LilHoldem-NB
Member
I have always wanted to try a biobucket out. I think I will set a couple of them up. I have been waiting to many years to try it. lol And me being the 1000th post in this thread I think its time. Its written in the stars.
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BigTokes ~ "How-To" Of The Bio-Buckets 101
- Thread starter BigToke
- Start date
C
Casual
Clones are in the Aerocloner... I should be firing up my Bucket system this week to get the BB to colonize. 12 buckets, should take about a week for the Bacteria to build up enough to get rolling.
Only thing I'm not thrilled about is the glue/siliconing of the 3/4" inlets on each bucket.
I replace the 1.25" exit fittings with 1.25" PVC and Uniseals. I have MUCH more faith in these things not leaking. It seemed that if I bumped the damn exits, the glue/silicone would break away from the bucket. I may change the inlets over to 3/4" PVC and uniseals as well, but the inlet hole is a bit above the water line, so it may not be an issue. Once I have the room spotlessly cleaned and the buckets all setup and water flowing, i'll snap some pics and toss them up here. This is my first attempt at growing ANYTHING, so we'll see what happens.
Caz
Only thing I'm not thrilled about is the glue/siliconing of the 3/4" inlets on each bucket.
I replace the 1.25" exit fittings with 1.25" PVC and Uniseals. I have MUCH more faith in these things not leaking. It seemed that if I bumped the damn exits, the glue/silicone would break away from the bucket. I may change the inlets over to 3/4" PVC and uniseals as well, but the inlet hole is a bit above the water line, so it may not be an issue. Once I have the room spotlessly cleaned and the buckets all setup and water flowing, i'll snap some pics and toss them up here. This is my first attempt at growing ANYTHING, so we'll see what happens.
Caz
Big Toke,
how in the world do you do the math on this? Im trying to figure out what pump i need to use for a 9-12 bucket system, and what do you mean about a foot drop?
C
Casual
Hi Toke. I've read through BT's entire thread twice, and have a 12-bucket system just about to fire up.
The one foot drop is in reference to the water coming out of the 4" PVC Drain pipe where it empties into the reservoir... the 4" pipe is 12" above the surface of the Rez, creating a 1 foot drop that generates Dissolved Oxygen in the water. DO is VERY important to how this system works.
I'm using a 900GPH pump on my 12-bucket setup. It's a bit on the overkill side, but
as far as the math goes... If you have 10 buckets in the system, and a 10 gallon rez, that's 60 Gallons total of water/nutes in your system. You want to be able to exchange the entire contents of your system 7-10 times an hour. Take the total amount of water in the system and mulitply it by 7-10 to get the GPH requirement of the pump you'll need. So for a 7x's an hour turnover, you'd need a 420GPH pump. If you wanted to turn everything over 10x's an hour, you'd need a 600GPH pump.
Cheers and good luck... I'm convinced BB's are a great way to go unless you have a ton of space and $$ for lots of lights... then the Under Current system seems to be WOW!
Caz
The one foot drop is in reference to the water coming out of the 4" PVC Drain pipe where it empties into the reservoir... the 4" pipe is 12" above the surface of the Rez, creating a 1 foot drop that generates Dissolved Oxygen in the water. DO is VERY important to how this system works.
I'm using a 900GPH pump on my 12-bucket setup. It's a bit on the overkill side, but
as far as the math goes... If you have 10 buckets in the system, and a 10 gallon rez, that's 60 Gallons total of water/nutes in your system. You want to be able to exchange the entire contents of your system 7-10 times an hour. Take the total amount of water in the system and mulitply it by 7-10 to get the GPH requirement of the pump you'll need. So for a 7x's an hour turnover, you'd need a 420GPH pump. If you wanted to turn everything over 10x's an hour, you'd need a 600GPH pump.
Cheers and good luck... I'm convinced BB's are a great way to go unless you have a ton of space and $$ for lots of lights... then the Under Current system seems to be WOW!
Caz
loving it!
C
Casual
Saw BigToke post a Merry Xmas message, but haven't seen him post anything in here in a LONG time... Anyone know what happened to him?
Opt1c... yea, Uniseals are the cats ass... I love them!!
I'm waiting on the 3/4" uniseals to come... soon as I have them, i'll be able to finish up my buckets and I'll startup my own thread on the grow. VERY excited... it's been about 6 months in the works!
Caz
Opt1c... yea, Uniseals are the cats ass... I love them!!
I'm waiting on the 3/4" uniseals to come... soon as I have them, i'll be able to finish up my buckets and I'll startup my own thread on the grow. VERY excited... it's been about 6 months in the works!
Caz
bio bucket plague????
bio bucket plague????
in 2002 they started adding chloramines to public water here in central illinois. the lady at the pet shop told me and should me big public poster with specifics . she says chlorine will dissipate but the chloramines wont because of or with ammonia???????? she suggested and gave me some trial size packets of aquasafe water conditioner and says i need to use it before benificial bacteria- for starting up new aquarium
i didnt want to paint her a picture but did tell her it was for aquatic plants and she was still pretty sure i should use it. what do yaouall think???????????
bio bucket plague????
in 2002 they started adding chloramines to public water here in central illinois. the lady at the pet shop told me and should me big public poster with specifics . she says chlorine will dissipate but the chloramines wont because of or with ammonia???????? she suggested and gave me some trial size packets of aquasafe water conditioner and says i need to use it before benificial bacteria- for starting up new aquarium
i didnt want to paint her a picture but did tell her it was for aquatic plants and she was still pretty sure i should use it. what do yaouall think???????????
petemoss
Active member
Those aquarium water conditioners are good for removing chlorine, chloramines and ammonia found in tap water. Those chemicals will harm the beneficial bacteria that bio buckets need. If your city uses chlorine, you need only to leave the water in an open container overnight and the chlorine will evaporate. Alternatively, you can make your own water conditioning solution from vitamin C tablets. Dissolve two 500mg tablets of vitamin C in a cup of water and filter out the chalky white stuff that doesn't dissolve. Add a teaspoon of this solution per gallon of tap water to remove chloramines.
Don't add epsom salts or hydrogen peroxide to an active bio system, as that will kill all bacteria beneficial or not. I never sterilized or even cleaned my equipment between grows. I just drained all the old nute solution, added dechlorinated tap water, and left the pump on to circulate the water. Why destroy all the beneficial bacteria you worked so hard to cultivate? So what if your buckets and hoses look dirty? The mossy grime you see is actually good stuff you should be trying to preserve. I would only sterilize to kill bugs or rotting material after a bad grow. When you look into a mountain stream, you'll see clear clean water flowing over the rocks. But the rocks themselves are covered with a slimey moss-like layer of beneficial bacteria that keeps the water clean.
To answer Casual's question about when to put in new clones: you can put new clones in as soon as you see roots sticking out of the oasis cube or rapid rooter. Hand water around the roots and rocks for a couple of days until the roots reach the water level. You don't have to wait until the water cycles (read about the Nitrogen cycle here http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm). The chemical changes that the water goes through will not harm the clones. They're pretty tough! I know that BigToke does things a little differently, but that's what I do and it works.
Don't add epsom salts or hydrogen peroxide to an active bio system, as that will kill all bacteria beneficial or not. I never sterilized or even cleaned my equipment between grows. I just drained all the old nute solution, added dechlorinated tap water, and left the pump on to circulate the water. Why destroy all the beneficial bacteria you worked so hard to cultivate? So what if your buckets and hoses look dirty? The mossy grime you see is actually good stuff you should be trying to preserve. I would only sterilize to kill bugs or rotting material after a bad grow. When you look into a mountain stream, you'll see clear clean water flowing over the rocks. But the rocks themselves are covered with a slimey moss-like layer of beneficial bacteria that keeps the water clean.
To answer Casual's question about when to put in new clones: you can put new clones in as soon as you see roots sticking out of the oasis cube or rapid rooter. Hand water around the roots and rocks for a couple of days until the roots reach the water level. You don't have to wait until the water cycles (read about the Nitrogen cycle here http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm). The chemical changes that the water goes through will not harm the clones. They're pretty tough! I know that BigToke does things a little differently, but that's what I do and it works.
C
Casual
Angel, how long you have to wait for the Bacteria to establish is different from system to system. BigTokes rule of thumb was to let it run until there was a 'film' on the surface. In other words, let it run until when you dip your fingers into the water and rub them together they should feel slick.
BigToke said his system because of it's size required 2 weeks. My system with 12 buckets, I'm guessing will take a week or so. I'll know pretty soon. I expect to have water flowing by very early next week!
Caz
BigToke said his system because of it's size required 2 weeks. My system with 12 buckets, I'm guessing will take a week or so. I'll know pretty soon. I expect to have water flowing by very early next week!
Caz
I have used the 'hot-glue-then-silicone' method for a couple cycles now, no leaks.......The only way I can get them to break is by twisting them out with pliers.....the trick is to scuff/sand the plastic to create a lot of surface area for the glue to adhere to.....I use only aquarium silicone (very greasy and sticky and VERY waterproof)
I also have uniseals running from resivoir to external pump but I find them to require a much smoother hole to be drilled and often take a couple days to fully seat......matter of preference I guess..........hot glue/silicone is way cheaper
I also have uniseals running from resivoir to external pump but I find them to require a much smoother hole to be drilled and often take a couple days to fully seat......matter of preference I guess..........hot glue/silicone is way cheaper
plumbers goop
plumbers goop
there bis a product called plumbers goop. it comes in purple tooth paste type tube. its a silicon adhesive. you can drill a hole in bucket, stick in your hose and make a bead on both sides . let cure and you can swing around your head and never break seal!!!!!!!!!!!
plumbers goop
there bis a product called plumbers goop. it comes in purple tooth paste type tube. its a silicon adhesive. you can drill a hole in bucket, stick in your hose and make a bead on both sides . let cure and you can swing around your head and never break seal!!!!!!!!!!!
well another oops petemoss wrote "Don't add epsom salts or hydrogen peroxide to an active bio system, as that will kill all bacteria beneficial or not. " .... forgot i read that till it was too late.... lots of froth and some brown scum is now appearing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kp^
Member
Hey all BB users!
I realize there are Cab groups, scrog groups... but is there a Bio-bucket group??
I'm curious if there are other BB growers that don't use Oasis Cubes and put there clone straight into lava rocks....? I ask as my local stores stopped selling Oasis Cubes and I didn't pick up any extra the first time around.. I know BT says he uses them, but I'm running out of ideas....
How are others going from clone to BB system?
I made a DIY Aero cloner, and I used it for the first time with the BB system. I just placed all the clones into netpots with a neoprene insert. I took out most of the rocks and layed the roots into the lava rock.. The roots were about 6-8" long. And then carefully put lava rocks back into the netpots and on the rocks very carefully.
What I noticed is that if you place the clone in to much water the stem gets to wet and can lead to rot. So you have to place the clone higher than water level in the net pot, but still have the lava rock support it.
Ideas, suggestions, pics? I'm working on a better clone process for the BB system, but my lil idea wont be ready for a awhile....
few pics of tree's on my run to give u a better idea what I did.... One of the image is really bad..., but u get the idea..
I realize there are Cab groups, scrog groups... but is there a Bio-bucket group??
I'm curious if there are other BB growers that don't use Oasis Cubes and put there clone straight into lava rocks....? I ask as my local stores stopped selling Oasis Cubes and I didn't pick up any extra the first time around..
I know BT says he uses them, but I'm running out of ideas....How are others going from clone to BB system?
I made a DIY Aero cloner, and I used it for the first time with the BB system. I just placed all the clones into netpots with a neoprene insert. I took out most of the rocks and layed the roots into the lava rock.. The roots were about 6-8" long. And then carefully put lava rocks back into the netpots and on the rocks very carefully.
What I noticed is that if you place the clone in to much water the stem gets to wet and can lead to rot. So you have to place the clone higher than water level in the net pot, but still have the lava rock support it.
Ideas, suggestions, pics? I'm working on a better clone process for the BB system, but my lil idea wont be ready for a awhile....
few pics of tree's on my run to give u a better idea what I did.... One of the image is really bad..., but u get the idea..
C
Casual
Hi Kp... you know, I think starting up a BioBucket users group is a great idea. I just put plants into my first grow about 2 weeks ago, but I've been reading about them for the past 7 months.
I built an aerocloner as well, but had miserable luck with it. I've not written it off, just need to play with it again. I had all kinds of issues first time around, but think I have it figured out now. What you did is exactly what I'd thought of. I believe it'll work just fine, maybe even better, as you'll get all the roots going down. Some of my Oasis cubes have roots coming out the sides.
I've noticed that the Bio-Buckets seem to be losing in popularity to MPB and UC setups. If you have a LOT of light, and a LOT of room, they definitely produce larger yields. For those of us that are limited to the amount of power we can pull, and room size, I think it's hard to beat the standard 5-gallon BioBuckets. Maybe one of the old pros will start a Users Group for BB's. If no one does in the next few days, I'll start one up and see how it goes. Would definitely be nice to have several BB experts in one thread!
I'd like to publicly THANK Petemoss for all the advice and words of wisdom he's shared with me over the past several weeks. There is an awesome peace of mind when you can bounce ideas off of a veteran grower!!
Caz
I built an aerocloner as well, but had miserable luck with it. I've not written it off, just need to play with it again. I had all kinds of issues first time around, but think I have it figured out now. What you did is exactly what I'd thought of. I believe it'll work just fine, maybe even better, as you'll get all the roots going down. Some of my Oasis cubes have roots coming out the sides.
I've noticed that the Bio-Buckets seem to be losing in popularity to MPB and UC setups. If you have a LOT of light, and a LOT of room, they definitely produce larger yields. For those of us that are limited to the amount of power we can pull, and room size, I think it's hard to beat the standard 5-gallon BioBuckets. Maybe one of the old pros will start a Users Group for BB's. If no one does in the next few days, I'll start one up and see how it goes. Would definitely be nice to have several BB experts in one thread!
I'd like to publicly THANK Petemoss for all the advice and words of wisdom he's shared with me over the past several weeks. There is an awesome peace of mind when you can bounce ideas off of a veteran grower!!
Caz
kp^
Member
Casual, its good to see that we are on the same page!! 
I know I've spent countless hours just reading up on others grows, and how they did it etc..
I know this is a How-Too BB, and lots of questions can be answered here... but maybe a group could be focused for those that have a BB system running, but still needs more tips from other BB experts... I know I've learned ALOT... and I would be very happy to share what I've learned..
I'm on my 2nd run now, but its a testing run.. so not a full 12 buckets... Let me put it this way... DONT use rockwool with BioBuckets... :|
Cheers, and happy growing!!
I know I've spent countless hours just reading up on others grows, and how they did it etc..
I know this is a How-Too BB, and lots of questions can be answered here... but maybe a group could be focused for those that have a BB system running, but still needs more tips from other BB experts... I know I've learned ALOT... and I would be very happy to share what I've learned..
I'm on my 2nd run now, but its a testing run.. so not a full 12 buckets...
Let me put it this way... DONT use rockwool with BioBuckets... :|Cheers, and happy growing!!
