DIY Ebb and Flood Hydroponics with 3D printed parts (optional)

[@wyfyj]

I swear you are just a slightly more aged version of me from South Africa. I'm from the US and the more I see your videos the more I see my interested bleed through. Your videos have really helped me push through and get creative with hot sauce design and hobby curating. It always seems that with myself and you that each hobby can somehow compliment the other.

[@wardy89]

not going to lie the basic setup is a lot cheaper and easier than i was expecting. Might have to give it a go at some point.

[@ChilliChump]

And it is really effective. I have a few ebb&flood systems going at the moment.

[@joemama142]

Smart plug, water pump, reservoir, coco coir. That's how I've been doing it for years. Never grew a tomato plant smaller than 10 feet tall and I only check up on them like once a week for training.

[@Flumphinator]

I'm new at this and I've been trying to design my own ebb and flow system using siphons. Watching someone who knows what they're doing made me realize how much I'm overthinking this! I was trying to work out some passive loop siphon system that had the pump always on, but I just haven't been able to get it to work. Crazy it's as simple as just letting the water drain back down through the pump. D'oh! Time to break out a Pi Zero and a couple relays! Thanks!

[@ChilliChump]

Don't worry....I did the same! I love the concept of a bell siphon, but it really isn't necessary!

[@danielk2608]

@chilliChump Don't you think, that it will damage the pump in the long run ? That is one of my worries and how to make sure that the pump doesn't block up with the organic waste and dirt draining down into the reservoir. Been thinking to build one myself, but I am unsure about the issues mentioned.

[@piepliep2]

The drilling montage is almost as great as the chopping montages in your recipes

[@EthnobotanikFAQ]

I‘m actually using the bigger IKEA box (Klamtare) for my vertical growing project too! Cool to see that someone else had the same idea :)

[@andersostlund]

Great. I hadn't thought of using my 3D-printer for this even thought I do ebb & flow tomatoes and herbs.

[@satyr1349]

If you're tempted to try a hydroponics kit indoors in one of the wetter/damper climates in the northern hemisphere, make sure to have access to a strong extractor fan & venting to outdoors in order to control the humidity for your plants and property (don't want any mold). Smaller fans near the plants will also act like wind does outdoors encouraging thicker, sturdier stems on your chillies/tomatoes/etc.

[@linaso9739]

This time you cross looks much better than in the previous video! I still haven't tried hydroponics. Maybe one day will give it a try.

[@ChilliChump]

It is still pretty funky looking. It is certainly going to be an interesting plant!

[@terranentity]

You, sir, are my newfound inspiration. Thank you for what it is you do. Subbed.

[@mgu06]

So excited to see the future of this cross!

[@leggy6234]

Hi, I would install an overflow as a matter of course, out of the side of top tank down into the lower one, also if your pump is none adjustable then another 30 seconds of flood won't hurt your plants and your table will not overflow, oh! after watching all of your video's my plans for next year are going to me a fortune, and I can't wait, inspiring.

[@ChilliChump]

There is an overflow....it's built into the 3d part I created

[@leggy6234]

@@ChilliChump Hi, apologies, I did not realise it was built in, nice design and efficient, do you sell the 3D printed components.

[@ChilliChump]

I can if you like. Where are you based?

[@leggy6234]

@@ChilliChump Hi, Sheffield

[@ChilliChump]

Reach out to me on Facebook, or through my website www.chillichump.com/contact

[@gerhardbecker3781]

Awesome stuff. Really looking forward to build this.... Sown my seeds yesterday

[@itsmeagain8604]

Great share, thanks for the info. After time could you get a slime build up in the tank ? Perhaps that intense light gets through the flap openings and could encourage bacterial growth. Maybe a simple cloth covering could defeat that ?

[@ChilliChump]

No problems with that. Remember you are replacing the nutrients every 2 weeks or so...and it's a good idea to rinse the reservoir out at that time. Also your plant will shade the bottom pretty well. Never had an issue. Even last year with my semi-transparent setup

[@itsmeagain8604]

@@ChilliChump Good to know, thanks for your reply.

[@bluezorro999]

Recent subscriber and Chilli growing amateur here! I’ve been going through your videos - but can’t see anything about nutrients for chillis in hydroponic set ups? Have I missed it somewhere?

[@ChilliChump]

Hi Gary, welcome to my channel! I have shown the nutrients I use in a few videos. More recently was on my ebb and flood system build video, around the 10 minute mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3OZdH1-prWXp7M I will do a dedicated video on various nutrients you can use in the future. I am still experimenting with what works best.

[@zachchenoweth6622]

Just in time lol. Going to be building a large, urban aquaponics system in my backyard next year and was wondering how I can incorporate the printers from my 3D printing company.

[@charla_c45]

Excellent video!

[@Der_Ed]

You mention the 50l reservoir will last about 2 weeks with a mature plant. "Last" in as nutriants are used up, correct? Do you then empty the container and refill it?

[@ChilliChump]

No...as in the the resovoir needs to be refilled. It will essentially be near empty by that time.

[@Der_Ed]

@@ChilliChump Oh, didn't think it would use up so much water. Thanks

[@_general_error]

Have you tried a bell siphon system instead of a timer? What do you think about them?

[@ChilliChump]

I like the idea of a bell siphon but you would still need a timer. If you are constantly flooding the system then the roots don't get time to "breathe". I have 3 hours gaps between flooding

[@Starystarynights]

Looking to do this with WiFi plugs as can control the time on smart life app. How often should you run the pump per day?

[@ChilliChump]

I run it every 2 to 3 hours. Depends on the temperatures, and the growth stage of the plant.

[@PP-eh3ks]

What is the best temperature for fermentation chilli's or other vegetable's. Please answer as soon as possible.

[@ChilliChump]

I talk about this in many of my videos....I would recommend watching some of my fermenting videos. I ferment at between 19 and 21 degrees celsius depending on what I am aiming for with my ferment, and how long I am fermenting for.

[@karlnone8422]

How do you control a 110 volt pump with a micro controller? What relay are you using?

[@ChilliChump]

Have a look at this video over on my second channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIq5o4CrnpqZfNU

[@starshot5172]

What would be the advantages ofthis system compared to f.e. a Dutch bucket hydroponics system?

[@ChilliChump]

Dutch bucket is a very similar concept

[@joevile5328]

Fantastic video as always. Top work! 👌🏻

[@ChilliChump]

Thanks Joe!

[@joevile5328]

@@ChilliChump out of interest are you an engineer by trade? You definitely know what you're talking about?

[@ChilliChump]

I work in the tech field.

[@joevile5328]

@@ChilliChump would you ever consider doing a more intricate video explaining setting a raspberry pi (for example) to time watering on a Dutch bucket setup. Fascinated by hydroponics.I used to be a pipe fitter. I love tech!

[@ChilliChump]

I am doing just that on my second channel. Have a look at kzbin.info

[@xandrios]

Why is it important to match the pump-on time to the filling of the upper box? If the upper box is full and the pump keeps going it would simply overflow and drain to the lower box. Is that a problem if it happens for a minute?

[@ChilliChump]

Because the longer the upper area is full the more likelihood of disturbing the roots. The clay pebbles can float. But ultimately it isn't too much of an issue

[@carbon5261]

All my pepper plants are currently in soil, but when I prune them I'll try to propagate some of the branches into hydro and build this for them. Maybe Frankenstein-splice all three together into a triple clone ghost-scorpion-reaper, because I don't actually have enough grow light for 3 setups this big. How long do hydrotons last, by the away?

[@ChilliChump]

You can reuse hydroton many times over. Good to clean them well at the end of the season though.

[@carbon5261]

@@ChilliChump hmm, I wonder if it might be possible to clean them with the plant in there, or safely extricate and reintroduce the plant to allow cleaning. I was planning to keep it the entire natural life of the plant and who knows how long that is in a climate controlled room

[@lalski08]

Greater yield and faster growth with Aeroponics. Also, please wear appropriate eye protection with led's that emit wavelengths between 440-460 Nm, you will eventually blind yourself.....(Retinal Apoptosis)

[@atomizer2665]

Flood and drain will hold its own against what most folks consider aeroponics. If your talking about reel aero thats a different story.

[@pcurtis987]

Heck yeah! More hydro!!

[@erikhartwig6366]

great video!

What type of material are you printing with? I noticed that the box is made of PP.

[@ChilliChump]

PLA.

@@ChilliChump But PLA breaks down in water and probably enters the plants. Aren't you worried about the long term effects? I'm sorry that I'm being a bit critical here. Just so you know, I'm really impressed by the things you are creating and that you respond to comments.

[@ChilliChump]

I have got some PLA sitting in water outdoors for the last 2.5 years as a test. There is no noticeable breakdown at all so far. Also PLA is biodegradable, so even if part of it was breaking down over time, I wouldn't be concerned about any long term effects. PLA is used for medical implants...as well as food handling.

[@bentgenetics8623]

Is there a substitute of the 3d overflow part I could buy for people without a 3d printer? Great build and video.

[@ChilliChump]

You could create it using a couple pipes and a tank connector. I did that as a test before creating my 3d printed part

[@bentgenetics8623]

@@ChilliChump awesome, thanks. This will make a good winter project for me.

[@MsSavvy9]

Hello Google sent me through recommended viewing... it's scary how much they know me 🤦🏽‍♀️ I like this. I have a tank aquaponics system with koi. As the koi get bigger I want to switch to a system like this. Eventually, they will be going into a pond outside. Would the steps would be the same at a larger scale or do you have another approach?

[@ChilliChump]

It would be a similar concept for sure! And thank you for watching. I have a couple other videos you may be interested in if you are looking to automate things

[@MsSavvy9]

@@ChilliChump thanks! I subscribed! My best performing plants are 🌶 so I am sure I will learn a lot!

[@macEboy]

How would plants do outdoors? Do they have enough "root strength" to stand up to some wind? Thanks!

[@ChilliChump]

Have a look at some of my other hydro videos. I use a similar system, just scaled up, in my greenhouse. And I used a smaller system last year as a test in the greenhouse too. Like I mentioned in this video, have a look at my 2019 grow update series, you can see the progress of the two systems.

[@macEboy]

@@ChilliChump Thank you very much for the reply. I will later this evening.

[@atomizer2665]

@@ChilliChump I use a diy 12 bucket outdoor flood and drain system for chilli`s, completely open to the elements and have no trouble.

[@macEboy]

Super interesting! More details about this type of system! I'm already planing to do a few Shishito peppers. Any additional helps please ! Cheers!!

[@ishmael_black]

Your link for Small pump is not working. Can you post a new link or just a name and model of the pump please. Also do I have to pay for your 3D model to download it?

[@ChilliChump]

I have updated the link, it should work now: geni.us/smallpump The 3d model is available as a benefit for Patreons that support my channel at that Piri Piri tier and above www.patreon.com/chillichump

[@ishmael_black]

@@ChilliChump The link for the pump is still not working.

[@ChilliChump]

Which country do you live in Amir?

[@ishmael_black]

@@ChilliChump Austria

[@ChilliChump]

You don't appear to have amazon in Austria. I did some searching on Austrian eBay, this should be the pump: bit.ly/smlpump_austria

[@JohnAnderson-ox2be]

Cant you just use a bell siphon and eliminate the timer all together?

[@ChilliChump]

If you want...but then you would be constantly flooding your system. The roots need to breathe...in particular for chilli plants. There is a 3 hour gap between flooding with this system.

[@dougmate2378]

if you don't have a 3d printer what can you use for that drain?

[@ChilliChump]

You can use a barbed tank connector. It will flow back through the pump when the pump is off. Also you would need to place a pipe for overflow (that is built in the 3d printed part)

[@dougmate2378]

@@ChilliChump excellent sir. I thoroughly enjoyed the design you made.

[@Seagull-Island]

Excellent and instructive video would you be interested in selling the flood hand drain fitting in your store .I would definitely buy one.

[@becauseican2607]

Do you have a recommendation for a Growlight?

[@ChilliChump]

It would really depend on a few things. Mainly budget, and how long are you expecting to grow under the light (i.e. to fruit stage?)

[@becauseican2607]

@@ChilliChump a good Balance between price and Quality. I already bought a 1m*1m tent. And yes to fruit stage

[@ChilliChump]

@@becauseican2607 the light that I'm using in this video is decent. Good amount of power and well built. geni.us/spiderfarmersf1000

[@becauseican2607]

@@ChilliChump thank you very much.

[@STMENTNETWORK]

can u show us how to get it to send an email that would be great

[@ChilliChump]

keep an eye on my second channel, I am going to show that as part of my beginners guide series: kzbin.info

If your overflow height is adjustable you don't need to fiddle with timing so much.

[@ChilliChump]

You still want to the water/nutrients to in the container for as little time as possible.

[@ashaion1777]

Does the water get too hot in a greenhouse? I see your is in a tent.

[@ChilliChump]

Nope ..I have a similar system in the greenhouse. The water stays at the right temperature. There is a lot of thermal mass, so with the temperature differential between day and night, it keeps the water at a good temp.

[@ashaion1777]

@@ChilliChump Cool thanks, might have to make me one for the greenhouse.

[@yeahrightbear8883]

I don't understand what the point of hydroponics is. It seems to me that this is way more complicated takes up way more space and requires way more energy than to just plant it in dirt. Am I missing something? I don't understand the benefits. I've had great results with 3 things. Compost water and sun. All 3 are basically free and easy to obtain. Hydroponics requires chemicals and electronics and timers and grow lights. All of that stuff adds up. I can see it as a novelty thing like maybe a few plants just as an experiment. but really I see nothing but disadvantages.

[@ChilliChump]

I personally prefer soil. However hydroponics results in less waste and quicker growth

[@oskarwallin8715]

First?