Dipstick Float Valves for Watering Plants - Part I
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2023
- The concept of using dipstick float valves to control the solution level in hydroponic tanks is discussed. Materials used to make these float valves are also discussed. Three dipstick float valve models were introduced and tested.
When growth of the plant causes the nutrient solution in a non-circulating hydroponic tank to drop to around half of the original level, a dipstick float valve could be easily installed in the tank and maintain the solution level for the duration of the crop. 
Наука
Ahh, very clever! This is a great way to adapt the passive method to growers with long term plants as you mentioned. The many people who use small containers to grow plants would benefit from using this style setup. Static level nutrients will surpass the intermittent refill for small containers regarding plant health.
Thanks, Matt!
I bet we will see something on your Channel using this!
@@Junzar56 I'm a big fan of all those Kratky discoveries and innovations.
Thanks for uploading! Cant wait for part 2. I've seen you explained this float valve in an earlier video.
Genius! This will make it a lot easier to grow indoors easy!
Awesome!! I was thinking something was happened, because no Video. Good to see you. I really love hydroponic and how simple. Greatings to all, stay safe, stay healthy and share love!!
Thanks, I am about to develop similar system for my hydroponics setup here in India.
This is genius. In a longer dipstick float valve a second centrifuge tube (unattached_ would add to the force and allow for the reservoir having a higher head pressure on the valve.
Great idea!
Thank you Kratky.
When following these designs learn from my mistakes! Don’t use widely available schedule 40 PVC as 15 mL centrifuge tubes do not fit. I believe schedule 30 by was used in the video which may be a bit harder to find. 1 inch PEXb could serve as a substitute if there is concern for PVC safety, but you sacrifice some rigidity and cost. You could use external crimping or clamping to fix the dripper in place with PEX. 0.5 gph pressure compensating emitters specifications vary by brand, but need higher pressure to function. At an approximate 2 foot pressure differential mine did not flow at all. Still learning as I go!
Thank you. I appreciate your efforts and sharing of your experiences!
Hey Dr. Kratky - thank you for uploading another great video regarding dripper cap float valves! How reliable have you found these to be in practice? How often do you experience clogging? I've been using storebought micro float valves that have been giving me trouble and I'm considering trying it your way for next year's growing season. I have a 55 gal drum that is about 3 feet tall (elevated an additional 1 foot) and I worry that the pressure differential between a full vs near-empty drum would cause a problem given the sensitivity to pressure you've described. Do you suppose that a more buoyant float would help in this situation? Thanks for your time!
I have noticed several occasions of being stuck shut. Perhaps, the float block was lodged against the wall of the pipe. If the head pressure will be 3-6 ft, then a more buoyant float might be needed, but try one of the regular methods first. Clogging incidence will depend upon whether there is dirt in the solution so use a teabag filter to minimize this.
Probably use face mask on the bottom to filter out debris from water solution or even roots
I have 5 Gal buckets with 6 in net pot tops that I want to maintain for the duration of the crop (tomatoes and peppers). At what level should I install the float valves? Should I use the half volume level or would the plants benefit from having a higher volume of nutrient solution?
Great question! I don't have solid data on this, but my rule of thumb would be to install the float valves when the solution level has dropped to 40 or 50% of the original level.