Automated watering system: Question

[Remystemple]

Here's my contraption. figured 2 of the manifolds might come in handy eventually. i added valves on each side of the T before the manifolds but don't have pics yet. the pump is a 440 gph, i'm still trying to dial it in. probably just need a digital timer instead of the 15 min increment one.

 

[Old Salt]

god i wish it was that easy lol. maybe my pump is just too strong.

The pump I use is too strong as well. There are two ways around this. You can add an open line to your reservoir, or decrease the voltage to the pump. I decreased the voltage to my pump.

 

[Remystemple]

The pump I use is too strong as well. There are two ways around this. You can add an open line to your reservoir, or decrease the voltage to the pump. I decreased the voltage to my pump.

sounds fancy. would a person need to do anything dangerous to decrease the voltage? I do have a whole extra manifold i could use to recirculate.

 

[Old Salt]

Here's my contraption. figured 2 of the manifolds might come in handy eventually. i added valves on each side of the T before the manifolds but don't have pics yet. the pump is a 440 gph, i'm still trying to dial it in. probably just need a digital timer instead of the 15 min increment one.

Take a look at the Permanent Industries "Multi Function Programmable Timer outlet Count Down on and off timer Infinite Loop timer in second timer outlet indoor outdoor min setting 1 second in loop timer controller" on Amazon. It's the most versatile timer I've found to date.

 

[Gazoo]

I dont have a timer set for watering But a Elec/push button timer would work

Home Made watering ring with 5 drip nozzles (inner screen removed)
as it is now when I want to water I just fill a bucket with H2O drop in my
cheap Aquarium water pump that I attach to the Drip Ring, Use a cycle timer
set at 1 min on 4 min off for a slow wicking water type process.

Just leaving something like this set up with a dedicated daily/weekly timer
would work

day_61_veg_gdp_legs_1.jpg

• Gazoo
• Oct 1, 2018

GDP LEGS

water_3

• Gazoo
• Jan 20, 2018

 

[Old Salt]

sounds fancy. would a person need to do anything dangerous to decrease the voltage? I do have a whole extra manifold i could use to recirculate.

You are using an AC pump, mine was 12VDC. It's much more difficult, and expensive, to add speed control to an AC motor.

There should be an adjustment on your pump for volume. That would be my first try. After that, I'd add the bypass back to the reservoir if needed.

 

[Greenlizard]

I just went down and took a couple more photos for you. I would just need a good timer and I would be able to leave it for a week or so.

 

[Edzzed]

what was the end solution and result. Me, I would have quickly turned it into an ebb and flow setup. I read in one post about it being difficult to add speed control to an AC motor. I did it for 20.00 Slowed my bedroom fan down to a quiet level so I could sleep. Yield Lab In-Wall Fan Speed Controller w/ 120v AC/DC 15aH Universal Compatibility for Duct Fans, Hydroponic Pumps, and Indoor Gardening Equipment