The System

Well, i figured it was about time to get this thread going. Me and a few other's here at IC have been talking about this system and other types. This system is going to be basically a top feed or a Aero system. For me, i'm going to try top feeding first and then see how well the system works. If i'm not happy with the systems results as a top feeder. This hybrid system will be very easy to convert over to a Hybrid Aero system.

Thanks

First, before we get started. I'd like to thank my Chatroom buddies for the help and idea's. I'd like to name names, but i'm affraid i might forget someone. I'll just say, you guys know who you are and thanks for all your help and idea's. I'm sure you'll be here helping out as the system comes together. Thanks a ton.

First, you are going to need to buy one of these Igloo cooler's. You can find these are Wal-mart or online at another retailer. They run about 35-43 bucks. I think i got mine out the door for 37.00 dollars and it was the last one. This is going to be the base for your system and also the reservois tank.

[T.doT.Toker]

Hey buddy nice to see your getting back on to your feet. Praying for an early release and a good grow! Take it easy bro.

The Idea

The idea came after seeing one of those vertical grow cube systems. Well, after seeing the $4,500 dollar price tag and talking to other members. I figured, why not just build something like it. This first unit is jut going to be the Demo model. Once it's up and running and all the bugs are fixed and worked out. I'm going to build four more units. This will give me my cube with four sides. The Demo unit will be used as a swap unit. This will allow me to harvest every 2 weeks and run different strains and not worry about bouncing the fertz around. Each unit has it's own rez tank and PH, PPM won't be a problem. I'll simply had the Demo unit ready and rotate at unit out every two weeks. Once the full unit is harvested. That unit will be cleaned and refreshed with fresh fertz and cycled back inline with the next unit coming up for harvest. It, sounds like a great idea and will see after the whole system is up and running.

Placement

Here is the marks your going to need to drill out some 3.25" holes for the vertical tubes that your going to be installing soon. You will be drilling a total of four holes.

Alittle Info

If everyone will bare with me. I will post everything i used for tools and supplys. Just incase someone wants to build one. I'll try to list all measurements also, but if i miss something. Please, go right ahead and ask away. I'm more then happy to answer any question about this unit. There will be a shopping list, price list, and tool list at the end of the thread.
Thanks,
BG

Drilling Holes

Ok, I've marked my hole and figured out the spacing for the four tubes i'm going to have. The spacing of the tubes are off, so it would be better for anyone doing a unit to figure out what they might want. If i would have went with a fifth tube. It would have been easier, but i suck with the four tube idea. The space was alittle hard, because i couldn't get a even spacing across the top of the lid. I wante each coupler to be over two of the ridges for better suport and less chance of sag. I think you'll understand better after seeing the pictures.

All holes are going to be drilled out with a 3.25" hole saw bit. The pipe i'm using is 3" sewer pipe and is thinner then the normal PVC pipe. You got to make sure you get this sewer pipe or you'll be returning wrong size fitting, because there are two different sizes of 3" PVC pipe. There is a ID and a OD and both are different sizes. I learnt the hard way for you guys and girls. lolol




If you notice here on picture number two. You can see how i made the cut of the hole over two ridged on the lid. To me, i think this will help support more weight then being in a valley of the lid



Here's a inside shoot of the lid after all the hole's are cut out.

Hi BG - looks good so far. I'm bookmarking this one!

Installing Coupler's

Ok, here I'm going to install the 3" coupler that are going to be used for the tubes that will be vertical. The vertical tubes will be inserted into these top coupler's. One thing about this system. The tubes will not be glued into the coupler's. I want to be able to remove the tubes, whenever i need to or want to. You'll see that alittle later on. I'm using two 3" coupler's for each tube. A top and inner to keep the tubes inplace. There will be a 4" long section of 3" PVC pipe and thing will be glued to the top and lower coupler. You will see this in the pictures.

Here is a picture of the 4" PVC space that will be glued into the coupler's.



Here you can see the 4" PVC pipe coming through from the inside of the cooler with a coupler already on it.



Here is a inside shot of the spacer's and coupler.




Here is the coupler job all done. All coupler are in place and ready for the next step.



One thing i need to point out. Everything will be dry fitted first. I want to make sure everything fit right, before doing any glueing. I thought i would let everyone know this. Glueing can cause problems if you run into a problem.

I'll post more tomorrow and upload more pictures. Thanks everyone for the post and kind words. Stay tune for more soon.
Take care,
BG

[ethereal]

nice

Head Plumbing

Ok, here is going to be the plumbing for the feeding heads that will feed all grow sites. I'm using regular 1/2" PVC and 1/2" fittings. The four holes that you see in the pictures is drilled out with a 7/8" hole saw. Here are the first holes and fittings.



Here's all four holes all drived out and ready for plumbing.



Here you will see the fitting all installed. I used four female adapters. These have 1/2" threads on one side and then a normal side for glueing. You will also need four pieces of 2.25" section of pipe for spaces.



Here is a inside shot of all the first of the fittings. You got two elbo's and two T's all 1/2". I will get to the rest of the plumbing for the pump tomorrow.



Here are the feeder heads installed. I used four 6" double threads exstender's to make sure i have enough space for the feeder hoses. Each head is a six site feeder. Again, all threading is 1/2" These heads simply screw on the pipes. OH, before anyone ask. Yes, there is one head missing. FUCKIN, Home Depot was out of them and i went to two other stores and nothing. I got to wait a week for them to restock. ASSHOLES. The reason i'm going with these heads over others. You can control the flow by a knob. I'll take beter and close-up's tomorrow and show you.



Here is a back shot of the feeder heads.



Well, it's late and i'm going to bed.
Night all,
BG

so glad to see this thread started...I got the canna butter anyone got some popcorn?

[ethereal]

popcorns up, HurricaneFanIam!

lookin forward to progress reports, BG