I used this style of valve for my mister reservoir and I thought I had everything worked out so I made another for my growing tank. I didn't take into account the difference in pressure needed to stop the flow was smaller for my little mister than for the large elevated 3 gal tank I had for my grow bucket. It overflowed! LOL Now I see I didn't have enough buoyancy to overcome the pressure of the water in my float valve assembly. Thanks. I watch these videos over and over and each time I learn a bit more than the last time,, it makes sense through experience more than just explanation, so the demonstrations are very helpful.
I want to try this without valves. One way could be an upside down 5 gallon water cooler bottle upside down (supported with PVC collar possibly?). The other way could be a blue water barrel with a grommet at the bottom and a 90 degree elbow to put the water/nutrient into the bed. With the both the burping action (like on an auto pet watering station) would let the solution out slowly. I just need to get them together and try them out!
A constant water level controller is an interesting concept for supplying water to a growing system. I'm hoping to stimulate improvements to my initial attempts because even though my float valves look good from far, they are far from good! I look forward to seeing your improved designs!
I am a model builder and require a valve that is quite small. After watching your video I had an idea to recycle a liquid laundry detergent valve as the ball and seat on your type 101 system. It is a tested reliable fit and I already have a few on hand.
New sub I liked your video. I hope to try these flotes out in my system. Thanks for all your work in creating the Kratky growing system. It has been a life changing system for me even though my execution of your system is not the best :)
That probably would work fine. In fact, the current float valve version utilizes neoprene foam strips with a glued side to attach to the extruded polystyrene float blocks and they work very well.
Dr. Mr. Kratky, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the public. It is amazing to have you as a resource. I have a question on model 101, why is the shur tape installed on a bottle cap instead of directly on the foam board. Thank you
This system is allow the water in container always have same level in everytime, but in trully autopot system they have dry-wet system, so sometime the container not always fill container with water,they make the dirt little bite dry a while to give a change root for 'breathing' and prevent Root-rot disease,then the system come to drain water again to the container after that.
If you use this in a passive hydroponic system the roots above the water will do the breathing, and the plant will only send water/nutrient seeking roots into the water. The reason to keep the water at a maximum level is so that the water doesn't rise up too far and "drown" the breather roots. Thus it does not require fill and drain which would require some kind of electric pump and timer. The autopilot here is pure gravity, so it won't fail if the electricity goes out.
Dr. Kratky , I am planning to build a float valve using your bottle model approach, but using a 1/2" PVC pipe only. This PVC pipe will be draining a 27 gallon container ( the half part of a 55 gallon blue water barrel ) from the very bottom and will be connected to a 3-4" tall 1/2" vertical PVC pipe using an 90 degree elbow connector. It is in this vertical PVC pipe where I plan to attach the float valve from outside of the container and maintain a 2" shallow water level in the container. Keeping the float valve outside the container will solve root intrusion problem and make float repair easy when needed. My question is - will 1/2" PVC tube generate enough buoyancy force to stop the water from the nozzle for a water head of , say, 2 feet ? I may not use a bottle ( as 1/2" pipe will be too narrow to accommodate a bottle ) and instead use a 2-3" tall polystyrene cylindrical block of 1/2" diameter .
I'm thinking that might be too small. Consider placing the float valve in an exterior sump tank. This is demonstrated by going to about the 6:00 time in Kratky's Garden in 2019 under my Grow Kratky channel. Also, you might be interested in my yogurt container float valve which was used in several Grow Kratky videos.
Thank you. That is a great idea, but I don't have a clue on how to do it simply and I'm hoping this video will inspire some of the viewers to come up with such an improvement.
@@growkratky5558 It will be only an option. Instead of using shuretape, an one ended closed tube, with a hose sealing sleeve assembled on another end, is proposed. The unit is mounted on the top of the buoyant. As the buoyant move up, the nozzle will insert to the tube through the seal inner hole. As the water pressure in the tube increases, the seal will squeeze the nozzle more tight, and the water stop flowing. The drawback is the need of this kind of seal, with small size.
A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a good source. For polystyrene, do a google search for "MSDS polystyrene". In addition, you might do a search polystyrene toxicity.
How do you line them? I’ve just spent the last 3 days trying find information on doing that. If you could point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful. Thanks Kim from Australia
Easier and more reliable: yes of course. The point here is to make one on a low budget. If you need 10 or 50 float valves in your garden, the toilet float valve price will be prohibitive.
Another factor to consider is temperature. I bet elasticity of that foam varies by temperature, especially if it is wet. Why not just use the needle valve and float in a brand new plastic Briggs & Stratton lawn mower carburetor with the bowl removed? Just connect your water line where the fuel line should go. You can get them for $10 to $20 each online.
Yes, but how does the water get in? This method is not only about keeping it from overflowing but also about filling it as needed. This system will fill it when it's low. You could bury this in a planter and provide water directly to the roots without having to come out and water each day. You can still drill a hole to keep excess water from flooding, perhaps if there is rain or failure of the seal.
This project started many years ago with the goal of developing a small and inexpensive (less than $1) float valve that growers could afford to place in each growing container (something akin to chicken waterers). Well, I'm not there yet, but thought it useful to share what I have in hopes that someone will use it as a springboard to develop these devices. Now, $5 each is pretty good, but still a little expensive for a grower who wishes to use a large number of devices.
Excellent idea - saved me $25.00 + for a factory made float. Made two units, one for the bird bath and one for the fountain.
Thank you. You might also wish to look at my yogurt container and dip stick float valve videos.
I used this style of valve for my mister reservoir and I thought I had everything worked out so I made another for my growing tank. I didn't take into account the difference in pressure needed to stop the flow was smaller for my little mister than for the large elevated 3 gal tank I had for my grow bucket. It overflowed! LOL Now I see I didn't have enough buoyancy to overcome the pressure of the water in my float valve assembly. Thanks. I watch these videos over and over and each time I learn a bit more than the last time,, it makes sense through experience more than just explanation, so the demonstrations are very helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing videos. Most clear tutorial on UA-cam.
Thank you.
Your tip for inserting the tubing directly without grommets is very interesting. Good to see your videos being released!
Great job Dr. Kratky, thank you for making these videos!
This video was on point! Clear concise and helpful, I appreciate the methodical approach. Well done!
I am very much a fan of your methods Dr. Kratky. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Ooo great video. I just build my for
Hydroponic system and this is going into the works after my first harvest.
I want to try this without valves. One way could be an upside down 5 gallon water cooler bottle upside down (supported with PVC collar possibly?). The other way could be a blue water barrel with a grommet at the bottom and a 90 degree elbow to put the water/nutrient into the bed. With the both the burping action (like on an auto pet watering station) would let the solution out slowly. I just need to get them together and try them out!
A constant water level controller is an interesting concept for supplying water to a growing system. I'm hoping to stimulate improvements to my initial attempts because even though my float valves look good from far, they are far from good! I look forward to seeing your improved designs!
oh wow it's Jeb :)
I am a model builder and require a valve that is quite small. After watching your video I had an idea to recycle a liquid laundry detergent valve as the ball and seat on your type 101 system. It is a tested reliable fit and I already have a few on hand.
Well, that is certainly a clever thought! Please let us know how it works!
Thank you very much for your tutorial. I am thrilled that I now understand how it works.
New sub I liked your video. I hope to try these flotes out in my system. Thanks for all your work in creating the Kratky growing system. It has been a life changing system for me even though my execution of your system is not the best :)
wow i like it the system thank you very much DR Kratky to make this video. well done
You have solved old problem with float valves. back to water powered generator.
not heating the end of the tubing can result in the tubing splitting as long as 2 years later
Dear Dr Kratky,
What about using used discarded wetsuits as a neoprene source? They may be plentiful in Hawaii.
Mahalo for your spirited good works.
That probably would work fine. In fact, the current float valve version utilizes neoprene foam strips with a glued side to attach to the extruded polystyrene float blocks and they work very well.
Great simply ideas!
Dr. Mr. Kratky, thank you for sharing your knowledge with the public. It is amazing to have you as a resource. I have a question on model 101, why is the shur tape installed on a bottle cap instead of directly on the foam board. Thank you
In a later improvement, a neoprene foam material sticks to the foam board like you suggest. ua-cam.com/video/pje-yifjeVE/v-deo.html
This system is allow the water in container always have same level in everytime, but in trully autopot system they have dry-wet system, so sometime the container not always fill container with water,they make the dirt little bite dry a while to give a change root for 'breathing' and prevent Root-rot disease,then the system come to drain water again to the container after that.
If you use this in a passive hydroponic system the roots above the water will do the breathing, and the plant will only send water/nutrient seeking roots into the water. The reason to keep the water at a maximum level is so that the water doesn't rise up too far and "drown" the breather roots. Thus it does not require fill and drain which would require some kind of electric pump and timer. The autopilot here is pure gravity, so it won't fail if the electricity goes out.
Thanks very much
amazing....thank you mr.kratky
Dr. Kratky , I am planning to build a float valve using your bottle model approach, but using a 1/2" PVC pipe only. This PVC pipe will be draining a 27 gallon container ( the half part of a 55 gallon blue water barrel ) from the very bottom and will be connected to a 3-4" tall 1/2" vertical PVC pipe using an 90 degree elbow connector. It is in this vertical PVC pipe where I plan to attach the float valve from outside of the container and maintain a 2" shallow water level in the container. Keeping the float valve outside the container will solve root intrusion problem and make float repair easy when needed.
My question is - will 1/2" PVC tube generate enough buoyancy force to stop the water from the nozzle for a water head of , say, 2 feet ? I may not use a bottle ( as 1/2" pipe will be too narrow to accommodate a bottle ) and instead use a 2-3" tall polystyrene cylindrical block of 1/2" diameter .
I'm thinking that might be too small. Consider placing the float valve in an exterior sump tank. This is demonstrated by going to about the 6:00 time in Kratky's Garden in 2019 under my Grow Kratky channel. Also, you might be interested in my yogurt container float valve which was used in several Grow Kratky videos.
An amazing idea. The arm system in common top off unit takes more space. But how about ulitilizing the water pressure to close the valve itself?
Thank you. That is a great idea, but I don't have a clue on how to do it simply and I'm hoping this video will inspire some of the viewers to come up with such an improvement.
@@growkratky5558 It will be only an option. Instead of using shuretape, an one ended closed tube, with a hose sealing sleeve assembled on another end, is proposed. The unit is mounted on the top of the buoyant. As the buoyant move up, the nozzle will insert to the tube through the seal inner hole. As the water pressure in the tube increases, the seal will squeeze the nozzle more tight, and the water stop flowing. The drawback is the need of this kind of seal, with small size.
pipe wrap insulation tape use black silicon strip like for kitchen counter
Mr. Kratky, do you have a diagram for this method?
Sorry, I do not. You might also want to look at my youtube on a yogurt container float valve.
Where is the information about material toxicity? It would be useful as I am making a vertical garden and need to make liners for them.
A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a good source. For polystyrene, do a google search for "MSDS polystyrene". In addition, you might do a search polystyrene toxicity.
How do you line them? I’ve just spent the last 3 days trying find information on doing that. If you could point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful. Thanks Kim from Australia
you can get 4 float valves for 20 bucks. dispite knowing how to make them being cool you can get them cheap
isn't it easier to use a toilet valve?
Easier and more reliable: yes of course. The point here is to make one on a low budget.
If you need 10 or 50 float valves in your garden, the toilet float valve price will be prohibitive.
Only a hole in the growing bucket will do the job to maintain the nutrients level
Another factor to consider is temperature. I bet elasticity of that foam varies by temperature, especially if it is wet. Why not just use the needle valve and float in a brand new plastic Briggs & Stratton lawn mower carburetor with the bowl removed? Just connect your water line where the fuel line should go. You can get them for $10 to $20 each online.
Thanks for sharing a great idea!! One possible issue is that fertilizer nutrient solution can be corrosive to some metals, but it is worth a try.
Hmm..to complecated
im sleepy
Too complicates for me.. i just drilled a hole on my container where the water level shld be.
Yes, but how does the water get in? This method is not only about keeping it from overflowing but also about filling it as needed. This system will fill it when it's low. You could bury this in a planter and provide water directly to the roots without having to come out and water each day. You can still drill a hole to keep excess water from flooding, perhaps if there is rain or failure of the seal.
for 5 bucks auto shut off float valves are sold why not use one?
This project started many years ago with the goal of developing a small and inexpensive (less than $1) float valve that growers could afford to place in each growing container (something akin to chicken waterers). Well, I'm not there yet, but thought it useful to share what I have in hopes that someone will use it as a springboard to develop these devices. Now, $5 each is pretty good, but still a little expensive for a grower who wishes to use a large number of devices.