MentalE

Fellows and Fellettes.

I have created a dual aerospring in which I have a 2 31 Gallon Rubbermaids side by side.
I have a 5 gallon bucket next to them.
I have the rubber maids raised about 6 inches off the ground so that they can drain freely into the bucket, and at the same time, they can hold a good amount of water without overflowing the bucket. The bucket contains the pump and will be the refill/drain point.

How many total gallons of water would one suggest I use with 2 aerosprings holding 8 plants each?
The way it is set up now, I can have as low as 5 gallons of water, or as high as probably 15. Would 5 be way too low?
I am trying to figure out if the balance of having MORE water, and having to add more nutrients each time, weighs out between having less water and having to add less nutrients each time..

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MentalE

In addition to my last question, I would like to ask:

During a Nute change, or a flush: Would it be alright to just put *x amount* of tap water in the reservoir with the plants, then add the nutrients, then add the pH up or down solution?
Or instead:
Should I mix the *x amount* of tap water, then the nutrients, then add the pH up or down solution, in a separate reservoir, then when proper pH level is achieved, add all this to the plant reservoir.

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MentalE

Im thinking maybe 1 gallon per plant, so would a 16 gallon reservoir be good?

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HydroSan

Hi MentalE,

It's a tough call to determine res size in great detail. Basically, the bigger the res, the more stable the pH and nutrient strength

I use a 50l (13 gal) res for 8 plants in NFT without hassle, though they don't get much veg time

As it's all realy environment dependant, it's a case of suck it and see. If the res stays stable, Bargain. If the pH swings too much in one day, you'll prolly need a bigger res

I'd imagine mixing the nutes in a seperate container would be better for aero as the roots are exposed, you don't want the roots comming into contact with an imbalanced or bad pH mix if you can avoid it. If the roots are in a completely different vessel seperated from the res, then you can mix in the res when the pump is off, but make sure the nutes are stable prior to switching the pump back on


San

MentalE

Thanks HydroSan, It helps to hear from someone with experience. I want to do this right the first time and im pretty sure I know what I need to know to do it right the first time from everything Ive learned from these boards! (ive spent way too many long nights doing nothing but reading these boards....)

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