by BionicMel
Setting up my windowfarm… finally!
12:54 pm in Getting Started, Materials and Resources, Nutrients, Nutrition, posts with pitcures!, Projects in Process, questions, Seeking Advice, Uncategorized by BionicMel
I have set up the 4 bottles, and now I’m working on my airlift. I’m trying to do the T version instead of the air needles. But I’m having trouble getting the air to lift the water and not escape through what should be the water intake tube.
Any advice for this system? I’m going to go and cut a longer piece of tube and see if that makes a difference.
Thanks,
Melissa
-EDIT- (20 minutes later)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5378581924/
So the longer tube completely helped! There is no air escaping from the system at all. Now my poor tomato plant that was without water all night is getting some.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5377983157/
I purchased the white frame from ikea and it was around 20$. I plan on having 3 or 4 columns with a string of lights in between the columns. This frame will allow me to move the window farm around and close my blinds at night. I’m going to raise it up to window height once it’s all installed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5378580404/
Here is a short video of my airlift in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qER-HLCHcE
-EDIT- (Later that day…)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5378590143/
So my tomato is definately looking good! http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5379181542/in/photostream/
I have also transplanted a broccoli plant to the top of the column. http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5379182328/in/photostream/
My seedlings are starting to sprout! http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5378589329
I made another change to my system… I zip tied the coil of tube in the water so it is easier to remove and install. http://www.flickr.com/photos/58467192@N06/5379179122
Also, nutrients were added to the solution. I added part 1 and part 2 of the general nutrients, and I also added some “maximum plantroids” because it says:
“Plantroids Super-Vitamin Thrive Enhancer stimulates plant branching, increases photosynthesis and cell division. Plantroids also helps reduce stress as well as stimulates root growth”.
Just a warning about CFLs… I dropped one and it smashed into a million tiny shards. Took a while to make sure I got all the little pieces.
Can anyone give me advice on how to put pictures in my post, rather than just links? Thanks.
I like the IKEA stand. Do you happen to have a part number or something? Maybe a we can find it on the IKEA website. I’d be great for anyone else looking for the same thing.
@Hardware Junkie
This is the stand i bought, only 13$! http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/60179434
I have set up the DIY system in my classroom. I am having a really hard time with the airlift. I got it working but then it stopped. I think it has something to do with the “football needles”. Any suggestions on how to make this work better?
@mtovey YES! Don’t use the air needles!! I couldn’t get them to work either.
The T-connector is so much easier and it won’t rust! I’ll try to post something of a tutorial on how to do this.
Basically you connect the air in, water in, and water+air out lines to the T, and then you just have to make sure that the connector is deep enough under water for submergence.
I’ve found that sometimes you need a little longer of a tail on the water in to stop air from escaping out the easy way. I have lots of pictures of my set up, but I need time to post them all lol.
Let me know if you need a better explanation!
Melissa
Thank you so much for your reply! I have since gotten the kit from the Windowfarms organization but am still having trouble with the airlift system. What is the trick so that the water bubbles do not break before getting to the top? Thank you so much for your help! My students love our windowfarm!
@mtovey. I have found that if you restrict the air flow it allows the water bubbles to be lifted smoothly to the top. If you look at what is happening under the water in the reservoir the air will build up and go into the water intake tube, but then once there is enough air it will lift a nice column of water all the way to the top.
Does your pump allow you to control the airflow? If not you can get a very inexpensive valve from a store that carries aquarium goods.
I’m excited to see your pictures! It does take a while to get them all organized and ready for showcasing, I know I am behind in my posting.