Ebb and Flow Closet Hydroponics System
This is day one of my home built ebb and flow (flood and drain) hydroponics system. I designed it to fit inside of my closet. Sorry for the crappy view, I would try to move around more but my camera isn’t working unless I plug it in while recording. I started my tomato plants in 1″ rock wool cubes, then transplanted them into Hydroton expanded clay. A water pump (that will eventually be on a timer) floods the tray several times a day. An air pump aerates the nutrient solution to provide the roots oxygen. For a nutrient solution I went with a 3-2-4 synthetic solution. I am using a 400 watt HPS bulb with an old school analog ballast. The analog ballast is pretty loud, if I had the money I would definitely consider upgrading to a digital one. I am hoping to get some fans in my closet too, I hear that is pretty important.
25 Responses to Ebb and Flow Closet Hydroponics System
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hum humm
MrPercythrower
March 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@lohmoelle I believe back then it was about once an hour, but its been a while so I don’t remember too well. Good luck!
oman9978
March 24, 2012 at 4:27 pm
how long do you flood them for and how often??
lohmoelle
March 24, 2012 at 4:49 pm
@oman9978 yeaa buddy
jackmcl90
March 24, 2012 at 5:13 pm
I UNDERSTAND EBB AND FLOW AND THE FLOOD AND DRAIN METHOD… MY QUESTION IS HOW DID U SET UP THE POTS TO BE ABLE TO SOAK UP WATER I HAVE THE SAME SET UP BUT NO POTS… DID U CUT HOLES INTO THE POTS AND IF SO WHERE.
MrJRF2193
March 24, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Looks good man. Thats a wicked little closet grow.
MrFearlessgardener
March 24, 2012 at 6:12 pm
@Ranger360counterstrk expand your mind
TheHightime
March 24, 2012 at 6:22 pm
what are the advantages of hydrophonics towards feeding..
i always get overfeedingg or nute lockout. (soil)
would this system help me?
jootai
March 24, 2012 at 6:57 pm
can you send me a link to where i can see how to make one of these step by step for my grow box im making? please thanks in advance… ima be growing my second time first time i just grew in soil and light with watering only
skunkmasta420
March 24, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Grow Pot.
MikeMosiv2010
March 24, 2012 at 7:27 pm
you’re wasting electricity putting plants that small directly under hps
DJDreadnought
March 24, 2012 at 7:54 pm
what nutes do u use and did u start those guy from seed in there.
SuperFatboy30
March 24, 2012 at 8:47 pm
where are the roots to go?
xxwesdogxx
March 24, 2012 at 9:04 pm
@anthonysallas I would listen to Anthony here. It’s great advice and looking back on this it would have made a difference.
oman9978
March 24, 2012 at 9:41 pm
@Kouveious Yeah I did, the roots really got long and grew under the pots also.
oman9978
March 24, 2012 at 9:57 pm
Nice work! But do u keep those plants in those same size pots during flowering too?
Kouveious
March 24, 2012 at 10:03 pm
It’s not the camera’s fault. Many cameras act that way near HID lights.
Lestat3721
March 24, 2012 at 10:17 pm
@FlixSkate They are expanded clay; mine are Hydroton brand. Hope that helps!
oman9978
March 24, 2012 at 10:55 pm
What are the “plant balls” around the center of your plants called?
FlixSkate
March 24, 2012 at 11:48 pm
U gotta let all of that water drain or else u get alge. And I’d switch to black tubing also prevents alge. Also thows look like 6 inch vents , get ur self a fan and vent that sucker. You will see a difference
anthonysallas
March 25, 2012 at 12:19 am
@adamjonesboston I would love one! You can upgrade my current 720p HD video camera to a 1080p one. PM me for an address you can use for mailing it to me next Christmas.
Thanks!
oman9978
March 25, 2012 at 1:13 am
May I suggest a new video camera for xmas or birthday….?
adamjonesboston
March 25, 2012 at 1:52 am
@fkelly84 They’re not. The whole thing is on two wood planks, all leaking water dripped onto the floor beneath.
oman9978
March 25, 2012 at 1:59 am
“The amounts suggested in the nutrient calculator are the total nutrient to feed the plant for a whole week, not the amount to give them per feeding – If you want to feed nutrient to your plants more than once per week, divide the amount (total ppm) for that week by the number of feedings that you want to give – Example: If the plants need 1200 ppm for the week, and you want to feed 6 times, divide 1200 by 6 and mix the reservoir at 200 — 250 ppm.” True or not? Please reply, thanks.
oknbjiuhvcgy
March 25, 2012 at 2:23 am
Keep all the electricals ABOVE the water in case of floods…
saftey first
also it might get a bit warm in there, any cooling?
PlebScrubber
March 25, 2012 at 2:26 am