How to Build a Hydroponic Rain Gutter Grow System

[@isanBen]

Thanks mate, this is just what I needed to show my missus, I've been growing hydroponics before I met her and since moved to Thailand, been wanting to start growing veggies and herbs for a long time, even it's dirt-cheap here, i like to be in control of what I put in my mouth, I've shown her so many pictures of my old setup, but she's not a fan of the whole thing, this video will "break" her into agreeing 😅 so supersimple and expandable to our needs, can't thank you enough really 🙏🙏👍👍 greetings from Khon Kaen in Thailand 🇹🇭🥳

[@bernardwood6070]

Where about in Khon Kaen are you mate? I have land and soon a house in Ban Fang district

[@chickensrcool67]

Kick ass system setup, gonna give it a whirl!! Keep it green Hoocho

[@sayhello2pedro]

Thank you for the enormous effort you put in to not only the systems you build but also the way you’ve presented and parsed all the information. Seeing how simple and effective hydroponics can be, has made me reconsider taking up a new hobby. P.S. - this song is a trip.

[@teakkabean5369]

I’ve been using the RGGS since 2012. Our only growing space was an only 2000 sq ft house foundation. And this system was perfect for a cement space. There is some wasted space using the round buckets. I’ve lined produce crates and wash tubs to increase the Space. But other than wasted spaces. It works fabulous.

[@popcornshiner3937]

Great system indeed, easy to make but getting it set right will be the hardest part.

[@jayneconley9587]

This system is brilliant. I am hoping I can create one similar. Thanks for the info.

[@littlejohn3209]

I've built this system ands it's great. I've found with pumpkins it rips the ph out of the solution. So i just drain it every few days once it starts flowering. But it's awesome 😎

[@simonwelch4841]

What do you do when it rains does it need covering? Or is this a non factor? As I have mostly indoor stuff and this question has always crossed my mind.

[@littlejohn3209]

@@simonwelch4841 I put a tap on the end. I try and drain it after it's rained a lot.

[@simonwelch4841]

@@littlejohn3209 noted thanks for the reply man!

[@shootingyourshot6991]

Hi I am going to build this system. I started a Larry Hall system a few years ago and abandoned the project after a few mishaps but I still have most of the materials laying around. Can you explain why you wouldn't add the nutrient solution to the water reservoir? I'm using a trash can as my rain barrel. Would it be ok for me to do that?

[@tulipsmoran5197]

Easy way to level is BEFORE you have your system installed. Also using pool skimmer screen or painter's screening bags to keep medium out of the gutter - makes it much easier to keep the gutter clean. I usually wet the net cup w/nutrient, fill several inches of grow media and also wet that. I then fill container and water like you did from the top, turning on the nutrient flow. It seems the capillary action is more efficient to wet the entire container.

[@shootingyourshot6991]

How do you wet the coup with nutrient? Isn't nutrient a liquid? Wouldn't it just pass through the net cup? I'm working on my first build. Please excuse the ignorance.

[@tulipsmoran5197]

@@shootingyourshot6991 "wetting the net cup" means making sure the growing medium is wet and hydrophilic. Otherwise, water potentially can run through the net cup and not get the grow medium moist holding water for the roots. If the net cup growing medium is dry it may not draw up sufficient moisture if any at all for the roots.

[@justgivemethetruth]

That's a cool design. I built a RGGS several years back when I first heard about Self-Watering Planters. I built a kind of bleacher system, with tiers to get more density. One thing I did was to put some cloth or landscape fabric in the net cups to keep the soil from leaking out into the rain gutter. No matter what I did though the roots of whatever plant would always find that hole and grow into the water. It worked really well. I didn't put nutrient into the water, I put it in the 5-gallon buckets I was using. I got a lot of mosquitos and stuff in the way, and wish I had thought to put plastic wrap or something along the tops of the rain gutters. I liked having mine up high enough to work on it without squatting down. Nice video and nice design. I like the hydroponic hybrid system - really cool.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Oh, and also, I build a double rail system, and to keep them both filled with water I just used the siphon action between the two systems ( that were level ). I built a U-shaped pipe, filled it with water and then submerged the ends between the two reservoirs ... and they stayed absolutely level, and I only had to have one hose and one float valve, and no holes or pipes between the reservoirs to leak.

[@MsSAinyourFace]

That's rad and something you can easily disguise to look like a normal potted garden. Keen to see the results and your thoughts on the efficiency of this latest installation.

[@Hoocho]

I foresee it having similar results to autopots. Sacrificing speed for ease.

[@Deonmarx]

@Hoocho what do you mean sacrifice speed for ease

[@moxygenpathogen7678]

It takes a long time set up tye system but once set it good to go it requires very little micromanagement. You can more time marketing to customer rather then constantly working tge system.

[@JOKRWLD]

You aussies always find the cool way of doing things !!!

[@Sophie_519]

I remember Larry Hall put ‘shopping bags’ (i.e. grow bags) on the rain gutter system so that the roots air prune as well. It wasn’t very slightly but the results looked awesome. I saw someone else drill holes around the bucket to achieve the same air pruning result.

[@powaowa1]

if the soil is always wet will some plats not be able to handle it or get root rot? I thought the soil had to dry out a bit between waterings for most plants.

[@shootingyourshot6991]

@@powaowa1 grow bags prevent root rot by air pruning the roots.

[@powaowa1]

@@shootingyourshot6991 how does it air prune roots when the soil is all the way to the bottom and water soaks in down there

[@shootingyourshot6991]

@@powaowa1 It doesn't soak. The plant takes up the amount it needs by wicking it up. The grow bags prune the roots - basically getting burned by the air- that's how it prevents roots from getting root-bound like you see in regular pots.

[@barbarastefani254]

Wow this makes it so much easier thank you

[@paulnorberg3869]

The PVC tubing is not opaque enough to eliminate algae from happening inside where I live. I did a chicken tractor once out of the same PVC except a little bit thicker and denser, the schedule 40 three-quarter inch pipe, thinking I was doing the cool thing by having the watering device suspended from the frame and have the frame be a water container,. I pressurized my frame with the watering for the chickens. Next thing I knew I had sick chickens. I learned that PVC does not block UV. When I deploy something of this nature outdoors, I anticipate using an ABS, or light tight light proof product. Otherwise this is a brilliant build. Edit: Props for not having an Amazon link for the float valve.

[@matweldon6885]

Next project 👌

[@accidentallyfasting5768]

I like this system, but I'm dealing with leaks I can't control for some reason. I realized this combined with your tote wicking system and the triple pot system is the way to go, at least for me. No gutters to line up holes on, you can daisy chain poly tubing but still have flexible placement. Gonna try it out at least

[@rickestrada6686]

So how did the plants turn out? Was it a success or failure and how did the auto water work out for you?

[@lolitabonita08]

Question???WHat about when it rain ...do the containers will be swimming in water and the water will not have any place to go out?

[@RogelioSuerte-fw6pj]

Think you...

[@hikiula]

Excellent tutorial video, thank you for the education. What/which videos will show me how you started the plants you are planting in these tubs.

[@Hoocho]

Pretty sure it was this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKbLZ6R9p9d5ntE 😊

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you so much

[@rossfairhurst2495]

Coco:Perlite 60:40 may I assume that the ratio is by volume and not weight? Otherwise that would be a F-ton of perlite.

[@debbiemraz2650]

Can you share what the (ec and ph) should be for the different types of vegetables and fruit trees. Thank you loving your KZbin videos

[@thesupermom1975]

R.I.P. Larry 😢

[@ricrandmfx]

Good vid. Nice system 👌 will have to try it. Thanks for sharing this idea.

[@fizzymilk2528]

You could even install the float valve inside a separate container that is then attached to the end of the downpipe. This would allow you to adjust the water depth easier, and wouldn't need to cut a hole in the top for it.

[@fizzymilk2528]

Also could make it easier to run multiple downpipes off 1 float

[@isanBen]

Not a bad idea, not at all, even a valve is cheap, being able to use 1 instead of 1 for each, cheaper, i like that idea !👍

[@8ank3r]

and happy hydroponicing :)

[@GlynisDance]

Really interesting and useful video - thank you :)

[@eastcoast4233]

Going through your older videos. Really interesting 😊 Most people don’t have large gardens, so what system would you suggest for a ‘normal’ family home where want to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini/courgettes, strawberries, and suchlike together. They have different EC needs but it’s not practical to run several different systems in a modest garden. Would love to know your views on an adaptive single system.

[@stevef.m.2188]

Thanks Hoocho,How cool is cool ,very nice video

[@sherieryan6176]

Hello, firstly thank you for your videos and if you would be so kind as to answer a few questions when you get time I would love that. 1. Do you still recommend this build and would it be newbie friendly? 2. I live on the GC (not terribly far from you) Do salad greens grow in summer? Lettuce and types that would be hardy enough for our heat? 3. In this system you are using a 60/40 split, which is the higher the coco or perlite? 4. Could you just use the clay balls for all of it? Thanks for your time and patience with a newcomer.

[@scotthintz8875]

How about using rockwool in the cups to keep the gutter from getting dirty from loose cocoa falling into the water? Your valve could run the risks of failure if it gets dirty.

[@stevensorrell2363]

Now you'll have to make the same passive design, but with an IBC grow bed. Mainly so I don't have to.

[@Bony0369]

Owsm setup

[@zingydoughnut82]

Whats the name of those hose ends? Never seen ones that you can attach to the hose with a screw clamp...

[@tonyjames4067]

Fantastic, I am going to try the same thing on my terrace ( I live in a unit and have a 5X7 metre space at the front - roof of garage of unit below) only question I have is what is Best nutrient npk for leafy greens. Thanks Tony J

[@rickestrada6686]

What was the EC of the nutrients that you fed the plants?

[@genepierson1728]

Thanks for the video! The black plastic containers are food safe you mentioned, but are the gutters? I looked through the comments, but couldn't find the question/answer. And does it even matter if everything isn't food safe?

[@raynabelle9397]

Still really want to give the coco perlite a go. I’ve been trying my hand at the standard soil garden bed and it just didn’t getting me the same results as my tiny NTF set up did.

[@accidentallyfasting5768]

After building this gutter system, I'm going to go with something closed to the triple pot system, but with totes. This is a little too rigid of a system imo.

[@KewlQT]

Nice!

[@JB-tc8el]

A few challenges/observations. Firstly I would imagine the coco perlite mix in the netpots would tend to fall into the gutter especially as it keeps refilling? 2) risk of nutrient build up and imbalance. 3) gutter food safe? If not risk of leaching.

[@buffdaddymike8534]

Just a thought instead of cutting out the piece for the float what would happen if you added a piece of pipe and a coupler. so it would lay out like your square pipe - adaptor - round pipe - coupler - float

[@jamielingenfelter5206]

I would just add one more thing to make it perfect I would use all air pruning pots big and small of course so you can still do what you’re doing there

[@jorec]

Thank you, I love your videos, they are excellent. I'm from Argentina, here coconut fiber is very expensive, could you suggest another material to mix with perlite? Would it work only with perlite? Thanks a lot

[@staciocardozo5929]

Peat moss, pine saw dust

[@jorec]

@@staciocardozo5929 Thanks 👍

[@justgivemethetruth]

since this is hydroponic, I wonder if you could use sand?

[@the1charity]

Just perlite works

[@Lord_Joseph17]

can you put a plastic on top of the buckets to prevent evaporation? thanks

[@juliauthoff7703]

Use 3 gallon buckets with lids

[@rossevans1035]

Hi Hoocho, You refer to these rain gutter beds (and similar) as being gravity fed the nutrients. I can't see in your videos what happens to the outflow from the beds. Does it just runoff into the ground or does it get recirculated back to the holding tank? If it does recycle back to the holding tank, how do you get it back to the holding tank? By use of a holding tank with float valve pump ?? Keep up the great videos.

[@isanBen]

There's no run off, it's a raised water tank and a shut-off valve, similar to a toilet, when it's full, it shuts off and when the plants drink and water level goes down, the valve opens and lets in new water, sweet and simple setup

[@rossevans1035]

Thank you for that clarification. Since asking the question I have gained a better understanding of the rain gutter bed process and your reply confirms what I had since come to understand. Thank you again for your reply.

[@jenniferbaker5328]

I am having difficulty finding these downspouts and end cap parts in Hawaii. Will this system still work if I use a round pvc instead of the rectangle

[@the1charity]

Yes

[@kevinnguyen8436]

Do some coco falls through the hole of the netpot? Does algae form on the top layer, etc.?

[@asdfdfggfd]

I like the vinyl down spouts because they cost 1/3 of the price of Shedule 40 pvc now that no one sells Shedule 20 pvc anymore...

[@aboradalolyani]

مرحباً 👍🏻👍🏻 بهذه الطريقة لن يكون هناك لزوم لمضخة الماء و لا لمضخة الهواء أيضاً، أليس كذلك؟

[@DaMilko69]

Would the wicking effect still function if not filling up the pipe with nutrients? Meaning doing the NFT distribution of the nutrient while still having the wicks in?

[@dw4457]

Do you have any links to some of these things like the drain thing bottom of the buckets and that over flow thing end of the gutter piece?? How wide are those net cups bottom of those buckets 3 Inches?

[@accidentallyfasting5768]

I used 3 2 inch net cups for two 27 gal totes and it was too few. Probably should've done 4 or 5.

[@domenicozagari2443]

Silicon is better than tape for the treads. You want to cover or paint the water drum, otherwise the sun will make it brittle.

[@Civilsitis]

i was wondering if growing media pass throw those net pots and fill the nutrients solution in rain gutter

[@alexlavertyau]

Maybe you could externalise the float in a bucket so you don't have to have a cut a hole in the rain gutter?

[@danielroden9424]

whats the advantage of the rail vs totes with holes drilled in them for netcups? you could use the same float valve to refill the totes and connecting some in series wouldnt be any more difficult

[@atulagarwal5514]

I built the system and tried it as comparison to drip system, but found that drip gave better results and growth in fruiting stage than RGGS. Need to know whats the problem. And how do the roots get oxygenated in rggs as there is no oxygenation system used. Wont the roots get damaged that teach the net cups? Plz help. Need answers so that i can perfect my system.

[@justgivemethetruth]

16:20 - what is that white pipe manifold in the background left ... that looks cool too?

[@anvita3071]

Does this system works well ? Can you share some drawbacks of using this system..

[@sappir26]

How often do you need to drain and refill with new fertilizing solution?

[@aaronspain3387]

I know this one's a little bit old, so you may not be monitoring the comments, but I'd like to ask about that float valve setup. All the float valves I can find online use a "Half inch" threaded fitting, which is usually always an NPT (American) thread. I've been going absolutely batty trying to find something that'll convert from 1/2" NPT to a barbed fitting, or to a BSP fitting (the ones we use in Australia). What did you use in this build? The options for Australian suppliers for these float valves are prohibitively expensive, usually at $50+ per float. I'd rather pay $7 per float, wait a few weeks, and get a barbed adapter, but that doesn't seem to be working!

[@Hoocho]

www.ebay.com.au/itm/Automatic-Pool-Spa-Water-Level-Float-Ball-Adjustable-Tank-Trough-Control-Valve-A-/275032817622?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0

[@Hoocho]

Those are similar to the ones I use

[@nickbolter1192]

Do you put the hydroponic nutrients in the rez tank?

[@divinebliss3087]

Will the pvc gutter leach toxins in the water under the sun?

[@DanielMentz_]

Hi, the link you put for the float valve does not exist, can you link one we can use

[@TheNetworkD]

Do you ever have issues with the wicking material in the net pots going stagnant?

[@mikef8714]

How does rain affect this system?

[@davedoolittle6284]

Will the black containers absorb enough sunlight to heat the growth medium to the point it adversely impacts the plants? In other projects it seems you've used the Panda Film to reduce that effect.

[@TracyGotz]

How often do you dump?

[@barneyrubble7536]

Does this balance of the nutrient solution get thrown off when it rains?

[@AndrewRoberts-lh3um]

the link to float value no longer works. Does anyone have a new link?

[@natmickan]

Hey Hoocho, just wondering my if you are using 500mm or 650mm pipe? Love your work :)

[@Nozoki]

Do you think you could convert a dutch bucket system by putting some wicking material into the pipe that normally drains the bucket? That way you wouldn't have to drill a hole in the bottom of your buckets if you wanted to re-use them in a dutch bucket system again. Kind of a reverse dutch bucket where the pvc drain pipe is fed the water from a reservoir and the bucket drain pipe wicks the water up to the planting substrate.

[@lynettepretorius3623]

Hi, I'm curious: have you tried your suggested set-up? If so, how did it work?

[@Nozoki]

@@lynettepretorius3623 Sadly I haven't tried it. I'm finally getting some room cleared to put in a traditional Dutch bucket system, but I still think my idea would work if you wanted to go gravity fed instead of using an electric pump.

[@lynettepretorius3623]

@@NozokiI'm considering all options, but at this stage I'm leaning towards a gravity fed option instead of a pump-system.

[@powaowa1]

if the soil is always wet will some plats not be able to handle it or get root rot? I thought the soil had to dry out a bit between waterings for most plants.

[@isanBen]

That's why he use a mix of 60 40 Coco and perlite, it's excellent for keeping moist and still allow lots of air

[@MacdonaldEdinburghElectrical]

I just don’t get this, I’m new to gardening but I’m told not to leave plants sitting in water. Is this not what’s happening?

[@chuckjames7745]

would this system work if I live on edge of a Deseret and at 4500 alt.?

[@seanray3333]

Would this work with a recirculating system? Like Aquaponics.

[@ancient_gamerr]

Does the perlite cause nutrient build up/retention in the pots?

[@jasonrottler5884]

What band is this?? I love it!

[@wcrutchfield13]

Will style work with fabric bags?

[@smartwaynegaming1658]

where can i find coco peat to buy

[@Alura27]

You said, .." Set and forget system" ... what about bugs/ pest problems?... Have you ever had any problems regarding pest?..

[@englishgrammar2571]

what happens when it rains? does it spill over/drench/drown the coco?

[@ahuramazda323]

i was wondering the same thing

[@dewaynegarrett8382]

Those 3” net cups?

[@budlight4206]

I really wanna say I love the video and thank you for sharing just out of curiosity how did you find the Coco wicked

[@Hoocho]

Works fantastically, some brands work better than others. (Some are properly prepared) If you’re in Australia buy the pine-gro hydroponic grade stuff from Bunnings.

[@budlight4206]

@@Hoocho thank you so much for the quick reply I really appreciate it I sure hope you have an amazing day looking forward to your next project

[@shootingyourshot6991]

Thanks for sharing this! I am interested in doing this. Can you tell me why you put the hydroponic solution in the water reservoir?

[@antonvc]

good stuff as always! how would you compare this to typical nft? which yielded bigger lettuce? thanks!

[@accidentallyfasting5768]

I'm using this system to grow a lot of stuff, including bok choy. It's slower than nft, but I can now grow turnips and radishes, stuff like that. I also have tomato, bell pepper, beans, peas, and more in my setup. Only thing is that it's not as flexible as it could be space-wise. I'm going to be converting to a system that uses the wicking totes hoocho did a video on about a year ago, but modify it to use float valves like this. I can gravity feed my totes and arrange them however I like. I've found moving larger containers for this system can be a pain if you spring a leak or something.

[@davidwille7103]

Shouldn't you drill the holes out before you seal the ends so you can get the plastic shavings out?

[@isanBen]

He flushed it, there's a moment in the video he unscrewed the end and let water out.

[@terencerollew3955]

How often would i need to top up the nutrient?

[@isanBen]

Get a EC meter, it'll tell you exactly when, pH meter too, might need to balance the pH

[@ryanperini2147]

Do you have a link for the rain gutters you used?

[@staciocardozo5929]

Would rise in bottom reservoir temperature matter?

[@faeriethompson3733]

How is this working with all the nutrients in solution?

[@Theprofilepictures]

Hey bro love your channel outstanding Hydroponic information. Have you ever considered opening up the community on your Patreon? I just subscribed over there and would love to post/ask some questions about my current setup. Thanks for all your videos

[@Hoocho]

There’s a community on reddit in description 😊

[@jonerikmedina1662]

there is no need to put drain holes ???

[@volumetricfun]

Hey dude love the videos but can I ask the SUPER obvious, where's the solar and rainwater? I mean I know the running costs aren't crazy high but the grow lights, pumps and high evaporation is surely enough reason to experiment...

[@Hoocho]

I’ve got both solar panels and rainwater tanks.

[@volumetricfun]

@@Hoocho Oh so the mains water you use is all rainwater and the power is all from a solar source ?

[@Hoocho]

@@volumetricfun the water is from a tank on a pump and I have grid connected solar

[@volumetricfun]

@@Hoocho Awesome, sorry I haven't seen all the vids and wasn't sure if you'd already said it or shown it somewhere. Keep up the great work!

[@Hoocho]

@@volumetricfun 🤙🏻 cheers man

[@andrewhigginbottom6525]

How do you deal with rain washing the nutes out of the coco?

[@Hoocho]

I’ve thought about this a fair bit... For my climate, each time we have a decent amount of rain (not often) I plan on emptying the feeder and top feeding nutrient. If your area receives a lot of rain I would suggest using containers with lids (preferably that drain outward) and having a hole the size of the plant you are planting.

[@andrewhigginbottom6525]

@@Hoocho Thanks :)

[@anthea_project]

We are trying to use rain-gutters for our prototype. Fact is, it is very difficult to find these rain gutters in Europe.

[@ramonskie]

have you had any success? as i was look for those types of gutters as well here in the netherlands and its imposible to find

[@anthea_project]

@@ramonskie I found that rectangular aeration pipes from amazon work fairly well. I will try to post a video to explain.

[@rikkcampbell8975]

What do you do about the gaping hole left by the float valve the light will still grow algae in your reservoir won't it bro good vids

[@Hoocho]

I fix it in the chicken feeder video.

[@dewaynegarrett8382]

Any updates now that you have had a year or so using it?

[@chefe2152]

Cheers mate,is there is any way to use only 1 float valve with multiple gutters?

[@jimcaruso4684]

Check out this video from the person who started the rain gutter grow system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oISpZ4eJZZ6Li9E