Grow Room Setup (Part 2 of 2)
Here you will find a comprehensive selection of supplies and equipment necessary for Grow Room Setup that includes building an automatic watering system, self-draining saucers, and an auto-pumping drain bucket. Additionally, we provide a list of products required for buffering and preparing coco, as well as making cannabutter. Feel free to explore the options below, but we highly recommend reading the complete tutorials for each project to ensure successful implementation.
In addition to the essential supplies, there are several other handy tools that can greatly assist during your cannabis grow. We value your input and suggestions regarding any neat and handy tools you use in your own grow setup. We invite you to share your recommendations with us so that we can continue to improve and expand our list of useful tools for the cannabis cultivation community. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
- Auto Watering System
- Self-Draining Saucers
- Auto-Pumping Drain Bucket
- Preparing Coco
- Equipment & Product Guide Menu
Auto-Watering System
An automatic watering system allows you to truly unlock the magic of growing in coco coir! They also make growing so much easier. We have simple instructions that anyone can follow to put together and manage their own automatic watering system for your cannabis grow.
See the Complete Auto-Watering System Tutorial
Hydroponics Reservoir Tank
A reservoir tank is the lifeblood of your indoor hydroponic garden. It stores the water and nutrient solutions that your plants need to grow healthy and strong. Hydroponic reservoirs and tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be made out of a range of materials. Your reservoir tank can be strictly functional or add to the overall aesthetic of your system. At Indoor Gardens, we have a wide selection of reservoirs, tanks and accessories to choose from. We work hard to ensure you have the best product for your needs. If you have a question or need additional information on our selection of hydroponic tanks and reservoirs, reach out today.
Choosing Your New Hydroponic Reservoir Tank
A reservoir tank plays an essential role in your hydroponic growing system. While pre-built hydroponic kits often come with a nutrient reservoir, it might not be applicable to your unique needs. Ensure you have the right hydroponic reservoirs to give your plants the best growing environment possible. Keep reading to learn more about hydroponics and how to find your ideal reservoir tank.
Advantage of Hydroponics
Hydroponics is the method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution as opposed to traditional soil. Hydroponic reservoirs allow gardeners to grow plants without soil, making better use of their space. But the major advantage is the explosive growth rate hydroponic plants see when compared to traditional soil plants. Hydroponic plants can see a 20% faster growth rate and can yield up to 25% more.
What Does A Hydroponic Reservoir Tank Do?
Hydroponic tanks hold and circulate water and your hydroponic nutrient solution. Hydroponic reservoirs also house water pumps and air stones or diffusers. They normally utilize a lid or cover to prevent contaminants from getting into your nutrient solution.
Which Size Reservoir Tank Do I Need?
Purchasing the right size reservoir tank is key to yielding a successful crop. Once you know how many plants you’re going to grow and how big they’ll get, you can easily determine which size hydroponic tanks to get. In general, small plants require at least half a gallon per plant, medium plants require at least 1 to 1½ gallons per plant and large plants require 2½ gallons per plant. When in doubt, always size up.
Consideration when Deciding what Reservoir to Purchase
The reservoir should protect the nutrient solution from light as much as possible. Avoid clear plastic or white containers that allow light to penetrate. You want a reservoir that will hold enough water to run your system for at least a day or two. In a 4×4 tent I can use up to 3 gallons per day. Tall reservoirs allow you to use fountain style aeration. However, the siphon effect problem may require the use of an anti-siphon fitting. You can use a common lbow and drill a small hole in the top to let air into the line when a feeding has completed. More on this below/
30-Gallon Plastic Drum Reservoir
This 30-gallon blue nestable lab pack barrel drum can be stacked to minimize storage space requirements. The tapered bottom allows suction-free separation. Ideal for secure storage and distribution of nutrient solution. Made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) that is lightweight, weather and corrosion resistant, and offers superior performance.
55-Gallon Plastic Drum Reservoir
This 55-gallon black nestable lab pack barrel drum can be stacked to minimize storage space requirements. The tapered bottom allows suction-free separation. Ideal for secure storage and distribution of nutrient solution. Made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) that is lightweight, weather and corrosion resistant material. HDPE offers superior performance. For a secure closure, lever-lock closures provide easy access for applications where the drum needs to be opened frequently. Lids are locked in place with a built-in latch. No tools are required.
Irrigation Pump
400 Gallon Submersible Pump
We’ve discovered that this pump is highly dependable and effective. Over the last two years, I’ve utilized this specific model to effortlessly manage the watering requirements of up to six plants. I wholeheartedly endorse this pump as an excellent option for almost any automated watering system used in home cannabis cultivation.
Digital Timer
Having a reliable timer is crucial, but it’s essential to avoid overpriced cycle timers that may not offer the convenience you need. Instead, I suggest opting for a quality digital 24-hour timer. Look for one that allows you to set multiple events throughout the day and provides control over the timing and spacing of each event. This type of timer ensures convenience and flexibility for your cannabis grow operations.
Digital Timer with one second intervals
I’ve found an exceptional timer designed for automatic watering systems that I strongly endorse. This timer provides unmatched accuracy, enabling you to set watering intervals precisely in one-second increments, ideal for refining your automated watering setup. Furthermore, this timer includes two outlets, enabling you to connect not just your watering system but also your agitation or air pump concurrently. It’s a versatile and effective solution tailored for your cannabis cultivation arrangement.
Oxygenation
Ensuring proper oxygen levels in your reservoir’s nutrient solution is vital for maintaining an optimal growing environment for your plants. Ample Dissolved Oxygen not only impedes the growth of harmful bacteria but also supports the plants’ health. For tanks up to about 30 gallons, employing air pumps and air stones is sufficient to supply the required oxygenation. Nevertheless, with larger reservoirs or when using organic nutrients, it’s advisable to utilize a stirring pump. This pump, typically a compact fountain pump, should be positioned within the reservoir and activated periodically to gently agitate and aerate the nutrient solution. This practice guarantees the ideal oxygen levels essential for your plants’ overall well-being.
Air Pump
I use this Hydrofarm air pump, and it is perfect for most reservoirs. Oxygenation of hydroponic reservoirs using air pumps is vital for the health of plants and their root systems. Active Aqua Air Pumps for hydroponics are ideal for oxygenating reservoirs of all sizes. The Active Aqua Air Pumps introduce dissolved oxygen to the nutrient solution, keeping it well-aerated for each irrigation cycle.
Air Stone and Tubing
The vital accessories kit comprises 13 feet of translucent frosty tubing, 2 air stones, 4 connectors, 6 suction cups, and 2 check valves. These components are compatible with air pumps featuring 3/16″ outlet ports and facilitate the creation of a fundamental aeration system within your reservoir. This accessory set eradicates concerns regarding mismatches between your air pump and its components, sparing you the effort of searching for each item individually among numerous options. This significantly minimizes the need for repeated trials, ultimately saving your valuable time.
Stirring Pump
A stirring pump functions as a complement to air pumps and air stones, especially advisable for larger reservoirs surpassing 30 gallons in capacity. These pumps, compact in size, are positioned within the reservoir, proficiently lifting and stirring the water. For optimal aeration, direct the pump upward towards the surface of the reservoir. The water’s cascading motion back into the reservoir replicates a fountain-like effect, significantly enhancing the water’s oxygenation efficiency.
Aquarium Thermometer
Maintaining the water temperature within the reservoir between 65-68°F (18-20°C) is optimal. This specific temperature range aids in preserving dissolved oxygen levels and safeguards against the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria. Explore further details in our comprehensive guide, “How To Manage Automatic Watering Systems”.
Digital Thermometer
This thermometer will help to keep track of the temperature in the reservoir.
Main Water Line
The water line links the pump within the reservoir to extend into the grow tent. I suggest employing “poly tubing” for the primary water line instead of “vinyl tubing.” Poly tubing provides a semi-rigid build, enabling easy bending while offering resilience against compression. When employing a drip emitter system, it’s crucial to opt for poly tubing. Although vinyl tubing might suffice for the Hydro Halo system, poly tubing stands out as the superior choice for this specific application.
1/2 inch Black Poly Tubing
This tubing is “blank” which means it is a continuous run of tubing without any pre-installed emitters in it. Use a Drip Punch Tool to insert 1/4-inch barb drip fittings or emitters at points close to each plant. Since the outside diameter of 1/2-inch tubing may vary by manufacturer, we recommend using Orbit Universal Drip Fittings when connecting to non-Orbit drip systems. We also strongly recommend using a 2-in-1 filter and pressure regulator for all drip zones.
Options for Water Distribution
I’ve employed two distinct water distribution systems for my plants. Initially, I utilized a system comprising feeder lines and drip emitters. However, I’ve since transitioned to using Hydro Halos, considering the advantages and drawbacks of both systems.
Hydro Halos ensure excellent water distribution, effectively preventing dry patches within the growing medium. This setup allows me to forego hand-watering for weeks. Yet, the limitation of Hydro Halos lies in their suitability primarily for use with final containers, necessitating manual watering in the initial growth stages.
In contrast, Drip Emitters offer increased flexibility. You can start with a single emitter in a seedling pot and gradually incorporate more as the pots and plants expand. However, employing multiple emitters may result in a network of water lines, posing challenges in achieving adequate saturation in larger pots.
See the Complete Auto-Watering System Tutorial
Hydro Halo System
I strongly endorse the Bloom Brother’s Hydro Halos as an outstanding option for a DIY drip system in indoor cannabis cultivation. These Hydro Halos have markedly improved water distribution in my setup compared to the conventional drip lines I used previously. Their effective design allows for reduced or possibly no manual watering at all. Moreover, integrating them with Ball Valves for regulating water flow to individual plants is simple, offering increased control and accuracy.
6″ Hydro Halos
I recommend the 6” Hydro Halos for air-pots up to #5 and most fabric pots up to 3 gallons.
9″ Hydro Halos
If you use fabric pots that are 5 gallon or larger, you should opt for the 9” Hydro Halos instead.
½” Vinyl Tubing
I favor using Poly Tubing as the primary water line, while Vinyl tubing works best for connecting the Halos to the system. This is because the Poly Tubing is ridged and does not allow the plans to be moved around when working with them. I route the Poly tubing to a connector and Vinyl tubing from the connection to the halos.
Connectors
This is a simple set of connectors that includes all of the pieces that you will need. Both the poly tubing and the vinyl tubing can attach to these connectors. Dip the tubing in hot water to make attaching it to the connectors easier.
Ball Valves
You need to use a ball valve for each halo. The ball valves attach to the Vinyl tubing and allow you to control the flow of water to individual plants. These are required if you use halos.
Drip Emitter System
The drip emitter system offers more flexibility than halos. However, they do not distribute the water as effectively. If you set up a drip emitter system, you should plan to hand-water at least once per week to flush out salts that can accumulate in the regions of the pot that don’t get well saturated by the drippers.
End Cap
This system works by plugging the end of the main poly tube that comes into the tent. That forces water into the small feed lines that run to each plant.
Small feed lines: ¼” PE tubing
This is the tubing that will attach to the main water line and bring water to the plants. You can use one, two, or more lines per plant.
Clamp and Pierce Connectors
You might wonder how to link the small feed lines to the main water line. There are several methods, but the easiest and simplest way is to utilize clamp and pierce connectors. These connectors easily attach to the main water line by applying pressure, and then the small feed lines can be smoothly slid over the fitting. They usually come in sets of 5, and you’ll need two connectors for each plant.
In-Line Drippers: 1 GPH
These in-line drippers help to distribute the water around the pot. You simply cut the small feed lines and then slip each end onto the inline drippers. I use two to four per pot. This set includes 25.
Terminal drippers: Adjustable Bubblers
To complete the installation, you’ll need a terminal dripper placed at the end of each small feed line. I suggest opting for stream bubblers for this purpose. Remember, the water pressure produced by the pump in your indoor automatic watering system might not match standard water pressure. Even though the labels on these stream bubblers might show them spraying water, in your setup, they’ll simply release water slowly. Nevertheless, they are adjustable, enabling you to manage the rate of water release. It’s essential to emphasize that for efficient water distribution, it’s recommended to use at least 2 terminal drippers and 2-4 in-line drippers per plant.
Self-Draining Saucers
Self-draining saucers provide a convenient and effective way to eliminate excess runoff from your plants. Whether you’re relocating your plants or using a shop vac, these saucers can significantly improve your growing arrangement. If you’re using automatic watering, they offer a dependable means to remove excess water from the plants without requiring constant oversight. Crafting self-draining saucers is straightforward and can notably reduce the effort needed throughout your growth cycle.
Saucers
You want a durable saucer that is thick and fairly rigid. Avoid the cheap flimsy saucers!
Hydrofarm 14″ Saucer
These Hydrofarm saucers are an essential addition to your grow setup. They are lightweight, durable, and have ample depth, making them perfect for your needs. The 14″ size can comfortably accommodate up to a 7-gallon fabric pot and works seamlessly with the plant elevators mentioned earlier. They are available in convenient sets of 10, allowing you to create 5 self-draining saucers per pack. Even if you initially think you won’t need that many, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how useful extra saucers can be in various aspects of your growing process.
Drain Lines
3/8″ID 1/2″OD Clear Vinyl Tubing
These lines attach to the saucers and move the run-off water to the catchment.
Filter Washers
3/4 Inch Hose Connector
These little washers serve several purposes. They hold the drain line, provide a surface to attach to the bottom of the saucer, and prevent debris from cloging the drain lines.
Silicone Sealant
Gorilla 100% Silicon Sealant
This is used to attach the drain lines to the washers and to seal up the screw holes. It is not strong enough to attach the washer to the saucer – you need super glue for that.
Krazy-Glue
Brush-On Krazy-Glue
When I first made these saucers, I tried a ton of different sealants. Super-glue is the only one that provided a reliable long-term seal. I have now used the same saucers for almost two years with no leaks.
Auto-Pumping Drain Bucket
Bucket Drainage System
For automating the drainage process, you’ll need two buckets. The first, referred to as the “Auto-Pumping Drain Bucket,” is positioned inside the tent and houses the pump, while the second bucket, placed outside the tent, acts as the final receptacle for the drained water. In my setup, I utilize 5-gallon buckets for both purposes, ensuring effective water management and simplifying the automation of drainage.
An Automatic Pumping Drain Bucket provides a hassle-free method to automate the disposal of excess water from your grow tent. It effectively removes water from your setup, capable of handling input as low as 2 inches in height. This attribute enables you to maintain the plants at a lower level, reducing the necessity for heavy lifting. The Drain Bucket explained in our guide is specifically engineered to integrate seamlessly with our self-draining saucers. Once you introduce this drain bucket to your setup, you’ll quickly recognize the convenience and effectiveness it adds to your grow tent.
5-Gallon Bucket with Lid
The Auto-Pumping Drain Bucket only needs enough space to accommodate the pump. While I personally use a 5-gallon bucket due to tent space constraints, you can opt for a smaller one if it suits your setup. It’s crucial that the bucket is adequately sized to house the pump and comes with a lid. Regarding the Final Catchment Bucket, its size can be based on your preference. From my experience, a 5-gallon catchment bucket should suffice for several days in a 4×4 tent. I recommend purchasing the necessary 5-gallon buckets locally, as places like Home Depot offer them at more affordable prices compared to online sources.
Shallow Pan Condensate Pump
This pump is designed specifically to be placed in a tray or bucket, activating automatically when the water reaches a set height. The model mentioned here is the “shallow pan” type, triggering at approximately 1.75 inches of water and shutting off when it recedes to about 1 inch.
Little Giant Shallow Pan Condensate Removal Pump
Though the cost of this pump may be higher, it’s essential not to compromise on quality. Through extensive research, I’ve found this pump to be an excellent solution. Personally, I’ve relied on this pump for over two years across eight different grow cycles, and it has consistently performed flawlessly. It’s a dependable component of my grow setup that I trust without any reservations.
Rubber Grommets
1/2″ Rubber Grommets
You drill holes in the bucket to allow the drain lines from the saucers to enter the bucket. These grommets hold the drain lines in place.
Drain Line
½” Vinyl Tubing
You may already have this for your drip system. This is the outflow line and can be run to another bucket that sits outside the tent.
Preparing & Buffering Coco
When you buy brick coco, you must turn it into a superior growing medium by rinsing, buffering, and mixing it with perlite. All of the items that you will need are below.
Rinsing Coco Coir
10 Pound Brick of Coco
Once buffered and mixed with perlite, these coco bricks will yield approximately 30 gallons of growing media. Keep in mind that different brands may be available in different markets. The products linked above represent the options I personally recommend for each specific marketplace. However, the crucial factor lies in how you buffer the coco and follow the process to transform it into a high-quality growing medium for cannabis. While the initial product choice does have some impact, it is the preparation process that truly determines the superiority of the media.
11″ Perforated Strainer
If you choose to get a brick of coco and prepare it yourself, then you will need a strainer to rinse the coco. This is the best strainer that I have found to do the job. The holes are plentiful and just the right size. The strainer itself is as large as it can be and still fit in a 5 gallon bucket.
Buffering Coco
General Hydroponics CaliMagic
You will need CalMag supplement during the grow and for buffering. For buffering you can use a 150% to 200% dose. That is 7.5-10ml per gallon of CaliMagic.
7-Gallon Fabric Pot
Although these pots are pretty large for growing in, they are ideal for buffering. They hold a lot of coco and are able to fit nicely inside of a five-gallon bucket.
Mix with Perlite
Whether you use a prepared coco product or a dehydrate brick, you should mix your coco with perlite.
Hoffman Horticultural Perlite
This perlite is lightweight and natural. It has a good mix of particle sizes, which help to improve drainage and aeration.
COMING SOON – How to Build Your Own Grow Space
In this How to Guide we will cover everything you need to know to build a grow room in your home or garage. This guide will cover all aspects including:
- Calculating how many lights for you square footage
- Calculating AC requirements
- Calculating Heating requirements
- Determining how much square footage you will need to support a desired yield
- Calculating the dehumidification requirements
- Air circulation
- Complete Automation
PREVIOUS : How to Setup a Grow Room (Part 1 of 2)
Set-up Your Grow
Growing Cannabis
- Cannabis Seeds
- Fertilizers & Supplements
- Propagation Supplies
- Plant Training & Care
- Harvest & Processing
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About Our Product Recommendations
Here at 420 Grow Help, our primary goal is to assist growers in achieving the utmost success with their cannabis crops by providing accurate scientific information and sharing proven cultivation techniques. The products we recommend are the very ones we have personally chosen to purchase and use ourselves. We maintain a strict policy of not accepting sponsorships or advertising, and we only endorse products that meet our own high standards. For detailed product recommendations, please refer to our Product and Equipment Guide.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented on 420GrowHelp.com should not be regarded as financial, legal, or medical advice. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and abide by the local laws and regulations pertaining to the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis. Decisions regarding cannabis cultivation should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor, while decisions regarding cannabis use should be made in consultation with a doctor or medical professional.
