thehighguy said:

Hi,
I want to switch from soil to coco and run a drip system. Any information would help. Im having trouble finding a good timer/pump, and good drip nozzles. The rest I can source locally to complete my redneck rig.

Will I need to prewash/ buffer my coco/perlite? I usually use organics so im familiar with the process of cooking soil, but I have no experience with coco.

Finally can I run salt solutions or will she clog up? I have my eyes on mega crop for feeding but im open to suggestions.

From what iv read on drip rates its a tinkering process, but drip frequency seems less black and white. What are the advantages/disadvantages of 6-12 small feedings vs 2-6 large feedings.

Thanks for your time and help!!! Sorry in advance im going to ask a lot of questions.

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SpiderFarmerLED said:

Switching to coco and a drip system is a great step! Yes, you will need to prewash and buffer your coco/perlite to remove salts and prepare the medium for nutrient uptake. A simple rinse and soaking in a Cal-Mag solution will do the trick.

For the timer and pump, ensure you select a system that gives precise control over flow and duration. As for drip nozzles, look for adjustable ones that can be fine-tuned to match your desired watering schedule.

Salt solutions can work well, but it's important to flush the system periodically to prevent buildup and clogging.

Regarding feeding frequency, smaller, more frequent feedings (6-12 times) help keep the medium evenly moist, while fewer, larger feedings (2-6 times) may be easier to manage but could cause fluctuations in moisture and nutrients. It really depends on your plant’s growth stage and needs. Don't hesitate to ask more questions!

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thehighguy said:

Thank you for the info!

When you soak In cal-mag what kind of dosage do you use? Just the regular recommended dose?

Do you have a pefered manufacturer for equipment?

I'm planning on a weekly flush, could that look like one day of PH water through the system with higher rates, or should I flush the system independently with r.o water to prevent salt deposits.

Thanks Again!

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Trash_2002 said:

if you want absolutely even watering, get a 60psi pump (1/2 hp equivalent pump), proper fittings, netafim netbows and 8L/h+ pressure compensated drippers for each netbow.
Also a rainbird 30PSI pressure reducer and 120 microns filters for each sector/tent being irrigated. this way your main lines will run at 60psi and the sectors will run at 30PSI and you will get perfectly even distribution. Floraflex white tubbing and punchers are pretty good stuff.

be prepared to make a deep clean of the system every cycle to prevent salt build up and biofilm/algae forming.

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mancorn said:

I’ve used dripdepot (for outdoor stuff). Not weed specific, but good pricing and cheap shipping (which is nice if you just want to pick up some emitters or other small/chesp items.)

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thehighguy said:

Your essentially running a higher pressure distribution, and dropping the pressure at the manifolds? I got valves to try and compensate for pressure drops but now I'm second guessing my decision.

While I got your attention, how frequently do you flush your lines? Would you recommend flushing every 2-4 weeks with a water/emzyme solution to prevent build up?

I'm planning one water day a week for the plants with 5-10% run off to prevent salt accumulation in the pots. Is that nessecary as well? Or can I stretch that flush period out to every second week?

Finally if I reclaim runoff can I filter it and recirc it into the feed reservoir? Would that sacrilege or can it be done to reclaim salts?

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