How to set up an Ebb and Flow / Flood and Drain Hydroponics Growing System - PART 1 of 6

Here we set up a Flo n' Gro 12 pot modular flood and drain hydroponics system (manufactured by Titan Controls) on our outdoor terrace. We're growing Yolo Wonder sweet peppers in Gold Label Hydrocorn and General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients.

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Joe-thanks for your question. The Oceanis1 control bucket has a standard segmental timer that allows you to specify flood cycles in 15-minute increments. (And 15 minutes is plenty.) When the plants were small I flooded once or twice a day. As they grew (and the summer intensified) I'd flood up to 6 or 7 times a day, mainly because my growing media (Hydrocorn) is non-restrictive (non-absorbant). If I'd been using coco coir or rockwool loose fill, fewer irrigations would've been necessary.

[@66blacksunshine]

Great Vids. Straight to the point and the most informative Vids that I have ever watched ..thank you for spending your time to make these.. thanks again and please keep making more.

[@herban_garden]

Hey Ev, thanks for all the great videos. Just discovering you. I’m glad you talk faster in the newer videos, don’t let the haters slow you down!

[@jaredpaul8677]

Nice Everest 👍 I love my bucket system too. I use elbows for the end buckets, and flush with fresh h2o once every Rez change. The syphon break from the Rez to the Brain is also key to not overflowing. Keep up the good work, cheers

[@Jonrocat]

anyone ever told you you have one of those tv show hosts voice style? you should be on tv, very clear and easy to understand, love ur vids.

[@Just4Growers]

Thanks Xanode, yes I get that all the time :) People say "Wow-you have a face for radio!" :)

[@nick-qo8ir]

Ha! Ggaaaayyyyy

[@MissionaryForMexico]

I built the same type system myself spending just $200. Built my own design service bucket implementing two relays two float levels and AC to DC power transformer.

[@Just4Growers]

Hey Wema, you make a good point. An air-stone at the bottom of the reservoir would be a great addition to increase dissolved oxygen levels, especially as the nutrient temperature rose as high as 24C (75F) on hot days.

[@Just4Growers]

Hey AK - thanks for your comment. Algae isn't a huge issue, and it's pretty much an inevitability outdoors. My main concern is keeping it out of the res and-as algae needs light to grow-as long as I keep my lid on, I should be fine.

[@donaldforeman4010]

Have you ever tried 6 inch cubes in this system?

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Hegarty. Thanks for your question. I am not experienced with Aquaponics so I'll get a specialist friend of mine, Sylvia, to chime in. I'm sure you've Googled modular aquaponics systems so you know they're out there. While this system is designed for use with mineral-based hydroponic nutrients I don't see any reason why this system could not be adapted, as long as adequate filtration was used to prevent the pipes clogging. I'm very happy with the performance of this system so far.

[@donaldforeman4010]

Have you ever tried 6 inch cubes in this system? Thanks

[@zangetsu2k8]

your videos are awesome. so inspirational, and seeing how you set this up today I feel more confident about my ebb and flow setup I have in mind, though the pots would be too close to each other.

[@mrgardenprojects1783]

Thank you for making a helpful video. I've subscribed to your channel and I look forward to following you on KZbin. Thanks for sharing.

[@Just4Growers]

MR GARDEN PROJECTS Thanks MGP! I subbed your channel too. The world needs more gardening videos! Peace and happy growing, Everest.

[@mrgardenprojects1783]

Thanks for subscribing to my channel. Your right the world does need more gardening videos. Happy gardening.

[@bradtheriot3610]

Congrats on cornering the Gayest Voice Market.

[@Reeothec]

is this everest? i dont recognize him not talking like he had his aderall and 5 cupsa coffee

[@brianholton4460]

great info/video

[@Just4Growers]

+Brian Holton Thanks Brian.

[@mmangla5575]

very nice

[@deetran916]

Great informative video. What is the spacing needed for the system?

[@aarongastineau1476]

Very informational

[@heckyes]

FYI for those that are commenting about air stones. They are actually unnecessary in my opinion from my personal research and experience with no-soil growing methods if you have the root systems exposed entirely to air. With flood and drain as we are seeing here when the water leaves the buckets they are actually completely saturated in moist air in the buckets. No amount of bubbling from airstones or any other method will deliver more oxygen to the root system then simply being exposed in the air. With the water being pumped back into the reservoir, as long as there is a "water fall" (ex. the water is falling from the hose back into the water) under normal conditions (ie. not extremely warm temperatures) this will add enough aeration to the reservoir.

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Actually the increased air supply does increase oxygen to water, it also keeps water molecules moving, and deters flying insects. Lastly it helps the reservoir maintain a buffer.

[@izraasah]

its very nice

[@GulfVet213]

I wish you were my neighbor !

[@rafaelsaint-miran8457]

Hi Everest!!! if I wanna add more plants let say 36 I just need to install a bigger pump?

[@TarkMcCoy]

I use an OLD Ebb & Grow system with the smaller tubing (1/2" ID), which can be problematic (sometimes) with getting plugged or kinked somewhere along the lines, causing nutrient starvation to all plants from the plugged area and upstream. To counter that problem I use what I call a "race track" configuration: Where you plugged off your pipe ends, I cross connect them. This allows TWO paths for the juice to get to your plants instead of ONE. This has pretty much eliminated that as a potential problem for me.

[@josephsmith961]

3/4

[@PvPSAGE]

thanks cool video!

[@Just4Growers]

+deven funderburk You're welcome Deven.

[@callestrom2799]

Your The man🌱❤️🌶️

[@SuperPussyFinger]

I like your style. Superb overview.

[@OrioleSongbird]

Serious lack of Pearl and Marina.

[@achmadsupriyoto4808]

good idea

[@cpp25]

Do you have to change the water out every week? 55 gallons is a lot every 7 days.

[@sallyweiner4180]

How often do you do a full nutrient solution change?

[@gregmundwell8113]

You really can build your backyard that doesn't require weeding, tilling or cultivating, the spreading of fertilizer or garden compost, and no watering or irrigating; all while your plants yield up to 10 x the amount of vegetables than plants from a dirt garden.

[@bobo4126]

Thank you for taking the time for such a quality job ?

[@cmdrefstathiusplacidus9003]

You dont have to fill the main res. completely right? I assume there is a formula for the number of sites. Any idea how many gallons per site? My point is, 55 gallons is a lot of nootz to change out every week or two for a 4 site setup as mine.

[@bobbycarvalho535]

I would like to know the water temp how can you keep it at a certain temperature without getting too cold or too hot

[@growingking8450]

Some other nutrients to use that have worked great for my hydro plants are Complete Hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients, or General Hydroponics.

[@eduardobucoy2330]

can we used bell siphon as flood and drain system?

[@gonzaloleon7448]

This is all quite complicated, labor and time consuming. This must be made easier. Das ist doch alles ehr komplizoert, arbeits- und Zeitaufwändig. Das muss doch einfacher gemacht werden können.

[@Shibu11229]

How do you keep an Ebb and Flow system outdoors? I would like to do this but how do you keep the rain and squirrels from getting into your growing medium?

[@fishhuntgrow7727]

By making it air tight at the top, or do a dwc

[@DA-vv1vl]

Will this system work with aquaponics?

[@lraybeamzlgaming7444]

Where can i get those net pots?

[@codicesecreto3132]

thank u

[@blackirish3530]

Hey Everest great video man! Do you think the tubing needs to be zip tied as well or does the piping fit snug?

[@Just4Growers]

Thanks Black Irish. No need for zip ties. The tubing goes nowhere.

[@keafy_4506]

Where can you get an end stopper

[@frankie4622]

How much will it cost for this system

[@simonwede]

Hi, I started with hyrdo just a few weeks ago, and still learning from mistakes :) The easiest system (or so i thaught) I decided to use was the windowfarm/bottle farm, I have 3 pots hanging, with a air-pump pushing water and nutrients up. Also, I had a few seeds from last year (cuecumber and basil) only 2 cuecumbers survived. And not one of them is taking over my window day by day. I live in northern sweden wich means low temps this time of year. What system you think I should use instead of windowfarm? DWC, Ebb & Flow? I have a really small appartment (a little less then 30 square meters) so i need to keep it down to size. So for now, its the 2 cuecumbers that i need to give more space, or rather a system that can hold the weight. And the rest of my plants that im brining up from seed right now are diffrent kinds of sallads.

[@Just4Growers]

simon vedefors Hi Simon. Thanks for your question. For ease of use, maintenance, and beginner-friendliness I would heartily recommend a 1m2 ebb and flow system or something similar. Your cucumbers will love the regular irrigations and you have a lot of choices when it comes to growing media. Try fabric breathable pots (i.e. Smart Pot, Gro Pro, etc.) filled with a 50 / 50 mix of good quality coco coir and perlite and sit them directly in the tray.

[@rickhaynes4848]

+Everest Fernandez (Just4Growers) yay...coco/perlite in smart pots. yay holds less water than rockwool for ebbnflow. more air..better growth

[@micahulloa226]

Hydro system with the occasional thunderstorm wow that ought to make a wonderful mess!

[@kenngravel801]

Any issues with it being outside? Like rain water in the buckets or the electrical connections or control unit?

[@Just4Growers]

The unit isn’t designed for outdoor use. I protected all the weather sensitive components.

[@boonvang708]

It be nice if you turned it into a hybrid drip system. Like it would drip until full and then stay full until the alloted time then drain. That's how it would flood and drain. Anyone have any idea how to accomplish this?

[@SKgoon]

Link to purchase equipment ??

[@mandotorres80]

black white light depo plastic with white side up would look clean and minimize algae growth.

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

Hi Everest, Is there any chance you can do a show about the control bucket please? I'm wanting to build one quite soon so a few tips would be great. Many thanks.

[@Just4Growers]

+Kevin H Okay Kevin, I'll add it to the list. They are pretty simple to create. Consider the control bucket just a staging area for the nutrient solution. Nutrient solution is pumped in, controlled by a float valve. The height of the nutrient solution is equalised across all the connected pots. The float valve stops the inflow pump and starts an outflow pump which drains the nutrient solution back into the main reservoir. I guess the perfect video would be a how to DIY it, step by step, right?

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

Everest Fernandez That's wonderful, thank you! I know it's cheeky to ask if this could be a 'sooner' project, please? Your comments are very clear but I'm not sure about the float valves etc. I suppose when it comes to it, seeing it in action gives a confidence before a build. I've got the cash to build one just not the know-how. Many thanks for your kind reply. I wish you a great 2016 and onwards. Kev.

[@Just4Growers]

+Kevin H Thanks Kevin I'll do my best!

[@joebuzzell7506]

is the flow control box basically a dutch with a two outlet timer? Nice system dunno if I want to spend the $650 dollars for it at our hydroponics store.

[@Just4Growers]

Joe Buzzell Hey Joe. Thanks for your question. It's a complete out-of-the-box modular ebb and flow system that's built from rugged components that are easy to replace. The price-point might not be in everyone's budget, I concede, but I enjoyed using it, it was easy to maintain, very productive, and I certainly look forward to another run. If you're a handy sort (unlike me!) you could probably make a DIY version for less but you'd have to invest some extra hours dialling it in. Thanks for subbing the channel by the way ;-) I appreciate it.

[@adrianchen1423]

how did you provide electricity to outdoors? do you dangle the cable out the window ?

[@Just4Growers]

+adrian chen I have outdoor electrical sockets

[@calvinculverwell7124]

With this system, is it possible to grow different types of plants that require a different ph. I'm looking at doing my first hydroponic system and trying to figure out what's my best option for growing multiple different vegetables.

[@Just4Growers]

+Calvin “mygunz” Culverwell keep it at 6.0 and you'll be good for most commonly cultivated veg.

[@tcosio27]

hey Everest I got the older ebb and flow system and for some reason when I fill my 55 gallon drum with only 30 gallons when it's time to cycle, it fills and then when it drains it back into the tank the 55-gallon drum somehow continues to pump water into the brain even after the cycle has stopped, it's like it has a error Gap in it and it's still drains continuously can you tell me what I need to look for or what I could do

[@jaredpaul8677]

You need a syphon break from your Rez to your brain. You plug your hoses into it, and it has two pin holes that shot water back into the Rez when the pumps are running. Your local hydro shop will have it or search "green trees bucket system syphon break" hope that helps, cheers

[@92AlexFox]

How often do you have to change the main water? on my nutrients it says do not let it stay for more than 24 hours in a regular bucket. And size on pots? :)

[@Just4Growers]

A quality hydroponic nutrient will be fine-good to keep it aerated with an air pump and air stone. Change out the reservoir when you have topped up with the same volume of water (or half strength nutrient solution) as the volume of the reservoir itself. For instance, if you have a 100 gal reservoir, keep track of every gallon you top it up with-once you have topped up 100 gallons, it's time to change out the whole thing. I usually let me reservoir get half depleted at this point and then change it out.

[@popatop75]

how often does it water itself on a average.. thanks you thought me something about cool fertilizer is best

[@Just4Growers]

Dave Fyffe I had it set up to water four times a day Dave. The Hydrocorn doesn't actually hold on to much moisture so it needs to be irrigated regularly-great for lots of air in the root zone though! :)

[@jmf420]

Just got this system myself. My question is this: how do you go about draining the reservoir when you need to change out the nutrient solution in it?

[@Just4Growers]

jafron fronjay Hi Jafron. Thanks for your question. As this was on my outdoor terrace, I simply removed the end caps from the two main irrigation tubes and flooded the nutrient solution out on to my terrace. Indoors, this might not be such a clever option! Lol. Your best bet may be to use a pump and some hosing to convey the spent nutrient to your nearest drain-point. You can also dilute old nutrient solution 50 / 50 with tap water and fertilize your lawn if you have one! :)

[@VanClaaude]

I don't mean to be stupid, but what the Ebb stands for??? And also I know that US is a super country, but in my country all the peppers (but not exclusively) would be eaten by mice, possums, dingo, rabbits, kangaroos, snakes, spiders etc. etc., if they were outside. Also those gadgets are very sophisticated - how much does such a set up cost? Otherwise, I love your videos, they are very enlightening. Thanks for sharing mate!

[@garettanderson6772]

Think of it like the ocean: Ebb is the tidal phase during which the tidal current is flowing seaward (ebb current) and flood is the tidal phase during which the tidal current is flowing inland (flood current)

[@ConsciousCulture9]

What are your thoughts about coco as a medium with the oceanius?

[@Just4Growers]

Too absorbent. Go for a 50/50 mix of coco and perlite.

[@tandm1234567]

Was wondering what to do if you are planting multiple types of plants. I was planning on planting tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and peppers in the same system. How do I make sure the nutrients is right. Or do I need to do separate systems for each type of plant.

[@Just4Growers]

tandm1234567 Different plants have different growth rates and nutrient requirements. I have grown different plants in the same system (i.e. cucumber and tomatoes are not vastly different) so by all means give it a try if space is limited. But ideally they should be in separate systems so you can dial it in for each.

[@madmarlinlodgeguatemala233]

Different product will often have different chemistry. there are charts to help with this and you need to check several minerals if you grow commercially. Potassium, magnesium, sulfate, etc.

[@leeadickes7235]

Get a resivior and re circ that water. Top feed with hydroton. Run 24/7 no air pump. Just a sublersable.

[@nilkanthmore5376]

A1 sir

[@auditocanarsie7355]

Where is the forum on Just4Growers.com?

[@intravena]

Is this type of system better than a DWC?

[@garlicbreth3]

intravena for certain plants it is. DWC is more for leafy greens like lettuce and spinach while floors and drain systems tend to be better for fruiting plants like peppers and tomatoes

[@richardpeterson3753]

that system. this is what I need to crack. spicificaly that controller. I need to know how to make one. that system is both too expensive for me, and it's a bit overkill for my needs, and it is a bit bigger than I got space for. I'm needing one to two gallon pots Max. and I'm a stickler for making my own gear. it's all a part of the journey for me. it's personal, don't expect others to understand. if someone would be as kind as to make a full on tutorial on how to build this controller that would totally rock.

[@MxitQeepNimbuzz]

u were suppose to remove the plastic around the block once u got about 5cm stem of the plant

[@robertlander8705]

great but did i miss the air pump to oxygenate the liquid nutrient fertilizer? good ventilation works well but since you are outside that is solved automatically. rgds

[@Just4Growers]

+robert lander You're right Robert, an air-pump and air-stone would've made a great addition / improvement to this system, especially as the nutrient solution heated up a fair bit when it was in the sun.

[@dallimamma]

Everest Fernandez ::: Caution, pumps need to only be on for a few minutes at a time, or the pH rises drastically... Also, maybe paint the barrels with reflective paint, or wrap them in that shiny stuff they use to insulate hot water tanks if the tanks can’t be put in the shade?

[@greentoe1054]

any reason why this couldn't be done indoors with some lights ? peppers are cool but me thinks it could be used for other "stuff" ;)

[@heckyes]

Of course it can! If outdoor gardening isn't an option and you have the cash to burn some electricity then indoor gardening with lights can be a good option. The lights vary in purpose and cost of course. Also don't discount using lights outside in a green house to extend or alter the amount of available light outside!

[@predjee]

So if i am correct; The controle bucket has 1 pump in it right? This pump sucks the water out to the ressevoir correct? In the ressevoir is a pump as well, that pumps new water into the controle bucket at regular intervals correct? What i dont understand is this... why not keep the water flowing 24/7 ? So a continues current? Isnt the water going to stand still this way?

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Predjee, the pump in the control bucket RETURNS the nutrient solution to the reservoir. Keeping the water flowing 24 / 7 sounds more like a modular deep water culture system (think UnderCurrent by Current Culture H2O) - fantastic results are achievable, you just need to oxygenate the nutrient solution constantly with air pumps and air stones.

[@predjee]

Everest Fernandez Aah, i tought this was the same! Is this way better?

[@Just4Growers]

Water culture systems are incredibly productive but you need to know what you're doing-a bit like driving a Porsche.

[@KhanhNguyen-gp7sk]

predjee

[@usc529]

How dies it know when the pots are full to drain back down ?

[@Just4Growers]

Thanks for your question Jay. First, the float valve in the Oceanis 1 control bucket stops the input pump. It usually takes around 7-9 minutes for the system to fill. The control bucket's timer works in 15 minute segments, so it takes another 6-8 minutes for the timer to flick into 'off' mode. At that point, sensing the Oceanis 1 bucket is full, the drain pump kicks in and the nutrient solution is pumped back into the reservoir.

[@heckyes]

Everest Fernandez That seems needlessly complex. Have you considered doing a flood table style with a bell siphon? No timer needed and only one pump, continual aeration and turning of the nutrient bath as well. Easy to back up with a UPS battery thingy for a computer. Is there any specific reason you chose this system over the other options?

[@ENRIQUEGOITIA]

how long do pepper seeds take to germinate

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Enrique, they can actually be quite slow to kick off. The key is warmth, moisture and not sowing too deep (just under the surface)! I use a thermostatically controlled heat mat to keep temperatures in the low to mid 80s and a propagator to maintain high relative humidity levels (85%+). I'll be popping some pepper seeds soon so I'll be sure to make a video all about it ;-)

[@MikeJones-qo7vt]

Beware of roots clogging this system I just went threw this problem. Plants where drowning in water

[@thomasreddick5908]

you cant let rain water get into the system? I didn't see this on a porch or under an awning. how do you keep the rain from getting into the system? thank you

[@Just4Growers]

Great question Thomas-thanks. First off, I should point out that this Flo n' Gro system was designed for indoor use. I was being a bit naughty putting it outside but I shielded all the electrics. Rain water won't really harm the system from a plant's point of view-it may dilute the nutrients slightly and raise pH a touch so it's worth checking the reservoir-but hey, you've gotta do that anyway! :-) Hope this helps.

[@thomasreddick5908]

thank you.

[@brazmoncey]

Everest Fernandez i think is was more towards water filling up buckets and resevoir too much... does the system account for overfilling? or did you just put a cover over the buckets or plants? Do you think if you provide more air to the water, it might help a little (even though it gets a lot from the hydroton)... i have been debating using 3 different types of media layered in the pot in hopes that they hold nutreints differently and with that logic have slightly different PH levels... well my system holds 8 plants... i think i can pull off doing both experiments on this system... ill try to take videos and post it once the whole experiment is done... Experimenting is FUN!!!

[@Onelovej]

whats up with the chang in pase?

[@Just4Growers]

+macsethed123 Early video, before I succumbed to daily stimulant abuse.

[@DSLBF]

Can you post or send me something showing how loud this is?

[@Just4Growers]

Noise isn't really an issue at all. Periodically, a pump comes on in the reservoir which will create a gentle hum, but nothing else to be concern with noise-wise.

[@briancockerham4731]

are you the dude in the video??

[@RNTHAKURkudrat]

Thank You Sir. I want this Hydroponics System and what is the price of this System. Can you provide me this System.

[@Just4Growers]

No problem. I don't sell hydroponics equipment but I have a good knowledge of the industry. Whereabouts in the world are you based? Perhaps there is an importer or distributor nearer to you than you might think.

[@jesnava08]

Hello, I just purchased a EBB-12 - C.A.P Ebb & Gro 12 Site Hydroponic Sytem w/ Nutrients + 6 Pot Expansion Kit and I'm having an issue with the flood line coming from the reservoir. when the flood pump stops I keep getting a flow of water filling my feeder. it appears that the pump creates a vacuum flow once the pump stops. how can I stop the flow of water?

[@Just4Growers]

The boss Hey! Thanks for your question. It sounds like you need an "inline anti-siphon valve". They cost just a couple of bucks. Here's a link to a (British) website selling them. (First one that came up on Google search) - www.progrow.co.uk/acatalog/info_03134.html - Not sure where you're located but I'm sure you can pick one up online very cheap. Let me know if you need any more help. Peace. ~E

[@jesnava08]

Everest Fernandez thank you very much my good man ... I live in So. Cali USA

[@Just4Growers]

The boss Nice part of the world. Know it well! :) And you have no shortage of hydro stores! :) Please let me know if the inline anti-siphon valve works out for you. I'm pretty confident it will. Please sub the channel too! As a fellow grower, you should consider me your online wing-man! :) Peace out. ~E

[@jesnava08]

Everest Fernandez right on my friend .. what I over looked was the "vacuum break elbow" with a predrilled hole to stop the flow of water. thank you again my friend.

[@jesnava08]

one more question Everest, if you don't mind. I an very green to indoor growing(no pun intended) so I would like to know at what temperature should I keep my grow room? my water? the PH? also what media is best to grow? soil or str8 hydro? and anything else I should know.

[@loganbrower3445]

are those nutrients organic?

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Logan, no they are mineral based fertilizers. You need a hydroponic nutrient with inert growing media like hydrocorn.

[@Cc0oki3m0nst3rR]

i thought you were suppose to balance the PH before adding nutrients. wouldn't that give you incorrect PH readings after putting in the nutrients?

[@patrickmorton3260]

Always ph solution after adding nutes

[@RoryMcIver]

Ehh.. Never heard of 90* Elbows..

[@theweedwhisper3779]

How did the peppers turn out?

[@Just4Growers]

Pretty good although the terrace lost quite a lot of sun in September so I Ended up with lots of green peppers and not so many reds.

[@theweedwhisper3779]

Everest Fernandez oh nice

[@jamesmunn9942]

Can you still smoke it?

[@Just4Growers]

Most substances are combustible with enough willpower / thermal energy.

[@davbill1]

which did you like beter this system or the ebb and flow on table ??

[@Just4Growers]

Bill Tarpley Hey Bill-both systems have their pros and cons. The flow n' grow is incredibly productive but your plant positions are fixed-that said, it's an incredibly versatile system with lots of potential set-ups, plus there's the possibility of expanding it to something quite large! The ebb and flow table is super simple to set up and there's next to no risk of flooding as the reservoir is directly beneath the table-and you can move your plants around as they grow. I would recommend the table, especially for beginners.

[@ThePhantomLash]

How often you water or us the answer in upcoming videos

[@Just4Growers]

I do answer but it was between 4 and 8 times a day.

[@md.reazhossain7707]

+Scott Maher I love your video, particularly your ideas in the second half about ebb and flow hydroponics . Something I also found helpfull for aquaponics plans pdf was Panlarko Expert Aquaponics Planner - if anyone wants to know more search on google

[@alkavegan5603]

Where can i get this setup

[@Just4Growers]

+Alka Vegan If you're in North America put in your zip code or town / city here: www.just4growers.com/find-a-store.aspx

[@alkavegan5603]

ok thanks

[@RicckybLymuel]

could I use coco instead ?

[@Just4Growers]

+Ricckyb Lymuel yes, I would recommend a 50/50 mix of coco and perlite.

[@RicckybLymuel]

Thanks I was thinking using the coco ,it might just wash away lol..I may go with the clay rocks though, I'm sick of fungus gnats

[@edchaos2679]

what do you do when it rains

[@Just4Growers]

This is a very good question Ed. To be fair, the Flo n' Gro system was designed for indoor / greenhouse use. I was banking on the fact that it rarely rains in my part of the world during the hot summer months. I took the precaution of sheltering and protecting all electrics. The rain will obviously accumulate in the buckets but will end up being pumped back into the res - kind of like an auto top-up system for free!

[@edchaos2679]

I have since tested this outside with ours. Our tomato plants got a good amount of rainwater. Not a good result, leaves and branched turned yellow and stunted the growth. Bummer. We are gonna build a hoop house system for it.

[@notruss1]

Wouldn't the rain cause problems by throwing off the PH and the PPM of the nutrients?

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Notruss-the rain would tend to raise pH towards 7.5 and lower the PPMs of the nutrient solution - nature's top-up! Yes, I would potentially need to add some pH down adjuster solution and check my nutrient solution strength. In practice, the amount of rain that actually gets into the system is negligible-but I must re-emphasize, the system was really designed for indoor / greenhouse use.

[@AK4ourty7even47]

all that algae...will that not be an issue?

[@josephsmith961]

Two rows of six will result in not getting enough nutrients to the end pots. Three rows of 4 works much better. This system will give you root rot as the water stays about 2 inches or so deep in the pots, never completely draining. The only work around is to keep your reservoir cold, and to use H&G Roots Excelurator. Otherwise, count on root rot and other issues. And between each grow cycle, take the entire system apart, scrub out the pots and nets, soak the hoses for a few hours in hot water with Dawn dish soap. Flush out the hoses with a high pressure nozzle hose, preferably with hot water. Run a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach in the 55 gallon res for a day of 6-10 cycles, with the nets in the pots. Run clean water through it for 2 complete drainings of the res. Do this, and you will NEVER get any bad bacteria getting started in your system.

[@robertg1015]

The Marijuana plant has two root systems that it can produce, one for soil growing and one for submerged roots, one plant makes two different roots depending on the feed system utilised

[@dallimamma]

Robert Goldman ::: I have the Oxygen pot system, it has 1” raised ridges on the bottom of the pots, and there’s really not much nutrient solution left in the once the pump empties the brain.

[@QuebecOffroading]

the crimpling leaves in the pepper plants are a calcium deficiency

[@Just4Growers]

QuebecOffroading Hey Quebec. I see where you're coming from but I'm wondering if it was a calcium toxicity. My source water at the time was 420 ppms (I kid you not!) in a very, very hard water area. I used a hard water nutrient formulation but there's only so much these things can do! The problem you observe resolved itself as the plants grew bigger-hence why, in retrospect (now I use reverse osmosis water!), I suspect it was an overdose of calcium! I might bounce this video off a friend of mine who's studying for their pHD in hydroponic nutrient formulation. I'm sure her insights will be valuable! Please sub the channel and I'll let you know what she says if you like. Thanks again for your stopping by! :) Peace and happy growing, Everest.

[@QuebecOffroading]

Everest Fernandez crimpling leaves on the newer growth is a calcium deficiency, calcium can no be transported through the plant, it is an immobile element.. the fact you had such high ppm in the starting water most likely will have high amounts of unusable calcium, like certain sources of calcium can bind with other calcium and make it unavalible to the plant t absorbt, even though its there... another thing, if ph is not maintained at a proper range, you will also lock calcium out...but if you youtube calcum deficiency in pepper plants, you will see the same effect anyways, happy growing man, hope you learn to master the trade, it is fun

[@Just4Growers]

QuebecOffroading Thanks my friend. I hear what you're saying about the small plants-they do have quite cupped leaves but I'm adamant it's was a mixture of high PPMs (caused by the hard water) that exacerbated some humidity / heat issues in my propagation tent. Ca deficiency in young capsicum plants of that size usually causes the very new developing leaf tips to die back-something I didn't observe. I have to admit that I'm less familiar with Ca toxicity other than it causing issues with potassium uptake. Please subscribe to the channel if you haven't already and keep chiming in with your insights! I really appreciate the opportunity to bounce off experienced growers from around the globe and to continue my ascent on this delightful but never-ending learning curve! :) Peace and happy growing, Everest.

[@QuebecOffroading]

Everest Fernandez i think i will subscribe, because i like the way your videos are done, nice and simple, and very clear, you make good vids btw, here is a vid of calcium deficiency in peppers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjTiqiGZsamY68 and one more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppubk5urpNukfaM

[@Just4Growers]

QuebecOffroading Awesome-thanks for the sub and the feedback. Thanks for the video links also. I can definitely see what you are driving at now! Since filming the "ebb and flow" video I have installed a pre-softener and reverse osmosis machine as the hard water was making my life unnecessarily difficult. I have some cuttings from my Tokyo Hot peppers rooting in my aerocloner right now. Once the roots have popped I was going to use them as plant-fodder for some with / without experimentation for the channel-not least, Cal/Mag! Seeing as I now have source water at near zero PPMs, I'm in a great position to deliberately create some deficiencies! Bye for now. Any suggestions for vids / trials etc, shoot 'em over! A bientôt, Everest.

[@drgenray]

i dont get why planting should be this complicated. it looks cool tho

[@Just4Growers]

gen ray Hey Gen. Thanks for your comment! However, if I made it seem complicated then I didn't do a very good job at explaining it! Sorry! Really, it isn't too complex. It's just an automated watering system that periodically floods the root zone from below and then returns any left over nutrient solution back to the reservoir. Best of luck and I hope you are encouraged to give something like this a try. Happy growing, Everest.

[@rickhaynes4848]

this is that grodan guy pushin rockwool any way he can. rapid rooters clone easier than rockwool. u can squeeze the plug. cant squeeze rockwool, unless u wanna lose valuable air pockets within fibers.

[@Just4Growers]

I love rockwool starter plugs and rapid rooters. I've used rockwool more though and find them easier to remoisten. It could well be a matter of personal preference, that is all.

[@sirSpookyToons]

I came because of splatoon

[@Just4Growers]

The game?

[@moh19931000]

what's so funny??! you talk like you're doing something funny while what you really doing is connecting tubes :D

[@Just4Growers]

Clearly I need to get out a little more, eh? :)

[@moh19931000]

Everest Fernandez exactly ;p

[@antqdavis62]

This system needs an aerator for each cell.

[@SuperDjavol]

no. this is eb and flow,not hydroponics!

[@P2Feener305]

😒😒😒😒😒

[@stevebutabi9084]

You're supposed to ph balance then add nutrients, not vise versa.

[@Just4Growers]

Hi Kyle, thanks for your comment. I discuss this - please check out my pH 101 and 102 videos. If you’re using dilute ph adjuster it’s all good.

[@foxyrollouts]

strictly speaking use a water based lubricant..

[@foxyrollouts]

lube it up bad boy

[@foxyrollouts]

or you can swell the rubber.. ooh yeah.. you like it

[@helloman1976]

Why go to all that work to build an ebb & flow bucket system when you can use bubbleponics with no mess, no water pumps and for less money?

[@Just4Growers]

Hello Helloman. I'm going to be experimenting with a bubbler system (i.e. Deep Water Culture) later this year so I'm looking forward to comparing how I get on with both types of system. I'll keep you posted! :)

[@helloman1976]

Everest Fernandez The only advantage to an Ebb & Flow system is water to air control in my opinion. Meaning that with E&F you get a drier root ball than with DWC and with DWC you need to maintain the water height or you can drown your plants. A better hybrid system would be a dripper/DWC bucket setup similar to the setup you have using buckets. I still prefer DWC because of no pumps, no moving parts and all you need is bubble stone. I even make my own "bubble stones" using PVC pipes I drill out with small holes, fill them with rocks for weight and then put end caps on them with a piece of the air tube. They last forever and never fail or get clogged. I'm interested to see how your E&F system does and how you will control the return flow and not overflow the buckets and so on, I'm anticipating a lot of issues like that.

[@Just4Growers]

Hey Helloman. I agree E&F allows you more control over the rhizosphere's moisture levels than DWC making plant steering (into generative / flowering) more feasible with less frequent floods. Hybrid systems rock-best of all worlds! I had one or two issues with the return flow valve getting stuck (probably due to hard water / calcium deposits on valve) and flooded my terrace once. (Glad that didn't happen indoors! ) E&F systems are highly productive but, like any other hydro system, they benefit from regular maintenance, that's for sure!

[@helloman1976]

Everest Fernandez That's true of any growing system. Without proper maintenance none of them are any good in the long run. I still prefer DWC or any system that uses the least amount of parts. The drawbacks to DWC is maintaining water level and that adjusting your ph while the roots are in the water can fry your roots if done too quickly so you have to adjust it slowly or stunt your plants which is super annoying. Ebb&Flow doesn't have either of those issues and with a large enough reservoir you can go without nutrient changes for weeks. You can also adjust your ph with no issues to frying roots etc. It also allows you to use as much or as little potting "material" like hydroton which is awesome, the more you use the less you need to water and vice-versa so you don't need to run your pump as often if you use larger pots. I've used all of the systems you can think of and I've ended with Ebb&Flow for flower, DWC for Veg and aeroponics for cloning which seems to be optimal after 8 years of doing this. Aeroponic cloning for root development with neoprene collars so plants are easy to remove and transplant, then move clones to DWC 3" net cups for Veg growth only because I'm waiting on the Ebb&Flow table or they go straight to Ebb&Flow, then to finish move the DWC 3" net cups to larger Ebb&Flow pots thus not disturbing the root system and filling up the larger pots around the roots and 3" net cups with hydroton. I flood 3 times a day spread out, once 1 hour after the lights turn on, mid-day and once 1 hour before the lights turn off. I've never seen anyone get growth rates like I do now using these methods but I'm always willing to learn and take advice. :) One more thing to mention, using Roots Execulator or the like, Rapid Start etc, is an absolute MUST for root development. The roots are your primary focus, they need more oxygen then water but must be kept moist at all times but not drowning, they must be able to breathe or your plants will wilt and die. Many people mistake this for overfeeding or burning because it looks very, very similar. I look forward to seeing your results.

[@sativadrake]

helloman1976

[@saltyboi2349]

Not off the hook

[@tuckerbootay3328]

Can I grow a beard with this system?

[@Just4Growers]

Tucker Bootay Heheheh-maybe! My beard could use all the help it could get! :)