[rrog]

I posted this on the organic soil forum, but I guess since I have a pump attached, they'd prefer I post over here.

Anyway, I'm pumping air to the bottom of a pail per this method: https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=135017

Aside from the details, is anyone else pumping air into or under their medium? There has been an inference that this is compromising an otherwise nice organic soil grow. I don't see how that's possible, but it was suggested I ask on this Organic Hydro forum.

Thanks for any thoughts.

i'm growing in coco but i have been thinking of this too. i remember seeing a set up where a perforated tube was used as a passive way to get O2 to the root zone but i cant find that info anywhere. i think it was in an under current system but not sure.

ill post info as i find it.

[rrog]

I'm growing Super Silver Haze right now... that's funny! Did you change your avitar?

I've seen references to people installing a passive tube into a Perlite bottom layer. This is a passive means to get air in. I'm actually pumping air in, per that linked thread.

[lokes]

I pump air into my rez and water with the O2 rich water. Plus I use airpots which allows tons of air to the medium.

[echo_chamber]

I'd use smart pots instead, they give plenty of air to the root base in soil and don't require electricity and don't make noise

[rrog]

How do you find that works for you lokes? Are you using liquid ferts or amendments in the medium?

[rrog]

Originally Posted by echo_chamber

I'd use smart pots instead, they give plenty of air to the root base in soil and don't require electricity and don't make noise

Can't argue. The O2 is one aspect of what I'm thinking is beneficial. I had wondered if my huge air flow (on the order of 2.5-4 gallons per minute) wouldn't just dry up or kill the plants. Not the case, which is why I'm doing it again.

The other potential (opinion here) benefit is the upward movement of water may move nutrients up as well as respiration by-products out.

There's no getting away from the fact that there's the cost of a big pump, the noise of the pump (I have them soundproofed), and the cost to operate the pump.

The upside is I can't see any harm to the grow. At worst this may be a complete waste of time. At best I'm fully promoting the symbiotic micro-life and giving the roots all the moist O2 they can ever use.

[budrot]

Get an Air-dome for your auto-pots ;-)

or DIY it using a net pot upside down with an airstone under it.


EDIT:

rrog, ive had that avatar 6 mos maybe.

[lokes]

Originally Posted by rrog

How do you find that works for you lokes? Are you using liquid ferts or amendments in the medium?

i tried amendments first wanted to just add water. Ended up with deficiencies. I'm thinking KISS method next few runs with the Maxi, and Kool Bloom powders, FTW!

My goal is to be all organic one day, but its definitely not KISS, I don't care want anyone says. I'm thinking organics and super soils are at least a 4-6 run effort to get it dialed.