They can drink at different rates though?
This thread as legs (although in some cases it does not
)DBB
SIP Club - Getting Hydro/Coco Results In A Soil Based Medium
- Thread starter Azimuth
- Start date
This thread as legs (although in some cases it does not
)DBB
shouldnt't matter - the float valve will set the water level across the set -- if they are interconnected at the bottom, it's like 1 large pool/tank.They can drink at different rates though?
This thread as legs (although in some cases it does not
DBB
example (to illustrate) with rain water collection tanks:
Thanks ! Didn't know they had them. Going to check Amazon for them & buy some.
see my last post (right above yours) - you don't necessarily need a float valve per pot depending on your setup.
What would tell the float in the res that the buckets were full ?
Not really. You can overfill the buckets just hand watering & it will come out the drain hole. Maybe a constant drip system into a bucket might work. But what I just seen in that video looks like the best way to go. A float cut off in each bucket ensures each bucket is working independently & less likely to have an overflow issue.
Think of your toilet with a simple electrical sensor
Not sure how it would work without seeing it really. I'm going with what I seen in the video if they're available. I have 6 grow buckets with the same inserts as the video so probably best to go with the pre manufactured stuff in my case. If it were a DIY I might do things different.
Does water maintain equal level in connected vessels?
Consider a system as illustrated below: There are two 55 gallon barrels used to store water coming down the gutter. These barrels are connected together on the bottom to maintain equal water level
physics.stackexchange.com
I'm saying that as long as you want to maintain the same water level in multiple containers, this works --- the float controls the water level in 1 and it equalizes across the set. One caveat is that the tanks/containers must be vented and not sealed, but that wouldn't be a problem in the case of our SIPs
another important note - the 'store bought' grotech irrigation kit has the water lines filling from the top (at the air gap level), so this principle wouldn't work in that particular configuration I don't think
So to go back to talk about my post earlier today about auto watering a SIP. A funny thing happened. In my email I got an ad for Earth pot's "auto watering system". Go figure! I can go and buy one off the shelf if I like the earth pot. It's like they watch us. Kind of spooky!
Yeah youāre correct. Doesnāt matter the drink speed the individuals. Just need the sensor/actuator in the ingress pipe.
Does water maintain equal level in connected vessels?
Consider a system as illustrated below: There are two 55 gallon barrels used to store water coming down the gutter. These barrels are connected together on the bottom to maintain equal water levelphysics.stackexchange.com
I'm saying that as long as you want to maintain the same water level in multiple containers, this works --- the float controls the water level in 1 and it equalizes across the set. One caveat is that the tanks/containers must be vented and not sealed, but that wouldn't be a problem in the case of our SIPs
they DO, it's usually not coincidence when you get a targeted ad like that... you did something that got tracked and someone took an action on it.
lootznbootz
Well-Known Member
Ok everyone aside from @Azimuth I want everyone in here who's posted results or information speaking to these buckets... ITS ALL YOUR FAULT 
I loved this thread and just couldn't help myself the FOMO was real!
So without further ado here is my adaptation of the sip bucket from the info I learned from you all so thank you
Also make sure to come check out my journal and follow the results with us!
*A couple things Azi pointed out was that my drain hole didn't have to be so big but it's still functional
and as soon as I find my pvc cutter I will make the pipe smaller.
***********************************************SIP BUCKET*******************************************
First, I measured and cut the hole in the bottom of what will be our top bucket.
I traced the net cup on the bottom of the bucket, then made a couple of marks indicating 1/4" inside the circle I traced. (Ignore the outermost line)
I didn't have a big enough hole saw with me so I made a few holes with the one I had and the carefully cut the rest of the way with a razorblade.
In the end you just want it snug so less is more.
Next, I measured the height of my net cup and cut that much off of my PVC. I then cut the piece in half lengthwise.
Next, Secure these pieces opposite each other in the bottom of the bottom bucket.
I used a small screw and made sure to predrill the holes, so it doesn't crack the pvc.
Next, with the net cup in place slide our top bucket into the bottom bucket
it should sit securely at the bottom without coming up.
This next part was a little frustrating as I kept stressing about my measurements and not wanting to mess up.
(Using white buckets helps a little bit as your able to use a flashlight to see your markings through the bucket while assembling)
With the top bucket and net cup in place ensure that the net cup is sitting flush and measure 1 inch from the top of the netcup toward the bottom of the bucket.
Mark this height as you can see in the picture above on the bottom bucket.
(Again, white buckets here help)
I used a 7/8 hole saw and made sure that the bottom of my hole lined up with my mark.
If you don't compensate here and put your bit on your mark, you will end up with a 1-1/2" hole and that will be too low for this to hold much water.
Before I started, I measured out 1/2 a gallon and a gallon and marked the lines on my bucket.
As you can see this will hold almost 3/4 of a gallon.
Next, using the 7/8-hole saw cut a hole just to the left or right of your air hole.
I believe in Azimuths write up it explains how placing this where to see when your bucket is full at runoff is helpful.
But I did mine upside down and put it on the left of the hole
So, this is a preference thing more than anything just makes sure you can see the air hole while you fill it up.
This part I incorporated directly from @Azimuth
Cut a small piece of your PVC and place it into your coupling. ļæ¼
Place this into the hole you just cut with small end down into the bottom and place your PVC pipe into the other end of the coupling.
The coupling blocks any dirt from falling through into your bottom bucket.
CONTINUED....
I loved this thread and just couldn't help myself the FOMO was real!
So without further ado here is my adaptation of the sip bucket from the info I learned from you all so thank you
Also make sure to come check out my journal and follow the results with us!
*A couple things Azi pointed out was that my drain hole didn't have to be so big but it's still functional
and as soon as I find my pvc cutter I will make the pipe smaller.
***********************************************SIP BUCKET*******************************************
First, I measured and cut the hole in the bottom of what will be our top bucket.
I traced the net cup on the bottom of the bucket, then made a couple of marks indicating 1/4" inside the circle I traced. (Ignore the outermost line)
I didn't have a big enough hole saw with me so I made a few holes with the one I had and the carefully cut the rest of the way with a razorblade.
In the end you just want it snug so less is more.
Next, I measured the height of my net cup and cut that much off of my PVC. I then cut the piece in half lengthwise.
Next, Secure these pieces opposite each other in the bottom of the bottom bucket.
I used a small screw and made sure to predrill the holes, so it doesn't crack the pvc.
Next, with the net cup in place slide our top bucket into the bottom bucket
it should sit securely at the bottom without coming up.
This next part was a little frustrating as I kept stressing about my measurements and not wanting to mess up.
(Using white buckets helps a little bit as your able to use a flashlight to see your markings through the bucket while assembling)
With the top bucket and net cup in place ensure that the net cup is sitting flush and measure 1 inch from the top of the netcup toward the bottom of the bucket.
Mark this height as you can see in the picture above on the bottom bucket.
(Again, white buckets here help)
I used a 7/8 hole saw and made sure that the bottom of my hole lined up with my mark.
If you don't compensate here and put your bit on your mark, you will end up with a 1-1/2" hole and that will be too low for this to hold much water.
Before I started, I measured out 1/2 a gallon and a gallon and marked the lines on my bucket.
As you can see this will hold almost 3/4 of a gallon.
Next, using the 7/8-hole saw cut a hole just to the left or right of your air hole.
I believe in Azimuths write up it explains how placing this where to see when your bucket is full at runoff is helpful.
But I did mine upside down and put it on the left of the hole
So, this is a preference thing more than anything just makes sure you can see the air hole while you fill it up.
This part I incorporated directly from @Azimuth
Cut a small piece of your PVC and place it into your coupling. ļæ¼
Place this into the hole you just cut with small end down into the bottom and place your PVC pipe into the other end of the coupling.
The coupling blocks any dirt from falling through into your bottom bucket.
CONTINUED....
lootznbootz
Well-Known Member
Next, Drill a screw into the PVC to hold it steady.
Now that you have that secured drill extra holes in the bottom for added drainage and air exchange
Then, secure both buckets together to bring everything together.
I used a piece of window screen and cut out a circle just bigger than my bucket
Then slide your net cup into the bottom with the screen being pushed into the hole.
This will stop and dirt from getting into your water as well as help prevent pest from getting in.
This part made a lot of sense to me as the root zone has an added level of exposure. Anything to make the life of a pest harder and less inviting I'm down for!
Then, I added some holes in the netcup that will be in our 1" air zone
Finally, black it out! I used black duct tape and electrical tape and just wrapped the bucket tight.
I tried to get every area I could cleanly apply the tape to get as much light blockage as possible.
In the end, you should end up with something like this...
I did apply more tape to the upper rims, so it is as blacked out as possible.
This is it and I really had a blast doing it. Im very excited to see the results and hopefully this grow gives me reason to make 7 more!
So to go back to talk about my post earlier today about auto watering a SIP. A funny thing happened. In my email I got an ad for Earth pot's "auto watering system". Go figure! I can go and buy one off the shelf if I like the earth pot. It's like they watch us. Kink of spooky!
lootznbootz
Well-Known Member
I get targeted ads all the time lol a simple reminder big brother is always there
Sweet build Lootz! This is a lot of fun! Azi is a good influence!
Next, Drill a screw into the PVC to hold it steady.
Now that you have that secured drill extra holes in the bottom for added drainage and air exchange
Then, secure both buckets together to bring everything together.
I used a piece of window screen and cut out a circle just bigger than my bucket
Then slide your net cup into the bottom with the screen being pushed into the hole.
This will stop and dirt from getting into your water as well as help prevent pest from getting in.
This part made a lot of sense to me as the root zone has an added level of exposure. Anything to make the life of a pest harder and less inviting I'm down for!
Then, I added some holes in the netcup that will be in our 1" air zone
Finally, black it out! I used black duct tape and electrical tape and just wrapped the bucket tight.
I tried to get every area I could cleanly apply the tape to get as much light blockage as possible.
In the end, you should end up with something like this...
I did apply more tape to the upper rims, so it is as blacked out as possible.
This is it and I really had a blast doing it. Im very excited to see the results and hopefully this grow gives me reason to make 7 more!
Due to time constraints, I am presently using the commercial SIPs that @Krissi Carbone turned @Buds Buddy onto a couple of grow cycles ago (and now look at this thread!!).
Only, @Buds Buddy was having N deficiency, and also Azi (but they are not using supersoil).
Is anyone else experiencing nitrogen deficiency during the grow with supersoil?
I am having to compensate by adding sparkling champagne and Gatorade (i.e., urine) in the fill tube.
I am sure there are also non-organic solutions, but I am trying to stay organic (and smell-free).
The lil' plantas are much greener now, but they still young. (1/3 are in stretch, and 2/3 are still in veg).
I am a little concerned what happens if I have 20 SIPs with mature autos, and I have to manually boost the N in each one. (I am imagining having to drink maybe 4-5 gallons of water a day, and wolfing the vitamin pills to give it some color, haha!).
Do any of you expert growers have an idea of how much extra N I should put into the supersoil, but not give it TOO much (and thus earn the dreaded "Nitrogen Claw Award")?
Or am I the test pilot on this one??
I donāt know the makeup of your soil but I can say in super soils a deficiency is usually an indicator of something else going on. With nitrogen it could be as simple as being out of balance or it could be as bad as an anaerobic medium, you gotta figure out whatās driving your issue.
In a SIP the amount of oxygen being delivered to the microbes really amps up their efficiency which in turn requires more nitrogen for more enzymatic activity, I have a feeling this is going to be a common issue until people adjust to the heightened levels of production and microbial efficiency. A little extra N on the top and bottom of your container could ease it.
Personally I use about a tsp or 2 per gallon of soil of my N source when top dressing with blood meal, or if itās real bad Iāll go with a Veg tea. I would be very cautious though as things can quickly spiral if your problem isnāt N deficiency and itās actually something else. As a side note, I really like Hydrolyzed fish.. it gives a helpful N boost and Fungi love it.
Hereās a list of āorganicā sources of nitrogen:
- Thread starter
- #499
Looks great, @Kanno26 !
The only thing I would modify would be to make some more holes in the dome super close to where the edge meets the bucket bottom. If not, and it's a nice flush fit, it will be harder to access the lowest water in the reservoir. But, if the fit is a bit bumpy, then you're good!
Thanks @Azimuth, it's a bit bumpy and there are vivrtane holes all around the bottom perimeter. And should I add holes on the dome at the top? Or as it is, is it enough?