wrongway

dont worry about the roots reaching your solution of life
they seem to like their roots being in the solution so that isnt too big of a problem if they choose to grow that much root

scrub

That's a good point. There may be no reason to keep the roots from staying submerged. In my case, I tried that along with a bubbler. Now I'm trying a false bottom. If I learn anything, I'll post it.

smelly

would i need an air stone in the medium ?? thanks - peace

scrub

If you wish. It would probably help. But I don't think you need it.

scrub

Update on the false bottom. It doesn't hurt and it may help. Comparisons need to be made.

More specifically, the plants in my current grow are growing very well. The best results I've had. However I cannot attribute the strong growth to the false bottom. Other variables I've changed have been better nutrient monitoring and better light. All I know about the false bottom compared to the two alternatives--nothing or airstones--is that it has not caused any problems.

delsolbf

Would the sprayers be better positioned to point right at the pots?

When I have mine pointed straight up the line doesnt hit the pots. It seems when I point them right at the pots they get a better watering.

I have 2 rows of 3 with 2 in the middle making 8 spots. 3 sprayers down the middle pointing up. Couple hitting the sides. Should I keep the pointing up or aim them towards the pots?

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scrub

It is starting to appear that 'more spray = better growth.' I think it was DigitalT who said that his plants are healthiest closest to the pump. I did not see this with my first grow but currently my two healthiest plants are closest to the pump.

If closeness to the pump translates to better growth then what is actually causing the increased growth? Is it pressure? Is it amount of spray?

Earlier, I had reconfigured my spray heads to spray directly on the pots. My sprayer configuration is on the verticle--top and bottom. Perhaps your thought of placing the sprayers on the horizontal--side and side--will improve performance. Give it a try.

Another thought is, If closeness to the pump improves growth then perhaps a more powerful pump would also improve growth.

If we determine what the variables are then we can determine what is optimum. Or have fun trying.

delsolbf

I'm going to try a horizontal spray manifold, see what I can do to try to get all 6 pots being hit.

Thats interesting about the pump and better growth. I wonder if it would have anything to do with heat. Or, maybe the nutes/water get delivered out of the first sprayer better because of pressure. I've got my 2 sprouts right by the pump.

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scrub

Small system aeroponic Variables:

1. Type of spray/sprayer. Smaller dropplets = better.
2. Position of spray hitting pots. Lower on pot = better.
3. Position of spray hitting roots. More direct = better.
4. Volume of spray hitting roots. Greater = better.
5. Proximity of plant to pump. Closer = better.
6. Pump size. Larger = better.
7. Roots in or out of water. Aerated (bubbler) = better than not. False bottom = ?.
8. Freshness of reservoir water. Flushing = better. Timing = ?
9. Spray timing. 1min on/ 4 min off = ? 1 hr on/ 1 hr off = ?
10. Base water. Distilled = ? Tap = ? Filtered = ?
11. Water temperature. Heater = ? Temperature = ?

delsolbf

Got 3 rows of 2 hitting every pot. When I take the pot out water will shoot out the holes of the aerospring. I'd say these plants and roots will be soaked.

Roots I dont think will get much of a direct hit, but the pots are getting hit enough for water to drip down the roots.

On sprout #1 of mine water drips down the root for a long period of time after the pump has been turned off.

I also makde 2 sprayers in the middle.

I drew all my plans tonight and if can get my scanner to work I'll post.

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