Res size

[wjr]

What size res are ppl running and what are they using, ive currently got a 80L meat tub , cant seem to find any bigger

[Yeahbuddy]

I use a 56l bin

[Tunkers]

20L bucket haha

[mlbblitz]

I got 20l too

[nici]

Depends on what style youre running?

[merl1n]

I'm using a 25 ltr tub for a recirc setup, if that helps

I have to agree with nici "...It depends on your style of grow (and setup)..."

The length and diameter of you tubing, the number pots and pot size and the pump you use all can have an impact on your resi size.

 

For example if you use 30mm tubing for you feed lines you have to fill those tubes with fluid to feed, if that 30 mm tube is, for example, 15ft long it will take more fluid to build up enough pressure to feed compared to, say a 10ft long tube of the same diameter and so, your reservoir has too have enough to fill the tubing without running the resi dry, or your pump will die. This is one of the reasons all of my feedlines are 13mm from my pump and not 30mm. BUT my return lines are 30mm because as the roots develop they block up the 13mm tubing. If you are growing 2 plants you'll have more water needed in your resi to balance out flow and return. If for example you are running a run-to-waste setup, you'll need a resi that holds enough so your pump never runs dry between refills. Where as with a recirc you need enough fluid in your resi so that the return flow is enough to keep your pump under water.

This is why we say "...It depends on your style of grow (and setup)"

Its all a balancing act, a fine balancing act.

 

Merl1n

[Sir PsychoHashy]

The theory is the bigger the better as it's easier to keep the nute solution more stable, or something like that?

 

But as said above, you also need to factor in the size and style of your system, and situation.  When I do flood and drain, I run 3-4 30 litre tubs with hydroton, and use an 80l tub for the res.  I used to use a 50l, and it was enough, but required more maintenance.  I would like to use a 120l, but it won't fit in my space.

 

Great advice from Merl1n on the size of your tubing.  I also build in access to the inlets/outlets so I can clear roots during the grow if needed, you learn pretty quick after a couple of floods

 

Remember to prevent light getting into the res and lines.

 

[wjr]

Psyco hashy where did u get the 120L from? Im trying to run the biggest res i can to stop ph fluctuation

[merl1n]

Big +1

"...Remember to prevent light getting into the res and lines..."

If you don't you'll end up with huge harvest of algal slime

[mlbblitz]

Psyco hashy where did u get the 120L from? Im trying to run the biggest res i can to stop ph fluctuation

Small wheelie bin would be 120l or close too