only thing id like to add is make sure the 2 air lines are the same length, or one bucket will starve for air. you can drill the hole one size under 1/4" and the air line will fit nice and snug.
@@DieselRamchargerI know this is a old post but what about the higher flow air pumps with a 1/2” hose from the pump to a manifold with 6-8 ports with flow managing turn levers? Also if you raise the pump above the water level with the air hose hanging down like a drip loop would that stop the water from back flowing?
@@scubadivingsince2006 well those manifolds are made specifically for uneven distribution. but the plastic ones without the turn levers would probably be fine. you dont really want metal in your hydro system if at all possible. and yes keep the air pumps up high and they wont siphon off in a power failure.
@@HydroHowTo I appreciate people like you I’m starting my own build with a hydro bucket from pa hydroponics. So I’m probably gonna need directing to which videos on ur account I need to watch 😂 me an my wife just started cause ohio just legalized rec so we can grow 12 plants in our home.
I have to say after watching just two of your " DIY " video's... " There is a guy sharing the right kind of info..." from simple to beyond, and for us " learn by doing " set of folks! KUDO'S brother, I signed up for your content ( all of it ) and proud to have done so! Respectfully, Seth
Great guide! I'm just looking to get started with hydroponics myself and found this quite useful. Looks like your website is having some issues right now and cannot be connected to, unfortunately. Was eager to check out the getting started guide you mentioned. Thought you should know it appears to be down!
Perfectly simple setup. Very effective. I would put the airlines in the top of the side of bucket. Not on lid so if you need to remove You can free of obstructions
how you are feeding and refilling the res when they get low. are you mixing nutes in another bucket and adjusting ph and then adding to bucket after you remove the whole lid and plant? do you just top off with water and add nutes into same bucket and ph? seems like it would be kind of a hassle once you are dealing with a larger plant in flower
Great question! Yes, you definitely want to clean the bucket before use even if it's brand new. Buckets are usually pretty dirty from shipping and sitting on the store shelves. Also if possible, opt for food-grade buckets. They're normally white and labeled as food grade. Unfortunately my local big box store was out of them when I went shopping for this video.
@@HydroHowTo i know, and i swear its cheaper to buy em full of cat food than just the empty buckets from the hydro store. now what am i going to do with all these cats is the question?
To change water and see water levels I'd install a L-piece followed by a 35cm clear hose like on a waterfarm (ghe). Lifting the lid to change water really sucks later on when the plants are huge
Would this system work outside in say my backyard? I was wanting to grow something like strawberries and perhaps corn in a hydroponic system, but I'm not sure if those kinds of plants would be too big or if you can grow something like strawberries where you don't really harvest the entire plant.
This kind of system will work outside, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If the reservoirs are in the sun, they'll get hot. Also, you want to keep rainwater from gettin into the reservoirs. This system will work though. I have viewers growing tomatoes in this same system in Florida, but they wait until winter due to extreme summer weather. Strawberries will grow well in the system too. I hope that helps!! Thanks for watching!
Did you have a light on in closet? I’m going to do this in my one bedroom that I turned into a pantry. I have room in winter for it in there now. Arkansas. We are beginning to get cold here
Use Black buckets and lids the light will get though the white lids and even possibly those blue buckets and cause issues with algae. Ask me how I know 😉
Thanks for the info. I haven’t ever had an algae problem with blue buckets. White lid seems to be working really well too. I’ve always used blue in the past, but decided to give white a go this time.
@@HydroHowTo 1st off mate you have some great info on your channel. I'm a new sub. The blue is probably fine but white I found just to be problematic. If you want a bit of reflection when using black lids a bit of aluminum foil will help. Happy growing 🌱
@@CryptoShark888 Thanks so much for the kind words! I love those ideas. Makes total sense. I will definitely experiment with a darker lid. Also, thanks for the sub!!
Solariver had the perfect solar air stone system..a bit pricey but built to last. I am new to this and have invested in a solar water pump. I want to do a NFT system but am trying to figure out how to keep the grow tray from draining out at night when solar not running (I am off grid) I was thinking some type of shut off valve a nutrient return ? Any suggestions would be appreciated
Buy a Larger quality Pump. Mount pump above planter, height. Located in another room or Basement for sound & run a long single hose to a splitter. Also,The Best place to put pump is where people sit and breathe out CO2. Or Outside where the Co2 level is high. 12 volt or 110 volt small compressor works well. Larger the tank ,makes for less run time on .
Glad I came across your channel I haven't done much gardening since the nineties and I'm thinking real small green house here in fla your content is going to help refresh the memories and avoid mistakes thank you Sir
You’re more than welcome! Florida winters are great for outdoor hydro! Wishing I was living there right about now with all this cold weather creeping in!
If the air pump is higher than the water level in the buckets, you won't need the check valves. Save some money , set the pump on top of a flipped over bucket or box .
What is the purpose of the air stones??? Why does it need air bubbles? Also, why wouldn't you use a carbon filter for the water? I'm a complete newbie and I'm trying to keep my bamboo alive. I thought about a fish tank filter to keep the water fresh, but now I'm seeing you have air stones.
I usually keep an extra bucket. When it’s time to swap out nutes/water, mix them up in the spare bucket, then lift the plant (and lid) up and place it on the spare bucket. Dump and clean the bucket you just removed, then fill it and swap it with the remaining bucket. This method works well for me. I hope that helps!
Thanks, only other would be if a trellis was involved, but for me not a problem I don’t use them. I know there are some trellis systems that mount on the bucket but for my limitations they won’t fit the space. Someone should make ‘em so they are smaller and more flexible. You could lift top with trellis, then swap buckets , maybe someday 🙆🏻
@@HydroHowTo something like the one bill ward displays from time to time. The problem is that company does not offer one for a 2x2 tent. IMO if they made smaller ones for autos you might be able to stuff 2 of them in that size in the tent. Because they are smaller I just need for the trellis to spread the branches when they are smaller. Obviously it’s a whole different game when it’s a larger tent or larger plants, autos different and let’s be honest they will be the larger percentage in the future.
For starting a new plant, water level just touching the bottom of the net cup until roots develop. For a plant with developed roots, water level a few inches below the net cup.
only thing id like to add is make sure the 2 air lines are the same length, or one bucket will starve for air. you can drill the hole one size under 1/4" and the air line will fit nice and snug.
Good tips!
Will having longer air hose give you less air pressure?
@@red_day6097 there is frictional loss inside a hose. if the hose are very long you have less flow rate. though thats minimal at these pressures.
@@DieselRamchargerI know this is a old post but what about the higher flow air pumps with a 1/2” hose from the pump to a manifold with 6-8 ports with flow managing turn levers? Also if you raise the pump above the water level with the air hose hanging down like a drip loop would that stop the water from back flowing?
@@scubadivingsince2006 well those manifolds are made specifically for uneven distribution. but the plastic ones without the turn levers would probably be fine. you dont really want metal in your hydro system if at all possible. and yes keep the air pumps up high and they wont siphon off in a power failure.
The farther I go down I can tell this guy reads his comments an tries to connect with his audience. Great video!
Thanks! I try to produce what I would find helpful.
Thanks! I try to produce what I would find helpful.
@@HydroHowTo I appreciate people like you I’m starting my own build with a hydro bucket from pa hydroponics. So I’m probably gonna need directing to which videos on ur account I need to watch 😂 me an my wife just started cause ohio just legalized rec so we can grow 12 plants in our home.
Best explanation without useless information!
Thank you!
I have to say after watching just two of your " DIY " video's...
" There is a guy sharing the right kind of info..." from simple to beyond, and for us " learn by doing " set of folks!
KUDO'S brother, I signed up for your content ( all of it ) and proud to have done so!
Respectfully, Seth
Thanks so much Seth! Your comment made my day! My goal is to make hydroponics as simple as I can for everyone. Thanks again!
@@HydroHowTo Glad to hear it... soaking it all up, thanks again!
Good stuff man, I started dwc just like this back in the day, people like to over complicate it.
Thanks! I totally agree!
Great guide! I'm just looking to get started with hydroponics myself and found this quite useful. Looks like your website is having some issues right now and cannot be connected to, unfortunately. Was eager to check out the getting started guide you mentioned. Thought you should know it appears to be down!
Sad that your website isn't working. Your videos are amazing and so helpful.
@@AshleyGreynolds-wx4gu hydrohowto.com will hopefully help
What did you use to mix your nutrients? Do you need to have any pump to keep the nutrients mixed or the air pump is good enough?
Perfectly simple setup. Very effective. I would put the airlines in the top of the side of bucket. Not on lid so if you need to remove You can free of obstructions
I normally prefer sides too, but with these buckets I swap the whole bucket for nutrient change. Thanks!
@@HydroHowTo can you do a video on this.
@@BlitzkriegStaffords which part?
how you are feeding and refilling the res when they get low. are you mixing nutes in another bucket and adjusting ph and then adding to bucket after you remove the whole lid and plant? do you just top off with water and add nutes into same bucket and ph? seems like it would be kind of a hassle once you are dealing with a larger plant in flower
@@HydroHowTo
That would work lol. See how simple it is to over think 🤔 good job. 👏 👏
Should I clean the buckets before adding water and nutrients? Even if they're brand new?
Great question! Yes, you definitely want to clean the bucket before use even if it's brand new. Buckets are usually pretty dirty from shipping and sitting on the store shelves.
Also if possible, opt for food-grade buckets. They're normally white and labeled as food grade. Unfortunately my local big box store was out of them when I went shopping for this video.
heck yes! add 4ppm bleach to your water to keep things nice and clean. cat food buckets are 8 gallon :)
@@DieselRamcharger I wish everything came in cat food buckets. Those buckets are so tough!!
@@HydroHowTo i know, and i swear its cheaper to buy em full of cat food than just the empty buckets from the hydro store. now what am i going to do with all these cats is the question?
@@DieselRamcharger LOL, THAT is the question!
I love this video but how do you know when to replace water that has evaporated. Do you just lift the lid and check ?
Yep!
you could also just put the air pump on something that is higher than the water line, so in case the pump fails, water doesnt just run into the pump
To change water and see water levels I'd install a L-piece followed by a 35cm clear hose like on a waterfarm (ghe). Lifting the lid to change water really sucks later on when the plants are huge
Good call!
From experience, use larger baskets better for supporting larger plants
Good call!
Awesome video with all the info i was looking for. I tried going to the website for the cheat sheet but i just kept getting a error 😢
The website address changed to hydrohowto.com I need to update links
Would this system work outside in say my backyard? I was wanting to grow something like strawberries and perhaps corn in a hydroponic system, but I'm not sure if those kinds of plants would be too big or if you can grow something like strawberries where you don't really harvest the entire plant.
This kind of system will work outside, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If the reservoirs are in the sun, they'll get hot. Also, you want to keep rainwater from gettin into the reservoirs. This system will work though. I have viewers growing tomatoes in this same system in Florida, but they wait until winter due to extreme summer weather. Strawberries will grow well in the system too. I hope that helps!! Thanks for watching!
Hell yea! And nice shout out to the best seed company baker!
They’re great!
Great video. I grew some "tomatoes" in a closet, took some trial and error to dial in but end result was damn good 😊
That’s awesome!
Did you have a light on in closet? I’m going to do this in my one bedroom that I turned into a pantry. I have room in winter for it in there now. Arkansas. We are beginning to get cold here
Great guide thanks for sharing I'm gonna have to try this out!
Thanks for watching!
Glad I found this channel!
Welcome aboard!
Use Black buckets and lids the light will get though the white lids and even possibly those blue buckets and cause issues with algae. Ask me how I know 😉
Thanks for the info. I haven’t ever had an algae problem with blue buckets. White lid seems to be working really well too. I’ve always used blue in the past, but decided to give white a go this time.
@@HydroHowTo 1st off mate you have some great info on your channel. I'm a new sub.
The blue is probably fine but white I found just to be problematic. If you want a bit of reflection when using black lids a bit of aluminum foil will help. Happy growing 🌱
@@CryptoShark888 Thanks so much for the kind words! I love those ideas. Makes total sense. I will definitely experiment with a darker lid. Also, thanks for the sub!!
Would this work for strawberries?
OR raise the air pump ABOVE the bucket. Unless you live south of the equator, water flows uphill there. ;)
Hello my friend. When the water level drops, do you fill up again at the starting point or lower? Thank you
Normally slightly lower, just below the net cup.
Solariver had the perfect solar air stone system..a bit pricey but built to last. I am new to this and have invested in a solar water pump. I want to do a NFT system but am trying to figure out how to keep the grow tray from draining out at night when solar not running (I am off grid) I was thinking some type of shut off valve a nutrient return ? Any suggestions would be appreciated
Oh I am a year into this and am doing a successful DWC
@@DebPainchaud a flood/drain system may work better in the case of direct solar with no power bank.
Buy a Larger quality
Pump. Mount pump above planter, height. Located in another room or Basement for sound & run a long single hose to a splitter. Also,The Best place to put pump is where people sit and breathe out CO2.
Or Outside where the Co2 level is high. 12 volt or 110 volt small compressor works well. Larger the tank ,makes for less run time on .
I ❤️ Baker Creek heirloom Seeds. Thanks for sharing your video
Thank you for the kind words! They have great stuff don't they!
Glad I came across your channel I haven't done much gardening since the nineties and I'm thinking real small green house here in fla your content is going to help refresh the memories and avoid mistakes thank you Sir
You’re more than welcome! Florida winters are great for outdoor hydro! Wishing I was living there right about now with all this cold weather creeping in!
How would one go about adding a waterlevel read to the bucket ?
How do you get away with not chilling the water or running a recycling reservoir where you are chilling the water?
If you raise the air pump above the water level in the bucket it can’t siphon back to the pump.
Great tip Jim! Thanks!
Or just use a check valve for aquariums, but yes it’s really a drip line with pump elevated
Could you grow small cherry tomato plants with this system?
Absolutely! That's what I grew in the system.
I drilled my airline hole on the side of the bucket near the top. No tube to change water?
On these small buckets, I change out the buckets rather than drain them. Whatever works best for your own use case is perfect! Thanks for the comment!
If the air pump is higher than the water level in the buckets, you won't need the check valves. Save some money , set the pump on top of a flipped over bucket or box .
PUT AIR PUMP ABOVE WATER LINE, OR IF POWER GOES OFF, WATER WILL SIPHON DOWN INTO PUMP, DESTROYING IT, VOIDING WARRENTRY 😢
Good call Colin Robinson!
@@HydroHowTo LOL
You can get a check valve
@@Reef_to_rainforest a check valve can fail
You can but if you have a functional check valve as he does, then no need to worry
Love that sebenza!!
Thanks! It's a $15 gerber, but I keep it clean 😁
Amazing channel 🎉
Thank you for the kind words!
What is the purpose of the air stones??? Why does it need air bubbles? Also, why wouldn't you use a carbon filter for the water? I'm a complete newbie and I'm trying to keep my bamboo alive. I thought about a fish tank filter to keep the water fresh, but now I'm seeing you have air stones.
I would make sure that air pump ie higher than the water Incase a power outage, so it doesnt burn the pump up.
Good call!
How do you change the water if need be?
Lift the bucket lid
How do you change reservoir nute/water? Thanks
I usually keep an extra bucket. When it’s time to swap out nutes/water, mix them up in the spare bucket, then lift the plant (and lid) up and place it on the spare bucket. Dump and clean the bucket you just removed, then fill it and swap it with the remaining bucket. This method works well for me. I hope that helps!
Thanks, only other would be if a trellis was involved, but for me not a problem I don’t use them. I know there are some trellis systems that mount on the bucket but for my limitations they won’t fit the space. Someone should make ‘em so they are smaller and more flexible. You could lift top with trellis, then swap buckets , maybe someday 🙆🏻
What kind of trellis are we talking about?
@@HydroHowTo something like the one bill ward displays from time to time. The problem is that company does not offer one for a 2x2 tent. IMO if they made smaller ones for autos you might be able to stuff 2 of them in that size in the tent. Because they are smaller I just need for the trellis to spread the branches when they are smaller. Obviously it’s a whole different game when it’s a larger tent or larger plants, autos different and let’s be honest they will be the larger percentage in the future.
Send link to cheat sheet
Where do I find website
@@jonmorris2459 hydrohowto.com
I don't get it are you using fish or fertilizer
Hydroponic nutrients
Are you saying you can grow tomatoes in just nutrients and air bubbles in a bucket
Along with water? Yes
Best thank you ❤
What type of pump are you usi g for these
It's a Uniclife UL-40 Air Pump. The link is in the description.
@@HydroHowTo thanks jst going to habeca look just n
Is the link working ? I can't see the cheat sheet
What is water PH ? Please..🙏🙏🙏
What are you growing? Manage pH based on plant needs.
Website not working?
HTTPS://hydrohowto.com
ha ha im like 420 ... blazein a bowl to this 1
Enjoy my friend!
I buy from baker creek also. 👍
They're great!
your vidio hasbeensohelpful bought pump but 2 stones wouldn't work now I see must be same length and other things
you've said it's great but can't find other vidio you talked about shopping etc would have been interesting to read
Oh I need to update that it sounds like. Thank you!
The cheat sheet is gone??? 😢😢😢
Hmmm...does this work for "other" plants too? 😏
For sure. This exact system is a bit small for “some” plants.
The website connection is not working.
Should be working now. I updated the links to hydrohowto.com
Links don't work for cheat sheet.
What is the name of the air stone in Spanish?
hi can someone tell me why does this rig have to be aerated? i have 0 idea on how these things works
Roots needs Oxygen or they'll die.. Air compressor will provide bubbles of Oxygen to the roots by using an Air stone.
Plant's will do better with an air gap between the net and solution. 4 to 6 inches works well and let's the plant dry at the base and stops rot.
sir could you recomend your average net cup distance from water level in your standard 5 gal setup?
For starting a new plant, water level just touching the bottom of the net cup until roots develop. For a plant with developed roots, water level a few inches below the net cup.
Watched on mute.. it was great! No need for words 🤠
Awesome! Good to know it was easy to follow on mute! Thanks!
It's very simple to see thanks
Now I can easily grow my…tomatoes.
Update, your Website is sending error codes.
@@mauricestewart9018 thanks for letting me lnow
Thanks for your information 😊😊😊
Thanks for your videos ! I´d like to download your "cheat sheet" but the website is unvailable. Any chance getting this ?
Looking to grow marijuana. What size hole would I need
You need to pre soak your stones
Unfortunately the cost is a lot higher if you’re just starting out. You need to buy nutrients, ph/ec meter, pH down, clay stones, etc.
"1/4 inch drill bit is roughly the same diameter as 1/4 inch tubing". 😂🤷♂
Thats not 30$
It was when it was made. Thanks for watching!
White George Taylor Charles Williams Patricia
take the video down there is no store wtf
Best explanation, Thanks
Will u send me 1 for free pls I wana learn