Opinions And Help Needed With Auto Drip System

[Tylrr420]

Alright guys today i need help and opinions as to how to run a auto drip system. I'm moving to coco smart pots and I fully understand MOSTLY everything that waters the pots and MOST things on how to run the pvc. I read jacks thread on how to do it over and over again and studied the pictures but I just don't understand what the pump relay and sprinkler timer is for? Why can't I just hook my pump up to a Titan timer to go off 6 times a day? Basically what I want to know Is if the pump relay is necessary and if so how? Do I need to run a specific watering timer or can it just be a digital titan timer?

 

[Seamaiden]

Bump! Wish I could answer your questions.

 

[Dunge]

A relay is required when your timer is not rated to carry enough current to start your pump.
If your pump is small and your timer normal, it should work fine.

 

[Smokey503ski]

How many plans are you planning on running on your watering system?

I don't use drip emitters. I use 1/4" tubing open, no emitters.
600gph pump. No valves, relays.
1/2"tubing ran in a circle to help with even pressure. 2 1/4" tubing per plant.
I use a regular digital timer where I can set my watering schedule.
I do 2 minutes when lights come on. 2 minutes 4 hours later and another 2 minute feed 2 hours later.

One thing you NEED to do if you run a 50 gallon barrel for a res. Make a hole in the main line coming from the pump. You want this line to go to your reservoir.
What this does is stop the water from siphoning all your nutrients out of your res.

 

[Tylrr420]

Honestly I was just thinking about using a Titan digital timer which I know can handle like 1700watts . I'm planning on watering 24 plants with 2 downward sprayers in each pot. I was gonna do half inch pvc thro out entire room for more pressure. I really didn't want to buy a relay, sprinkler valves, and sprinkler timer if it's not necessary. It sounds to me like..... As long as your pump can water ALL plants at once. There is
No need for a relay, sprinkler valve, and sprinkler timer. Am I correct?

 

[Dunge]

I'd use 1 inch pipe for my manifold.
I had 3/4 inch pipe feeding nine lines, and the end lines delivered less water than the front.

If no water flows when the pump is off, then no valves are required.

 

[Lyfespan]

Is this an all in one unit, the Titan?

I will be using just a sprinkler timer to control my lights and watering system, later I'll use the same sprinkler timer to control my CO2 as well.

Sprinkler timers have a 24v lead connect that up to a lighting contactor with a 24v coil either 120v or 220v to control whatever line voltage equipment you want.

Sprinkler timers come in all expenses nowadays, hell you can even get that one that you can access on the web if you'd like to get more geeky with it.

My point is a Titan timer is just an over pricer sprink timer.

Sprink timer 100
Contactor 12.00

 

[Smokey503ski]

I would really rethink using drip and or spray emitters.
You really don't need them.
Your pump will have enough head pressure if you run 2 each 1/4" lines to each plant.
Makea circle with your larger tubing Teed of from your pump.
Then put 48 1/4" lines from there.
Plug your pump into your timer. Pick your feed times and your set.
That's my setup and it works great.

 

[donmekka]

Have you considered blumats? I have yet to give these a try but I hear great reviews. Gonna pick some up and give em a shot this summer on my vegies.