swinging pipe system

20 years ago

I lost my systems in 04 when a huricane came through my area. I have built up some recently, but today I finally got a pipe system up and running. It is pretty simple to build. I bought a 100 foot roll of 4 inch plastic drain pipe planning to cut the pipe to size as needed. Today, I used a 25 foot length. The pipe is stretched out between two posts. A heavy galvanized wire is strung up between the top of the posts. Using some smaller electrical wire (#12), I hung the 4 inch pipe at an angle by tying off the 4 inch pipe every 18 inches. The upper end is about 5 foot above the ground, and the lower end is about 3 foot above the ground. The tie offs are adjusted to prevent there being a spot along the run that would allow the water to collect in one area instead of flowing on down the pipe run. After testing the flow, holes were cut into the pipe every 18 inches to hold 32 ounce cups. A tank was placed at the low end to pump the neutrients back up to the high end. I am using a small garden pool pump with a head of about 6 foot. The flow is slow, but that is OK for this system. The pump runs 24/7. The cups are filled with perlite and wet down before installing in ther system. After the perlite is soaked, I cut the bottom of the cup with a box knife to form a flap that is pulled down to allow the water flowing past the cup to wash up into the cup enough to keep the perlite wet. I have taken pictures of the system and posted them to the link below. Drop by and take a look. This may be a system you might like to try.

Here is a link that might be useful: swinging pipe system

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Comments (4)

onewebfoot
20 years ago
fascinating. glad to see that web page back up (I tried a few hours ago to no avail to view). is it safe to call this a JUMBO NFT system? what is the PH impact of perlite to the solution, if any? (but maybe I need to read around) thanks. can't wait to see populated with enormous plants.
Monique Verrier
20 years ago
That is the coolest thing, Chuck. Keep us posted on your success. I hope to see pictures when the plants are going!! Monique.
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jimr007
20 years ago
Hi Chuck,
You appear to have gone to much trouble making up a swinging pipe system. I have a much simpler system than that and it uses fixed 6 inch storm water pipes. You can make two modules from one 6 metre pipe ... just cut the bell end off and halve the remainder. My sytem uses many pipes. For good drainage, the feed end needs to be about one inch higher than the drain end. If you care to take a good look at my web site, from Australia, it will show you everything you need to know to build such a system, make your own nutrient solutions from commercially available fertilizers, how to calculate adjustments to your nutrient solution, a few tips for success (you MUST read this if you are making your own system), a FAQ section containing handy information, and a buch of links to other web sites (none of which use a simple system like mine). If you have any queries after looking at my web site, just send me a email (the email address is shown on the site).

Jimr007
Australia.

Here is a link that might be useful: Simple Sand Hydroponics
chuck
Original Author
20 years ago
Hi jimr007, I have visited your website, and it is very nice. I encourage others to give it a visit. Thank you for taking the time to share this information. Did you ever hear of the band called "the leaping lizards" I met them on Guam when they were representing Fosters Beer. Take care, chuck