Dipstick Float Valves for Watering Plants - Part II
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2023
- Dipstick float valves would be a convenient way to automatically add nutrient solution to long term crops. Dipstick float valves could maintain a constant level of nutrient solution in a hydroponic tank and could be installed after 40 to 50 percent of the initial nutrient solution remained in the tank.
Float blocks could be crafted from extruded polystyrene and these would provide the buoyancy force to stop the solution flow and thus, maintain a constant liquid level. Corks could also be employed as float blocks. In addition, a hybrid model was discussed where a centrifuge tube and an extruded polystyrene block were employed to provide the buoyant force.
Safety of the materials was also discussed.
I welcome suggestions for improvements for these dipstick float valves. 
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A very intelligent approach and thorough topic discussion, the simplicity of the design lends itself to modifications if needed. I have used your reservoir setup similar to what you have in your greenhouse. The introduction of low cost float valves as you mentioned is a wonderful way to address refill needs for containers on unlevel ground. Well done!
Thanks Matt!. It's great that you have tested a reservoir setup already and see the advantages for watering plants in containers on uneven ground.
thank you
I miss your videos hope all is well
Thank you! I have been busy with several other projects, but I plan to post some new videos in the near future.
I was thinking about valve for higher pressires based on bending the tube and creating a crease to stop the flow. If you attach polystyrine float to the end of the tube and fix part of the tube rigidly, float will create a crease in the tube and stop the flow. Your thoughts?
I hope you will try your method out. By the way, we commonly folded over the ends of polyethylene irrigation tubing and tied them with wire and then didn't need end plugs for the tubing, so yes, a creased tubing can stop water flow.
Unless if I missed it in this video or the previous part 1, couldn’t this be made to be height variable by drilling a series of holes up the pipe? That way you could pass the wire through and secure it at whatever height hole for your application. This would allow for any heigh within 2” to 24+”. It would require more pipe than necessary on the low end but would make up for that in versatility in my opinion.
Yes, that is a good idea!
Great video, I just terminated my first generation of hot pepper plants in indoor hydroponics due to struggling to keep solution levels in check in their six individual containers. I'm thinking about redundant sticks (two per container) so no more plants die when I go on vacation. I'll also get one of those smart water leak monitors to message me if the "plumbing" goes really wrong when I'm not in my apartment. I wonder if a better valve than the neoprene sponge could be made, for example by 3D printing a flexible material, combined with something to ensure alignment in the tube
Thank you. I really believe you are correct about the possibility of improving the float valve by 3D printing and I hope that someone tries to do it, because 3D printing is beyond my capability.
I'm thinking of using neoprene clone collars and/or a foam pool noodle for a float valve. Do you have any recommendations for a food/water-safe adhesive (or does it not need to be)?
It would be preferable to have a food-safe adhesive. I don't have any recommendations, but hope another viewer will have a suggestion.
Love these DIY “on a budget” videos! I’m considering growing tomato plants in “Kratky buckets”, but add one of your self-refilling solution to maintain the nutrient level at a constant minimum. How many inches of constant nutrient solution in the bucket should I aim for? Sorry, I’m a beginner, so I am just looking for a ballpark number.
My rule of thumb is to maintain the solution level at the 40-50% mark of the original level.
Where do you get extruded polystyrene, made more complex because I’m in the UK…expanded poly is easy to come by , but extruded?😕
I wonder if one could use the high quality packaging foam that comes with some electronics 🧐
I found it as insulation sheets at a home improvement store
That is where I purchased my extruded polystyrene.@@cathibeastevenson634
Wonder you replace replace the sponge with a black strip silicone use for countertops
Thanks for a good suggestion - it is worth a try.
Mini glass bottle ? 10ml 😊
Hi Dr. Kratky, I am a young farmer from the Philippines and a am a big fan of your work. I design systems that are based on your methods; that is, vertical and electricity free. I wish to improve and develop my design to address food shortages and drought problems in my region. I'd like to share my design with you and am hoping to hear your thoughts about it. Would you be open to that? if I could have a way to message you, like an email address, that would be wonderful! Thank you so much for taking the time to read! Cheers, from the Philippines
Yes, please send the message to my dakineapproaches@gmail.com address.
@@growkratky5558 Thank you so much for your response! Will send you an email within a day or two. Have a blessed week ahead!
You can probably use face mask as a water filter for bigger water inlet. Cut face mask to size
Great idea!
Face mask does not let water to flow easily.