What size net pot should I use?

[ellz]

Greetings everyone. I am building a new bubbleponics reservoir and wanted to get some input on net pot size. I am currently running 3.75" pots but was considering going up to either 5" or 6" and wanted to see if anyone was using larger net pots and what people thought about the idea? I have room for up to 6" pots easy on the reservoir I am building so size isn't a factor. I just want to know if it will benefit the plant to grow in a larger net pot if there is room. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

This is how it looks so far with the installed 4" fill port (for nutrient changes and to check on roots):

[ellz]

[MedMan]

Nice build going on Ellz . I can't say but I have the general hydroponics pre made one to try and think I am going to try a build like yours for my next grow too . I would think the 6" pots would be better for bigger plants but like I said that was my first hydro grow so others have way more experience than me . I want to build to make it easier to drain reservoir water too . Good luck and will be watching your build .

[ellz]

Thanks! My main goal was to alleviate some of the hassles with my current setup. I am growing in 2 10-gallon reservoirs and everything I have to do is twice as much! With this new reservoir, I want to be able to do things much easier so self draining, fill port on top, lines plumbed into the lid instead of hanging in the reservoir....all a must. I am only going to grow two plants in this reservoir but I plan on screening them along a trellis to spread them out. I should get better yields that way than trying to grow four plants because I found out the hard way that it gets very crowded during flower with 4 plants! My current grow is my first DWC grow so I am learning a ton off of it of what not to do next time! LOL.

[ellz]

Another question I have....is this design feasible for a self draining reservoir?

[GanjaGed]

You'll want a shut off on the out flow to the drips, so when you drain all the water goes to the right spot.

[ellz]

I was thinking that too but here were my arguments to it:
1. The t-fitting is before the drip so if the valve is opened the water should mostly flow out of that first before the main system based on "path of least resistance" theory.
2. The bending of, routing through a radiator and then into a 2gal/hr drip should also encourage the water to go to the drain line first.
Any thoughts on that? I am still leaning towards a cut-off after the t-fitting as you said but just curious if it would work without it.

[ellz]

GanjaGed what about something like this for the t-fitting: https://www.amazon.com/Ecopoly-29910...RWYA4G07XQGHX9

Or...option B: Going into the radiator, what if I install another on/off valve there? That way I can turn it on/off from outside.

[ellz]

GanjaGed here is an updated image showing option B:

[ellz]

I don't think I am going to worry about it. The little bit of residual water in it shouldn't hurt anything while doing a change because it should flush out almost immediately upon restarting the drip system. Just my thoughts on it.

[ellz]

That being said, after the grow I can drain it and flush it for the next grow with the shut off valve where it is on the system.

[GanjaGed]

Yea, unless you have an actual problem it should be fine.

[MedMan]

Also Ellz you could just put in a separate pump just to drain that would get rid of all the fittings in the system

[ellz]

Yeah, I was considering adding a second pump if need be just for that purpose if I run into any problems with this setup. I ordered everything I need to test it as drawn so I am going to see how that goes and then try to adjust from there. Thanks for your input!

[GanjaGed]

Don't know if you have one eliz but personally I consider one of these a must have for any hydro grower. Not only does it make for quick res changes if it's hard to get to but in case of a prolonged electrical outage, or pump failure until you get a replacement if you don't have one handy atm. I run rechargeables and keep a pack of regulars on hand.

[ellz]

I had looked at that one but was curious as to the quality of it. Do you think it's pretty decent? Do you have one?

[GanjaGed]

that's the exact one I have.

It's surely not built to take a beating, if you hit someone in the head with it they're gonna laugh at you after it shatters, lol. but for normal, regular use I'm happy with it, I'd buy it again to replace if needed.

It gets down close to the bottom and with a little tip of the res to get the water to one end it leaves nothing. It can pump out of a 5 gal water bottle, and fit through a 2" net pot hole so you don't need much room at all or even to take the lid off if you make a small access hole.

Now I didn't shop around a lot, so I'm sure you could find a better price on it or a different one and of course they make more expensive ones that are more durable, but I'm quite satisfied at the $15 price.

[ellz]

Great info GanjaGed thank you very much!