DIY Earthbox Anaerobic

[Jackopotomus]

so I have started a homemade earthbox from a rubbermaid tote. I have bokashi bran scattered on top but no em1 mixed in the reservoir now I know the earthbox works in an anaerobic environment but is it supposed to have that swampy smell to it?

 

[multiVortex]

I built a rail box for my deck, and made it just like an earthbox setup. I had the same issue, and added an air pump to the water res. Problem solved. Doesn't need a lot, but needs a bit of O2 in the water.

 

[Jackopotomus]

As I understand it the earthbox is supposed to be an anaerobic system so I'm reluctant to add an air stone. The smell is very subtle and doesnt bother me but I'm just wondering whether I need to add labs to it for my plants to be healthy?

 

[Jackopotomus]

If I add an air stone am I taking away from the knf system I'm implementing?

 

[multiVortex]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯


I added an air stone to mine and it worked out fine for them. Granted it's small chile peppers, cherry toms, and various herbs, but they grow like crazy in it.

 

[Jackopotomus]

Thanks multi vortex.

 

[multiVortex]

Sorry I couldn't help more, but that's all I've got.

I'm not personally in favor of anaerobic water, which is why I added air to the water. Maybe it's a thing, I dunno. All I know is it fixed the smell and the plants grow well.

I'd love to set up a similar system indoors. It is basically an autopot setup, in a sense. Only real difference is instead of a big res with dirt on top, it's water in the tray, replenished from a big res.

My next "lab" grow will either be autopots or dutch buckets. Haven't decided yet.