Hi all!
So here's a solution to a problem. I'm a big DIYer and whenever I read a "DIY Ebb & Flow" article where people build all sorts of wonderful systems with parts from Wal*Mart and big box hardware stores, it saddens me because 98% of them then go on to tell me to run to the local indoor gardening and hydroponics supplier to get my E&F fittings for $10.
That's not DIY!
Now, some don't like going to "hydro stores", some like to do it 100% DIY, and some just have lots of parts laying around... All making this DIY project a viable option for the Personal/Micro/Stealth grower or just for those who just love to tinker. Also, I guess there is some cost benefit to this if you don't mind elbow grease and you skip the grommets... If you can find something cheaper than the $0.88 fender washers, you can have grommets and still have the system be less than $10 ($7 without fender washers)
Parts
1/2" Barb to 1/2" MIP Adapter 1.42
1/2" 90° Barb to 3/4" MIP Adapter 2.98
3/4" 3/4" 1/2" Combination Tee 1.07
3/4" Insert FIP Barb Adapter 1.43
3/4" PVC 0.12
(4) Rubber Fender Washers 3.52
Screen Free
Cost 7.02
Cost w/Optional Parts (italic) 10.54
Sources
I went to:
Home Depot - Rubber Fender Washers
Lowes - Everything else
I have checked and both stores carry the fender washers... They were cheaper at my local Home Depot so I went there. I'm 100% sure these fittings could be made by just one visit to a big-box hardware store, I bought from two because I had the ability to.
As for screen, it can be found in people's trash pretty often. If not, you don't need much. Try to find someone who has a roll or somewhere that sells by the foot.
Tools
Silicone Caulk
Low-Grit Sandpaper
Hacksaw OR PVC Cutter (recommended)
Drill & Drill Bits
Instructions
1) Sand the FIP barb adapter so that it fits in 3/4" PVC
2) Silicone FIP barb adapter into PVC, then smoke a bowl of something nice
3) Put your assembly on floor of your E&F table and mark off final overflow height.
4) Cut PVC tube to height, trying to keep the top cut straight/flat.
5) Trim 90° barb threads ~1/4" so that it screws in closer to the FIP adapter. Do this to the straight 1/2" barb as well.
6) Clip T-arms off of the combination tee, then drill holes about 1/8" up from the bottom of the threads, for drainage.
7) I wrapped my fittings in plastic screen that I had as scrap, simply to keep grow medium from being drained or pumped.
8) I also trimmed two fender washers per fitting to use as rubber washers. I've seen this be watertight without them, but I like them for the added piece of mind. If anyone knows of a cheaper solution for these, please share!
9) The straight barb goes into the cut-down tee, and the 90° barb goes into the overflow fitting you've made. Install them in your E&F/F&D trays/tubs/tubes/tables with caulk on all sides.
10) Let the caulk dry, hook up 1/2" tubing to the barbs and hook up your water pump of choice and away you go!
Also I guess this is my first post (long time lurker, new ICer) so Hello ICMag! & Thank you for the wonderful place to hang
Also mods sorry if this isn't the right place for this, please move it if necessary!
Helis
So here's a solution to a problem. I'm a big DIYer and whenever I read a "DIY Ebb & Flow" article where people build all sorts of wonderful systems with parts from Wal*Mart and big box hardware stores, it saddens me because 98% of them then go on to tell me to run to the local indoor gardening and hydroponics supplier to get my E&F fittings for $10.
That's not DIY!
Now, some don't like going to "hydro stores", some like to do it 100% DIY, and some just have lots of parts laying around... All making this DIY project a viable option for the Personal/Micro/Stealth grower or just for those who just love to tinker. Also, I guess there is some cost benefit to this if you don't mind elbow grease and you skip the grommets... If you can find something cheaper than the $0.88 fender washers, you can have grommets and still have the system be less than $10 ($7 without fender washers)
Parts
1/2" Barb to 1/2" MIP Adapter 1.42
1/2" 90° Barb to 3/4" MIP Adapter 2.98
3/4" 3/4" 1/2" Combination Tee 1.07
3/4" Insert FIP Barb Adapter 1.43
3/4" PVC 0.12
(4) Rubber Fender Washers 3.52
Screen Free
Cost 7.02
Cost w/Optional Parts (italic) 10.54
Sources
I went to:
Home Depot - Rubber Fender Washers
Lowes - Everything else
I have checked and both stores carry the fender washers... They were cheaper at my local Home Depot so I went there. I'm 100% sure these fittings could be made by just one visit to a big-box hardware store, I bought from two because I had the ability to.
As for screen, it can be found in people's trash pretty often. If not, you don't need much. Try to find someone who has a roll or somewhere that sells by the foot.
Tools
Silicone Caulk
Low-Grit Sandpaper
Hacksaw OR PVC Cutter (recommended)
Drill & Drill Bits
Instructions
1) Sand the FIP barb adapter so that it fits in 3/4" PVC
2) Silicone FIP barb adapter into PVC, then smoke a bowl of something nice
3) Put your assembly on floor of your E&F table and mark off final overflow height.
4) Cut PVC tube to height, trying to keep the top cut straight/flat.
5) Trim 90° barb threads ~1/4" so that it screws in closer to the FIP adapter. Do this to the straight 1/2" barb as well.
6) Clip T-arms off of the combination tee, then drill holes about 1/8" up from the bottom of the threads, for drainage.
7) I wrapped my fittings in plastic screen that I had as scrap, simply to keep grow medium from being drained or pumped.
8) I also trimmed two fender washers per fitting to use as rubber washers. I've seen this be watertight without them, but I like them for the added piece of mind. If anyone knows of a cheaper solution for these, please share!
9) The straight barb goes into the cut-down tee, and the 90° barb goes into the overflow fitting you've made. Install them in your E&F/F&D trays/tubs/tubes/tables with caulk on all sides.
10) Let the caulk dry, hook up 1/2" tubing to the barbs and hook up your water pump of choice and away you go!
Also I guess this is my first post (long time lurker, new ICer) so Hello ICMag! & Thank you for the wonderful place to hang
Also mods sorry if this isn't the right place for this, please move it if necessary!
Helis
