Automatic drip irrigation in a tent?

[jamesmessenger1]

Hey guys!

So I really want to set up some automatic drip irrigation or possibly ebb and flow potentially, but I need it for 2 x 4 tents.

I will be running like 1 gallon coco And want each tent to have its own reservoir, a.k.a. its own system.

I’m just not very well-versed in home drip irrigation, and I’m curious what products you guys either have used or currently used in your tents!

I just don’t want to buy some shit from Amazon Amazon because I think it will work and then just end up burning money on crappy products

So again, I am trying to set up drip irrigation for 1 gallon pots probably using halo or something, but I’m not sure.

What do you guys got?

 

[Fnipernackle]

Hey guys!

So I really want to set up some automatic drip irrigation or possibly ebb and flow potentially, but I need it for 2 x 4 tents.

I will be running like 1 gallon coco And want each tent to have its own reservoir, a.k.a. its own system.

I’m just not very well-versed in home drip irrigation, and I’m curious what products you guys either have used or currently used in your tents!

I just don’t want to buy some shit from Amazon Amazon because I think it will work and then just end up burning money on crappy products

So again, I am trying to set up drip irrigation for 1 gallon pots probably using halo or something, but I’m not sure.

What do you guys got?

You'll want a sub pump, reservoir (black plastic tote works well), some black hosing, and halos. Bonus points for a Wifi outlet that you can control from your phone, makes controlling the system much easier while watching for runoff. An aerator for the reservoir is recommended, but not required.

Will you only have one plant per system, or multiple per system?

 

[ArtfulCodger]

I run Blumats in three tents: a 2x4 veg and two 4x4 flower tents. 5 gallon reservoir for each. Gravity fed into 2 gal coco. Took some getting used to, but works great.

 

[jamesmessenger1]

You'll want a sub pump, reservoir (black plastic tote works well), some black hosing, and halos. Bonus points for a Wifi outlet that you can control from your phone, makes controlling the system much easier while watching for runoff. An aerator for the reservoir is recommended, but not required.

Will you only have one plant per system, or multiple per system?

Multiple

 

[Fnipernackle]

Multiple

So you'll need to run the hosing with splitter outlets. With an even number of plants, you can just run t-joints to evenly split the flow to each plant. With an odd number, you'll have a few different options and will have to rig up something that best fits your needs. Splitters come in all sorts, so shop around for what looks best for your space and needs.

When picking a pump, the rule of thumb that people tend to follow is 100 gallons/hour per plant. However, understand that each time you split the flow, you're losing pressure. My system runs to 4 plants, and I use a 529 GPH pump. I think the flow it provides is perfect. When in doubt, go with a little more than you think you'll need. You can always install a ball valve somewhere in the hosing between the pump and the splits to regulate flow.

I recommend Bloom Brothers Hydro Halos. I'm sure there are other brands that work well, it's just what I have experience with. Just note that the hose connections aren't very snug, so you'll want to use some ring clamps to tighten down the hose. In fact, I strongly recommend using ring clamps anywhere your hose meets plastic - joints, ball valve, halos, and pump if you want to be really safe. Water pressure is no joke.

Bubble stones in the reservoir aerate the feed water constantly, so you don't need to agitate before running the pump.

Here's a few images of my setup to give you an idea of how it works. I'm currently hand feeding my plants in their final days, so just imagine the pump and stones are in the tote lol.

 

[jamesmessenger1]

So you'll need to run the hosing with splitter outlets. With an even number of plants, you can just run t-joints to evenly split the flow to each plant. With an odd number, you'll have a few different options and will have to rig up something that best fits your needs. Splitters come in all sorts, so shop around for what looks best for your space and needs.

When picking a pump, the rule of thumb that people tend to follow is 100 gallons/hour per plant. However, understand that each time you split the flow, you're losing pressure. My system runs to 4 plants, and I use a 529 GPH pump. I think the flow it provides is perfect. When in doubt, go with a little more than you think you'll need. You can always install a ball valve somewhere in the hosing between the pump and the splits to regulate flow.

I recommend Bloom Brothers Hydro Halos. I'm sure there are other brands that work well, it's just what I have experience with. Just note that the hose connections aren't very snug, so you'll want to use some ring clamps to tighten down the hose. In fact, I strongly recommend using ring clamps anywhere your hose meets plastic - joints, ball valve, halos, and pump if you want to be really safe. Water pressure is no joke.

Bubble stones in the reservoir aerate the feed water constantly, so you don't need to agitate before running the pump.

Here's a few images of my setup to give you an idea of how it works. I'm currently hand feeding my plants in their final days, so just imagine the pump and stones are in the tote lol.

Awesome!

So.

Do you have it set on a timer to flood every few hours or something?

 

[Fnipernackle]

Awesome!

So.

Do you have it set on a timer to flood every few hours or something?

I use a cheap Wi-Fi outlet by Smart Life and plug the pump into it, which gives me control via their app. You can also use a timer if you want to be more hands-free. Up to you.

I didn't install the drip system until I was into flower, so I was feeding once per day until runoff. This is why I like the Wi-Fi outlet, as the plant's needs will fluctuate and you can easily control their feeds every time.

 

[Newty]

Check out The Bucket Company
I run their 3 gallon bucket kit, you can purchase the drip irrigation pieces separately and run your own containers.

The Bucket Company - Hydroponic Growing Supplies for Sale

The Bucket Company offers a wide selection of hydroponic supplies for all growing applications. From home gardens to commercial facilities, our range of products include automated growing kits, drain trays, and irrigation manifolds. Based in Michigan, USA.

www.thebucketcompany.com

Another good company for DIY would be Netafim, I'm eventually going to change over to Netafim with Netbow Mini Halos. Very reasonably priced parts and pieces.

 

[jamesmessenger1]

Check out The Bucket Company
I run their 3 gallon bucket kit, you can purchase the drip irrigation pieces separately and run your own containers.

The Bucket Company - Hydroponic Growing Supplies for Sale

The Bucket Company offers a wide selection of hydroponic supplies for all growing applications. From home gardens to commercial facilities, our range of products include automated growing kits, drain trays, and irrigation manifolds. Based in Michigan, USA.

www.thebucketcompany.com

Another good company for DIY would be Netafim, I'm eventually going to change over to Netafim with Netbow Mini Halos. Very reasonably priced parts and pieces.

Thanks @Newty I really appreciate the info!

I’ve never seen these companies before, and I’ve been looking lol.

I am thinking that because I want to run small containers with a higher rate of fertigation that auto halos with a res are the way to go for me EVEN THOUGH I really was tempted by some of the watering systems like the Autopot, Air Cube, and Real Buckets!

Thanks though guys for all the information!

Knowing a commercial grow is not at all the same as knowing a grow at home!

This is wayyyy more hand on with different companies and equipment….

And I love it hahaha.

 

[BigF]

Bonus points for a Wifi outlet that you can control from your phone

Been using Kasa plugs. About 20 or 25 bucks for 4 of them from Amazon. Easy to program fertigation events.

 

[Newty]

Been using Kasa plugs. About 20 or 25 bucks for 4 of them from Amazon. Easy to program fertigation events.

I was using the Roku smart plugs, until they kept failing to hit my off trigger and leaving my Deep Red and IR Supplement on during lights out.
If something is going to fail, why not make it shut off when it does?

My UV bars probably would of done the same thing but luckily I have my Controller 69 to control those.

I switched to the Kasa plugs, no issue since the switch and they're cheaper then the Roku plugs.

Another option besides smart plugs would be a full environment controller like the AC Infinity Controller 69.

When I was using my drip irrigation, I used the Controller 69 with a UIS plug to turn it on and off.

 

[Newty]

This is the basics you need for a drip irrigation system,
Only things I'm leaving out is a reservoir, hose/fitting end caps, hose clamps, and a timer/smart plug to contol the pump.

If you want a hard line pvc system, let me know and I'll post the components.

Submersible Pump (with fitting same size as feed hose, 3/4" for the system I use.

3/4" hose/feed line

1/4" hose/dripper line

3/4" to 1/4" barb adapter

Your choice of 1/4" connection micro valve drippers or drip halos.
If you do the micro valves, I recommend 2 per pot.
Halos, 1 per pot.

 

[jamesmessenger1]

Awesome!

Thanks a million!

I’ll post pictures when it’s finished!