Hydroponic air pumps for bubblers
Thought I’d pass along a tip on setting up a hydroponics system for cheap. I have already discussed how to set up bubblers and bubbler systems fairly cheap except for two things that set you back a bit. That is the air pumps to aerate the water you can never pump to much air into bubblers the more the better that and a lighting system for indoor growing are going to dig into the beer money the deapest , unavoidable unfortunately. Unless that is you are as dedicated a cheap skate as me. I have scoward thrift stores for air pumps and lights and have been very successful at it. I found a 150 watt high pressure sodium light at the Starvation Army “probably just dumb luck as that’s what I depend on to get me through the day” have’nt seen another one since but you can always look. The Sal Army in my town still has a 1000 watt sodium street light for sale though. I didn’t want nothing to do with it though as it is probably 220 volt and to much of a project for me “wonder what could be the story behind this light somebody ripped down a light pole and stoled the light to donate to the thrift store hmmm a conscientious Vandal what’da ya know”. It could work for somebody else though so thrift stores are still worth checking out for lights. Now as to finding air pumps I have found two to very heavy duty ones at thrift stores and they were’nt aquarium pumps. These were pumps are called nebulizers. They are used by asthmatics and old folks with respiratory problems. I call’m geezer de wheezers “thats just plain wrong and I know it”. I don’t know how to describe them to you as they all come in different styles the two I have are white and rectangular and about 3/4 the size and shape of a shoe box “theirs a picture at the top of the article”. These things end up in thrift stores allot and they are very powerful air-pumps. If you bought the equivalent aquarium pump it would probably set you back a hundred bucks. I got both of them at the Starvation Army for 4.50$ a piece and they work great. Another tip on aerating your bubblers is to use one pump a tote or only have one pump do a maximum of two 5 gallon buckets. If you don’t do this one container will get lower than the others or just plug up more and quit bubbling and your plants will die as the other one in the system will bubble away with all the air as it has less resistance. One pump to a contains make things much more reliable and that’s what you should shoot for. That’s it for today I hope somebody gets some use out of these tips………..later
May 1, 2007 at 4:13 am
Hydroponics growing also will produce larger crops in a shorter time frame than conventional gardening because you are controlling the plants enviorment.
True hydroponics growing systems are ones that use just a solution of nutrient and water along with proper lighting conditions to feed the plants roots.
Another type growing system are ones that use a medium of gravel,hydropon clay pebbles or rockwool. These latter systems are a little more forgiving for the beginner.
Either type of these growing will require monitoring the nutrients and the PH level of the solution on a daily basis and adjusting as required to maintain healthy plants.
May 14, 2007 at 7:18 pm
There are a variety of benefits associated with hydroponic gardening. When plants are grown using hydroponics, the roots do not need to search for required nutrients. The nutrient solution is provided directly to them, which results in plant growth, which is more abundant. Incorporating hydroponics into an outdoor garden can help add interest and intrigue. The natural conditions available outdoors in the summer make it a perfect time to experiment with the various types of hydroponic cultivation. Annual flowers, fruit, herbs, and vegetables do exceptionally well with hydroponics.
February 15, 2008 at 9:15 am
Nebulizers are ultrasonic foggers not aerators. I can’t see how this could work in a bubbler system at all. The could be used in a fogging system but those really are only good for use in germinating seeds. The final fruit output is much lower than bubblers which tend to give the highest output. It’s a great idea to save some bucks but I would look for an actual air pump to do so. You may find one at the SA but I would suggest looking at garage sales. I have found a lot of pumps there. Even if one needs a new diaphragm they can be bought much cheaper at your local aquarium store than a brand new unit. Just thought I would share this info. Save the nebulizers for the people who need them for breathing like my wife who is thirty two. Far from an old geezer. Many kids need them too. In fact I would gather more young people now a days than old so your “geezer de wheezer” name is a bit incorrect. Not that I am taking any offense to it or anything. It really would be a shame for people to follow your advice incorrectly and take these away from people who really need them. PLEASE DO NOT DO SO!!!!! These are foggers not bubblers.
March 20, 2008 at 1:30 am
Hydro is the way to go. Larger and better fruits. Love how you scored your entire setup for cheap.