scrub

So I'm tinkering again. I figured that the AeroSpring is actually a drip system where the water is delivered via sprayers. If that is the case, then I believe that delivering the nutrients directly to as much root surface at once the better.

Modification one: Spray directly on the top half of the roots. Place spray heads directly opposite each grow pot. If you have six pots in two rows then place three spray heads down the middle. During early root development, this produces the maximum direct spray on the young roots.

Modification two: Spray directly on the bottom half of the roots. Place spray heads directly under each of the three in modification one. After the plants grow significant roots, the lower sprayers will be hitting more root than the upper.

What do you think?

smelly

can anyone post pics of thoes in use - veg flower - how do you test you TDS and PH - what kinda TDS are u guys running - how often do you change/ add nute solution - do you flush - for how long - peace smelly

scrub

I'll address the picture question. . . Here are three links to people using the AeroSpring:

http://www.hempcultivation.com/420/s...ght=aerospring

http://www.hempcultivation.com/420/s...ght=aerospring

http://www.hempcultivation.com/420/s...ght=aerospring

Enjoy.

scrub

The original design has roots dangling into a reservoir. The spray system takes care of the roots that are in the air. But what about the roots in the water?

One popular modification--by insanek9--was to add bubblers to the water. Insanek9 calls it the ABC--AeroSpring/Bubbler Combination.

I used the bubbler modification for my first two grows. But can I get rid of the bubblers? I don't know, but I'll try.

I cut the bottom four or so inches off a Rubermaid tote that is the same as my AeroSpring. I then cut three holes: one for the pump; one to drain standing water; and one alligned with the top maintenance hole to access the reservoir.

Here's a picture. I don't know yet if it improves performance.

delsolbf

nice work, i cant wait to begin. I'm in the process of gathering all the parts and hope to begin this month. I plan on using 400W MH and HPS, is this too much or just right? Where do you get the micro sprayers? I want to make my aerospring pretty much like you guys have done in this post. I'll take pics and hopefully join you guys eventually in upgrading the system. I dont understand the drain system. I gather I'll have to see it to understand it. Where do you get your nutes? There's so much info here I'm scatter brained.

If you join the mentor system I'd love to be your protege!

__________________
Philosophy+Psycology+Science

Power

scrub

Concerning "400W MH and HPS, is this too much or just right?" My grow space is 2.5 X 4.0. I use a ScrOG screen that is about 2 x 3. I have mylar stapled to the walls; an air intake hole; and an air exhaust fan. I'm using a 250W all-in-one grow light with an AgroSun bulb. I will be upgrading to a 400 - 430 W HPS with remote ballast in the near future. I think it will do fine as long as the area is ventilated.

Concerning "Where do you get the micro sprayers?" I got mine from Orchard Supply and Hardware. There is a picture in this thread.

Concerning "the drain system." When you want to drain most of the water from your system, just (1) attach a hose exhausting somewhere; (2) turn on the pump; (3) and open the ball valve. This will pump water out through the hose until the water level dips below the pump intake. Turn off the pump before it pumps air!

Concerning "Where do you get your nutes?" Order online from General Hydroponics or look in your Yellow Pages for a hydroponic store.

Concerning Pot U. If that was directed at me, I appreciate the confidence but I don't deserve it. I'm just a beginner too. My knowledge comes solely from others with modest experience from a couple of grows. I don't mind helping but you can surely do better.

scrub

Although you can get your TDS and pH question answered elsewhere in the forums, I don't know that you did. So, here is my answer.

For my first two grows I did not test pH or ppm at all. I flushed only twice during each grow. With my current grow, I've started to test these factors.

I'm using the Hanna TDS1 meter that ButterflyDreams writes about. I'm trying to keep the vegatative ppm between 800 and 1000. If the reading is below 800, I add nutrients. If it is above 1000, I add water.

After adjusting the nutrients, I test pH using a chemical tester. The tester is for hydroponics. It is similar to a pool pH tester. It is not very accurate but I try to keep the color just below yellow. Yellow is 6.0 pH.

I haven't starting a flush routine yet. See omirp's method in this forum. The plan I would use is as follows:
(1) determine the volume of water in the AeroSpring;
(2) record how much fresh water you put into the system;
(3) when the amount of water you have replaced in the system equals the amount in the AeroSpring itself, flush.

Flush for how long? I pump out the water until it goes below the intake. Don't pump air! Then I replace the water. Repeat if you want cleaner water.

smelly

thanks that was a lot of good info - but i was more wondering where you put the whole to test/refill and what you used as a cover - and can the ph ppm/tds/ec meter reach far down - do you put it on top / below - where would you put it with the 2 tub method so the roots dont touch water - do the roots get in the way of testing - thanks a ton - this thread rocks for aero info - peace

scrub

smelly
Look at the picture of my AeroSpring. The maintenance hole in the top is the hole that is not in symetrical rows. That is, the grow pots are in the form of the 6 pips on a die. The seventh hole is for maintenance.

The cover for the maintenance hole is a 3.5" tupperware container. It's like a big cork--with storage.

I use a turkey baster to extract a water sample and drop the water into a glass. I measure that sample to get ppm and pH. So far the roots don't get in the way of testing.

smelly

and let the light shine - you use a turkey baster - i see cried the blind man - thanks a ton - peace