Need Help...

[Fretless]

I am seeing your point now. 250w @ 8" is a lot more footcandles than 600w @ 21". It has been a difficult search finding actual results of people using cool tubes and the like. But the figures I have come across, for instance from a post to Rosenthal, show that you can indeed get closer with air-cooling - but - the distances are not as dramatic as one might hope, and in footcandles, isn't any more energy than a 250w @ 8". In fact the figures Rosenthal gave matched it exactly ~ 18" for 1kw, 12" for 400w (air cooled).
Eventually I did come across some examples of people getting much closer, no doubt using very expensive and powerful exhaust in the reflector, more equipment than most people can afford.
A lot of IR radiation is, in fact, thermal, which accounts for the improved distances, but then a good bit of IR is closer to microwaves and as you say, doesn't care about air movement and fries plants just the same.
So, thanks for the info friend. Re-thinking my layout again, but this is good.

 

[Viracocha711]

Stoney, I have been searching and reading trying to make a detailed parts list for the 4 unit hydro system...Now, I have found a parts list you posted "http://www.marijuanapassion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5120&page=2" and the pump...I have read the DIY several times and tried to get what I could out of the pics and drawings. I am just not sure if I am missing anything. I have to have everything right because I am handicapped and cannot drive so I do not want to keep bugging folks for a ride if I can get everything in one outing. So this is why I am trying really hard to make a parts list.

So, real quick, pump starts and water is pumped out of res through a 3/8" fitting/hose at the bottom of res to a 3/8" to 1" reducer and from this point on the entire system is 1" pvc fittings and hose that will slip over the pvc to make connections using hose clamps? Except for the bulhead fittings which I can get the bulkhead fittings from the pet store website you posted which happens to be where I buy all my Chihuahua's toys and meds...

Pump-3/8" tube-3/8" to 1" reducer-1" Supply to bottom of each grow chamber and 1" return back to top of res.

 

[Stoney Bud]

So, real quick, pump starts and water is pumped out of res through a 3/8" fitting/hose at the bottom of res to a 3/8" to 1" reducer and from this point on the entire system is 1" pvc fittings and hose that will slip over the pvc to make connections using hose clamps? Except for the bulhead fittings which I can get the bulkhead fittings from the pet store website you posted which happens to be where I buy all my Chihuahua's toys and meds...

Pump-3/8" tube-3/8" to 1" reducer-1" Supply to bottom of each grow chamber and 1" return back to top of res.

You'll need a timer for your pump as well.

The 3/8" to 1" is a bit of a trick unless you get lucky. Check the galvanized nipples and reducers. That's what I ended up using this time.

Other than that, you seem to have it down man!

Good luck and if you only have to make one trip to the hardware store, you're a very lucky man.

Don't forget the stainless steel clamps. You need to make a good count of how many you'll need and what sizes. Put one on anything that can leak. Careful not to overtighten and break plastic.

 

[Viracocha711]

As always, thanks!

Yeah, I seriously doubt I will get away with one trip to the hardware store but I am going to try!

 

[Stoney Bud]

As always, thanks!

Yeah, I seriously doubt I will get away with one trip to the hardware store but I am going to try!

If you do it, I'm submitting you to the Guiness Book of Records!

Getting everything in one trip to a hardware store is against every rule in the book of life...Hahahahaha

 

[Viracocha711]

The pump you suggested, The Beckett 185gph, do you use this pump in your system? The reason I ask, I wanted to be sure it would not corrode fast due to the nutrient solution. I have read that some pumps will so I thought I would ask if you have had any problems with corrosion,Thanks.

 

[Viracocha711]

One more question...pH and PPM testers, what do you use? I know these are very important tools to have, right?

 

[Stoney Bud]

The pump you suggested, The Beckett 185gph, do you use this pump in your system? The reason I ask, I wanted to be sure it would not corrode fast due to the nutrient solution. I have read that some pumps will so I thought I would ask if you have had any problems with corrosion,Thanks.

I've been using the Beckett pump for 7 crops now. No problems, no corrosion. It's a solid little pump. I do have a backup. That's the only smart thing to do.

One more question...pH and PPM testers, what do you use? I know these are very important tools to have, right?

Oh God, every time I answer this question, someone raises hell with me.

No, I've never used any meters of any kind. Call it whatever you wish, I don't use them. If you have water that may be trouble, then by all means, buy and use them.

I mix my nutes with extreme care, and I don't use anything but the one brand of nutes and water. I use General Hydroponics Flora series with the hard water Micros.

Since you're new at this, I would suggest that you use the meters.

 

[Viracocha711]

ok...Sorry to bring up a touchy subject. I guess I am doing well considering all the questions I have asked and this is the first that may have a little controversy behind it. I understand, and i will lay off meter questions...I have always made it a practice to let water sit out in a big buckett prior to watering my house plants, so I assume the same would apply here prior to mixing nutes...I too, have never had any water issues that I know of...Is cannabis a sensitive plant? I would think not, but I guess with all the cross breeding that has been done some strains are?

Anyway, I really appreciate your help and I really hope I have not been a mold spore on your bud?