend a day or two getting the feeding times dialed in. The good thing is that you can't overfeed, so the goal is really to dial it in so that you're keeping the pots moist without wasting nutrient water. As the plants go into flower and start drinking more you may need to add another minute or two to your feeding schedule.

The runoff is definitely a pain. If you can set up an automated drain then it is really low effort to keep your coco plants fed and happy.
Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
 
Dstyles997

Dstyles997

12
3
On some of the draining protocols I noticed a in manifold setup. Ehat exactly does that do.
 
Odiesel

Odiesel

421
93
Yup, I like the couregated roofing material too. It's easy to cut to whatever width you want, you can do a full sheet like it looks like cemchris has or chop it down into smaller benches. Mine also runs off into small gutter sections that drain into 2 main runoff totes.
And yeah, to make it the best I'd put an AC condensate pump in the tote and plumb it directly outside. As it is I dump mine manually still like a fewl...View attachment 1015212
how much of a slope do you put on them? also do you just bend the gutter material by hand?
 
Odiesel

Odiesel

421
93
They drop about 1.5- 2" over 6 feet. Couldnt tell you the slope bjt im sure there is a calculation.
And yeah i just cut short pieces of gutter and slope those into the runoff bins. No need to bend anything really.
thanks man trying to get some ideas for what i want to use in my flower tent. I need something like this in closet also so might be good to build a test run in there
 
Odiesel

Odiesel

421
93
Corrugated to gutter to a condensate pump or some kind of container to a float and/or manually empty it. Can make it as low as about 6-10 in off the floor. If you have bottom vents and want to keep them open make the table just higher then them to block the light if needed.

View attachment 996121

it can be as easy and cheap or as complicated and expensive as you want to make it. Something like the aboves to something like saucers and a turkey baster or shop vac. They also sell wet/dry vacs the clip onto the top of a 5 gal bucket. They are semi cheap.
what size tent is this? trying to get something set up in a 4x4 but still able to maximize floor space.
 
King2324

King2324

17
3
and so, out of interest, i read these posts.

my idea was, instead of elevating the pot to place some drainage system (and even the run-off/waste reservoir placed on the floor, which raises the plants, which lowers the height), to elevate the tent itself to create space underneath to drain the run-off waste to. a small coffee table would raise my small tent, and allow space underneath the coffee table for a reservoir to collect. i haven't tested this idea out, yet.

after trying a few things, i reverted back to saucers underneath pots.
Experimentation has a tendency to dim lights sometimes. What we must not do is let that light go out. That was a learning experience that will last you a lifetime.😂😭😂
 
30roll

30roll

261
63
Big Trays with Pot Elevators. I just let it evaporate.. No spill overs.
 
drainaway

drainaway

Supporter
3
13
Yep, I have one under my water heater - but this is different. Thinking about 3d printing that fucker. They seem to still be paying for the injection mold, I'd request the transaction be done at gun point to make me feel like it was a deal I couldn't refuse. 20$ for 15.5" and 24.99 for 22". That sorta burns enough to just do it on a printer, out of spite. Ima cheap bastard, I admit.
I wish it was that cheap! It was $1,645 to have the 22” drain tray prototype 3D printed. 😁
 
sambapati

sambapati

2,174
263
Yep, I have one under my water heater - but this is different. Thinking about 3d printing that fucker. They seem to still be paying for the injection mold, I'd request the transaction be done at gun point to make me feel like it was a deal I couldn't refuse. 20$ for 15.5" and 24.99 for 22". That sorta burns enough to just do it on a printer, out of spite. Ima cheap bastard, I admit.
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I had 3 trays with handles stainless steel built for $45. Just water, wait, empty and done.
 
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BirdLaw86

BirdLaw86

296
63
Your local pet store should have a pump that you can sit directly into the drainage tray, works awesome for flush. you can empty into 5 gallon bucket. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. The pump is cheap and works fine. I have 1 otw from amazon bc ive been using 2 drip trays 1 upside down inside the other to keep roots out of water but the pump method is on youtube and convinced me to grab one.
 
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