My new watering project

[jay]

Ok, so the debate a little while ago was what to do with the plants when you are out of town. How will they get watered? I think I have come up with a solution. This is a test run to see if it works over the next few weeks before I leave town.

This is in the process of being built. I got the idea from a couple of products online, but they just didn't meet my needs.

The pump will sit in a large reservoir full of the nutrient solution. It will be on a timer to water the plants daily for one minute (time may need to be adjusted). The water will be distributed by the 8-way adjustable flow heads to the individual aeroponic sprayer heads. These little blue heads are used in aeroponic systems to maximize oxygenation at the roots. It will still drain like normal into the humidity tray.

If this system works well, I might try to make it a full aeroponic system with return flow. If I do that then it will get rid of the reservoirs in each pot as they will drain off and flow back to the main reservoir. I know this allows for cross contamination. I might have to work on this.

I will update as I get the system up and running over the next couple of days.

[solay]

Sounds ingenious to me. I'm always worried about my plants when I'm on vacation. I have my sister water for me but i think she's most likely kill them before I get back.

I am interested in seeing how your contraption turns out. Keep us posted.

[patticake]

Awesome! I'm going away for 2 weeks in August, and I'm a little worried about leaving the chids. That's really neat- Keep us posted!

[arleneg]

Jay,

Do let us know how everything works out. My husband thought of a similar contraption. However, I was worried about leaks and possible parts coming loose, then finding the carpet in the orchid room soaked when returning from vacation.

Since you have less orchids than I, it will be easier for you to set your watering system up. I have 100+, all distributed around the house. Mine will be a bigger project that yours, that is, if I decide to set one up.

[Hummer344]

Ingenious way to use drip irrigation stuff. I use those same mainfolds in my garden. Your catch and return of water, as you have noted, may cause you a problem. Bacteria and sediment from each plant would be in the return. This may lead to aerobic growth in the reservoir, ie: algea. I think I would take the used water and return it to a seperate reservoir while you are away. This would for stall any problems that required immediate attention. While your home to keep track of things I think the return to the main reservoir would be ok.
Lets us know how it works