blumats

[mliokv48]

Why do you not need run off when using trod bluemats in coco. Can someone give me a detailed answer please.

 

[rives]

I don't know that I can give you a good answer, but it does work. I've been doing it for several years now, keep the feed relatively low and use Drip Clean. I keep bonsai mom's the same way, but flush them about every 6 months or so.

 

[FlowerFarmer]

The media stays constantly just that right amount of wet that each individual plant requires. The salts don't seem to accumulate too quickly so long as a weaker feed is given. It's the wet/dry cycles of coco that causes a concentration of ppms and problems.

That said.. I'd still want the ability to control run-off even when growing with my blumats. Maybe not as important in a smaller garden where you can move the plants to flush, but having the ability to pass lots of solution through a media is important. It's a headache otherwise should the situation arise to correct the rootzone nute profile.

 

[RedBeardy5]

Yeah always prepare for run off

 

[stoned40yrs]

That's a no brainer. If you don't have a way to get runoff then how are you going to flush the plants at the end of bloom? I don't consider running straight water thru the blumat as really flushing. You also have to be prepared for a runaway blumat, with either a large tray or a small tray plumbed to a drain. My plants are not easy to get at so I built a wand for flushing and for adding a boost to the coco if I don't want to run the boost thru the blumats. I can stand outside my room and do this with the wand. The wand is 6' long made from 1/2" pvc. There is a 90 at the end and a few more inches of pipe with a cap on it that has a lot of holes drilled in it to release a even sprinkle. On the end where I hold it I have a simple on/off ball valve. To this end is connected 1/2" black hydro hose that goes up to a elevated 5gal pail with a through hull connection. It's sweet and easy.

 

[RedBeardy5]

Stoned40yrs, I'm going to do that right now. I just used a small pond pump with 1/2 hose and a shut off valve. But a PVC pipe would be nice bc it's rigid. Thanks

 

[mliokv48]

I have flood table. IM just curious how blumats work in coco without producing runoff. Could you use canna line through blumats or h&g?
I too love your watering wand.

 

[tebos]

Blumats without run off work fine, flushing with plain water does get rid of possible salt built ups. This is a no brainer to me.

 

[Weeded1s]

I believe your not supposed to ever flush with plain water unless final flush cuz it depletes cations in the coco causeing deff. and ph drift

 

[Weeded1s]

Instead of plain h20 use a low ec solution like 1/4 or 1/3 of nutrient strength

 

[mliokv48]

Thanks weed.