PVC Hydroponic grow setup. Questions.

[smotpoker]

So I have a DWC setup now and have just been exploring other hydroponic setups and am curious about the PVC setup (I guess it would be considered Ebb & Flow?) where you've got PVC pipes running downhill with net pots in the top of the pipe. My question is this: Do you leave the water flowing through 24/7 or is it on a timer? If so, what time increments do you use? Does anyone have a grow journal or build with pictures that I can check out? Any information that can be offered at all would be welcomed! Thanks for your time.

 

[smokingjoe]

Unless the pvc tubes are largely filled with water it's probably closer to NFT than E&F. Most commercial herb and flower growers use this technique, it is very common indeed and very useful. From what I recall the pump timing is no different to E&F which is usually 15minutes every 1 or 2 hours depending on preference. You can always increase or decrease this regime if required.

 

[smotpoker]

Is there any minimum depth you want to keep the water in the tube at or do you want it to drain dry when you're not pumping?

 

[smokingjoe]

The root ball etc will contain sufficient moisture between waterings I would try it on 15 minutes every hour to start with and see how you go. Probably start on half strength nutes also, and work up until you find a happy medium.

 

[Greenhead]

Read on another site a guy who grows exactly as you are talking and he said 1 min on 5 min off 24/7 Hope this helps he had great grow pic's