Thank you Mr. For your present our Canadian people on Good way. saying - I have been working closely with the good people from Spring Hill Farms in Ontario Canada. You to are so professional on your work. Im personaly your big fun on your work as an tuber and I learn a lot from you. From an American I see know now all Americans are not vioilant racist selfish and mean. I just can tell you as a mormon Canadian Good Bless You in Christ name Amen.
Thank you so much for those kind words! To be completely honest with you I would have to say that the people from Spring Hill Farms are the best friends that I have on You Tube. I can't even begin to tell you how much they have helped me this year. The media in America is very corrupt and they paint a very ugly picture of what the majority of our people are really like. If you get the opportunity to visit our country I believe that you will be very impressed. Thanks again my friend and may God bless you and your family! Chuck
My farmer friend from Dragonwater Farm is going to grow hemp in Dutch Buckets. I recommended your channel to him yesterday. Your farm is amazing Chuck!! Thanks for sharing!
I'd be glad to help him. I hope he is planning to do it under cover somehow, like in a greenhouse of some kind. Dutch or beta buckets don't work well for large plants like that out in the open where rain can throw the EC and pH out of whack. Thanks for the support sis! Chuck
@@FensterfarmGreenhouse He is in the process of building a greenhouse. It's the ideal way to grow CBD medicine. You are both onto something great here = ) Can't stop talking about how cool your channel is...I so appreciate you sharing everything you are doing. You're work ethic is off the rails! Glad your son is back in town and hope it's permanent = )
That is one kind of grommet. You should keep looking they do get very cheap and reusable for a very long time. I like the ones that are double sided. I have also used them at 2 inches on deep current HO systems with water chillers.
PS. This is what I would call a shallow current hydro system. There is a difference if you cap each end enough to build up a water level in each trough. The new water coming in replenishes the old. Saves lots on electrical. Most importantly though you will notice your water(chem) wont evaporate as fast as it does without it.
Great idea to use the vinyl downspouts. Suggestion: Drill another hole next to the "feed" hole in each downspout. Then when you pull the downspout to harvest and clean, you can pull out the feed line and just move it into the one next to it. When you replant and install, just move the tube back. You won't have to shut off the system.
Already did that. That was the only suggestion that Patti (from Spring Hill Farms) had for me when I showed the system to her before I posted the video. Great suggestion though!!! You must have something like this? Chuck
awesome vid mate - what people don't realise is all the hard work you've gone to not only create your hydro farm but the effort required to film & edit such a great video of what you've managed to build & upload ... thanks for sharing, top effort!
Blooming marvelous Chuck !! It's look fantastic, all working well and you first crops in the new system. Whoo hoo !! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences
No wonder you have been kinda MIA on videos! WOW, what a great amount of work in such a short amount of time. Excited for you and excited to watch this grand experiment progress! Looking good!!!
Life on the farm has been hectic to say the least this summer. So much going on and never enough time. Thanks for the kind words Phil and thank you for your continued support. Chuck
Hi l like this method you are using what do you do if the power goes out and what is it you are using to put the seedling in is it a pot a cube cannot make out what it is.
I have a backup generator for when there is an interruption in power. The seedling is started in a 1" oasis cube and that is all I use. We dont use net cups. The oasis cube sits directly in the trough. Chuck
Based on what I'm seeing in other systems 12" seems like a better spacing because of the size of the heads they are getting- Spring Hill Farm is an example. They are also getting 2-3 cuttings, which gets the most value out of the root systems.
tangobayus Not necessarily. Some things like Kale and Greens need the extra space. 9 inches is almost perfect for most lettuce. Managing space is where the money is made so adding even an inch between 14 or 15 holes in each tough and multiplying that by 400 troughs will cost you significantly with production. I believe I have it down to a science now. Take a look at some of my more recent videos! Thanks for following along! Chuck
Thanks. You might look at the quincunx method of laying out orchards as a possible way to use space more efficiently in NFT systems. That's what I'm planning to use.
I'll be interested to see the results, looks great. I saw a system designed close to that one except they angled short sections and had a little clip to hold net cups, but it was vertical on an A frame. They tripled there production in the same greenhouse and looked like great results too. Best of luck!
I may be doing something like that (vertical setup) in the near future for my strawberries. The do really well in those configurations. Thanks for the suggestion! Chuck
This is what i called an all in one video. I learned a lot watching the video. So i have 70x100 ft land i will like to turn into a farm. I have been going through different system and so far i find this very useful. Can you teach me in details how to build the system. I will so much appreciate. Once again, great video.
thanks , your idea of heating and folding one end is great . Its fairly open system , do you have algae problem , if so what do you do.The very thing its a successful venture you have been able to sort it , so your guidance will be appreciated
Very nice looking rail system ya built! I see you hit the wrong nail did ya? Ouch thumb... Man that was some rain coming down! Loving this new lettuce rail! Can't wait to see how well it works out for ya. Nice idea on how to melt that gutter over the mason jar. You are the man with the plan I tell ya!! Keep up the great work my friend!!
Hi Chuck, great video. I was wondering how people where getting that bend on the bottom of the downspout. My question is how do you keep the algae from growing like crazy. If I just have a tiny crack, it's starts growing like crazy. Thanks again for the video, Jeff
Do you have a video of the other way. I’m extremely happy with the way that I am doing this but I am always looking to improve. Please send me an example of what you are talking about. Thanks. Chuck
Thank you very much. I would love to see your operation as you put it together and both Spring Hill Farms and I would be glad to help if you need any information along the way! We can certainly tell you what not to do if nothing else! lol chuck
Thanks Ed! I finished tearing down the greenhouses and have all of them on my property now. Still hauling tables from that site though! This one will be a leafy green greenhouse only! I will start construction in about a month! Chuck
Very interesting. What pump are you using size, voltage, model, make, inlets, outlets? Also, what pressure are you getting at the 3/4 junctions from the 2 inch pipe. Also, what size and type is your return gutter. Thanks for sharing.
Oby-1 it’s a jacuzzi 1 1/2 HP pool pump. No ideas on the pressure at the junctions? I know I have way more than I need. I have to send water directly back into the reservoir before it heads into the 1 1/2” delivery lines to keep the pressure down so it doesn’t blow my grommets out.. The return gutters are standard Amerimax vinyl rain gutters. 10 foot long. Hope that helps? Chuck
@@FensterfarmGreenhouse Thanks for the reply. On INYOPOOLS.com I was studying the cost of running a pump and they were saying variable rate horsepower pumps can save as much as 80% of running costs if dialed down. I imagine this would also have an effect on pressure and volume of flow. Anytime I start a new process, I try to look at the annual cost of operation as this always affects the overall bottom line of economics of farming. Thank you again.
That is much nicer than the setup that I did. My question, are there end caps available for that downspout? Also a concern for algae growth in the return since it is open. Please do an update later. You know that you are appreciated.
What size pump are you running? I am about 90% done with my greenhouse structure and getting ready to build the hydro table. I have a 5 tray in the house, but the 250 gph pump system isn't going to be anywhere near enough. I need upscale my water flow but am having trouble figuring out the plumbing. your setup looks fairly easy to follow, couple questions though, when you need to replace the tank water, how do you purge?
hi chuck what a great system keep up the good work. I've not had any experience with hydroponics but very interested and would like to set up a small system. Could you please tell me and I am sorry if it's a stupid question, why do you have two pipes to feed the nutrients could it not go from the tote on one pipe and feed tubes from that one directly to your plant trough? Keith
Keith Lane you absolutely could use one but I use 2 because I’ll be running the feed 200 linear feet. 100 feet on each side. The secondary feed pipe has a ball valve that will allow me to adjust the flow for each 10 foot section giving me a more consistent pressure. When you have longer lengths to deal with most of the pressure can be lost near the end. Hope that makes sense. Chuck
Larry Backyard Farmer : Hi Chuck I've been watching you, Wayne and mph gardener and I have finally completed my greenhouse. My problem is that I can't find the fertilizer Wayne uses I was told it was no longer available. What fertilizer do you use, where can I get it and how do you mix it. I presently use Master blend but I haven't been getting the same results you guys have.
Bobby Smith helped you build your greenhouse? Tell both Wayne and Bobby I said hi. I actually use Masterblend and Epsom salts. I run mine at a higher EC than Wayne does with his product. I keep it between 1.8 a d 2.1.Keep the pH ay 6.5. Hope that helps
Thanks this is very helpful. I’ve heard algae could be a problem where light hits the nutrient solution. Do you have any algae problems with the uncovered drain gutter?
For those asking about the pumps... 1) Continuous operation... think inground swimming pool pump (24/7/365... Most pumps, including sump pumps, DON'T do this). 2) Volume... Wayne at Spring Hills states he pumps 1 quart/liter into a trough every minute. His greenhouse is 310 troughs, so that is 4650 gallons per hour (Wayne stated he had a 1hp pump). 3) Do you have redundancy? Two pumps running at the same time (make sure they don't pump against each other) or a primary and a hooked up spare....
Hi Chuck what size pump do you have? Im getting ibc in couple of week's and then ill start plumbing Thank you for all the help videos and advise thanks again Ralph
RALPH HAYWOOD it’s a 3/4 HP in ground pool pump. I have it so I can adjust the pressure by pumping it down the supply lines and allowing some to go directly back into the reservoir with a ball valve to regulate the pressure. Chuck
Saw you at Spring Hill Farms and couldn't help but wonder if it might be more advantageous to just put the seedlings in their grow out tray and cut down on the labor of transplanting twice?
Hey Chuck thanks a lot for your fast and clear response, very well appreciated. I have another question, have you got to deal with root rot (pythium) in your lettuce?
So I notice, the you litterlly have the medium sitting right on the bottom of the NFT rail. Are you still doing it that way 2019? I like the quart mason jar technique to heat mold the end! Great Idea. Thanks
Thanks. I do still sit the cube/roots directly on the bottom of each rail. This system is amazing. I would put the lettuce that comes from my system against anybody's! Cant wait to see yours! Chuck
Do you still like your gutter return drain or did you find it leaks? I'm at the stage of setting my greenhouse up, but I can't find a good way to return the water to the reservoir
Hi, Wonderful video, I wish you best of luck. Got sugestion: I see you used channel for drain, which is good way, but for easier maintenance I'd use nontransparent pipes & tank, beacause of the algae.
Chuck is your water system still set up in this fashion? Did you or would you change anything about your set up? I am getting ready to start building on with about 200 tubes.
considering all the labor, those trays are not that expensive these days to buy already to go. I think I will need a real greenhouse to do this in. if you call the grommets electrical, they cost less best
I am getting pretty good at dealing with algae. I had to figure that out with the aquaponics system. I have a water wall that will manage the heat pretty well unless it gets too humid outside. Chuck
No net cups needed for this system E as long as I use the Oasis Root Cubes. That media is really easy to work with and doesn't come apart in the system Chuck
Hey Chuck looks cool. How do you plant the middle sections? No way you can reach all the way to the end or do the spouts just sit up there? Also I have been busy with work did the Aquaponics not work out? I will go back and look to see. Thanks love the videos!
You’re going to have a little algae growing in the open ends of each trough and in the return gutters. I clean the troughs with soapy bleach water between planting and the return gutters get scraped with a putty knife as I clear out sections and catch the debris at the reservoir in a paint strainer. Hope that helps? Chuck
Hi Chuck. I've watched your videos and Wayne's videos several times and I think I've got the details down now. I have two gray areas though...(1) Wayne says he uses an above ground pool pump, and you mention aquarium pumps. I'm planning on about a 25 foot setup (say 25 downspouts) and I wonder if an aquarium pump is adequate...but the only other pump I already have is a 5 hp well pump, which seems like overkill. Any suggestions? and (2) Can you recommend some sources to learn about nutrient solutions, and additives for topping off the tanks? Keep up the good work...remember: WE'RE WATCHING YOU!
Some Southern Stuff I use a jacuzzi pump in my trough (downspout) system. I use an aquarium pump on my seed germination system. I add nutrients until I reach a 1.8 CE. Hope all is well Karl Chuck
Congratulations Chuck that looks great! I have been wondering what spring Hill Farm used to put it together. Thanks for all the detail. Been considering doing something like that. What's the fertilizer mix? And what do you do the starts in rockwool?
I am using a product called Oasis Root cubes. Kind of pricey but it has an amazing germination rate and doesn't gum up the system. I am still using up my masterblend 5-18-38 but will probably move to the Hydroponic Legumes 6-11-31 that Wayne uses. He gets it from Plant Products Co Chuck
They are open at both ends. The nutrients flow downhill to a return that takes it back to the reservoir. It’s a closed loop system. Hope that helps? Chuck
That's a very interesting setup; it looks like it should work really well. How big is the pump? Does it run 24/7? I'm trying to figure what the electricity bill would be for moving all that nutrient solution around, particularly considering the amount that is recirculating directly into the tank (and how much smaller a pump I could get away with trying to do something similar on a smaller scale.) I trust that you did the math at some point; I'm just curious. :-)
The pump does indeed run 24/7 and there is a ton of power to spare. I should be able to fill this house with troughs and use that one pump. Wayne runs his whole lettuce off of one pump (identical to mine), and his greenhouse is about 10 feel longer than mine. Chuck
I want to do a system almost like this :) It is really cool. I am assuming that you are going to have to paint the IBC and cover the return to help prevent algae growth. Or get some algae eaters :) I know this is not complete and that i have not caught up yet so I can't wait to see this done :)
The system has been running for about 8 months now and Algae hasn't been a problem. I covered the tank wit both a layer of black plastic then covered that with a layer of white plastic to keep it cooler. The returns are still uncovered. Chuck
Why did you get rid of the aquaponic flood system and convert over ? Just looking for input and different perspectives as I’m currently in the planning stages of an aquaponic set up
Brandy Lee i was never able to master growing my leafy greens in that environment the way that I have with this hydroponic trough system. I turn out a much better product and 10 times as much in a 3 month span with it too. I am giving the fish, the 1200 gallon tank and the filtration system to Daniel from Goforgreenliving. I’m a new commercial farm now so I need this to be as profitable as possible. Hope that made sense? Chuck
Fensterfarm Greenhouse absolutely thank you so much for such an incredibly quick response (15 min that must be a record ! ). One more question I posted on another video, what do u recommend for flooring ? We were thinking weed barrier but were concerned with durability and traffic. And were concerned mulch would invite pest into the green house.
Brandy Lee I think I answered it. Go with a woven fabric Greenhouse flooring. I get mine in 10 foot by 300 foot rolls. It will last 10 years or there about. Mine is 2 years old and in perfect condition. The lady that sold me 3 of my Greenhouses still has her flooring and it was 13 years old. Hope that helps. Chuck
Fensterfarm Greenhouse thanks so much I just didn’t receive the notification sorry to make you retype it thanks so much again what your doing is awesome
Hi Chuck, Could you help me out with a few questions about the grommet as they aren't available where I am located, trying to find similar but require a few more details: What is the height of the grommet? What is the top hat outer diameter, as in not the top hole, but the collar outer diameter around the top hole? What is the height of the collar of the grommet? Thanks for all your help, appreciate it!
Hi Chuck, Thanks for the quick reply, appreciate it. However I believe you didn't understand my questions, I was referring to the grommet, if standing upright, what is the height of the grommet from the bottom to the top of the grommet? And then what is the individual height of the top collar of the grommet, as well as the length of the collar of the grommet from end to end. Perhaps I can send you a diagram of the measurements I am looking for by e-mail? Thank you again for all your help!
individual height (5/8") the top collar of the grommet (1/8"), the length of the collar of the grommet (1/2") I measured one and that is as close as I can get! hope that helps Chuck
Hi Chuck, I had a few more questions if you don't mind answering. The venturi water system, does it also go back down deep into the water tank similar to the feed line pipe? And size of the pipes are all the same for the feed line and the venturi pipe, 1 and 1/2 inch? Thank again Chuck! Pankaj
Thanks! I'm using 1/4" tubing on my inside table from a 1/2" supply line, but the Green house I just built I tubed in 3/4 pvc and was wanting to use the same concept for top hats and tube. I ordered some TH's but they looked smaller than yours so i was curious what sizes you went with... looks like I got it right ;) Thanks for the feed back - great channel!
I can’t speak for every Aquaponics farmer but I had several reasons. I couldn’t get Aquaponics to scale out fast enough to meet the demand, the produce wasn’t as attractive, the produce had inferior flavor and even took on a bit of fishy odor, and lastly it was harder to manage. I have never looked back or had any regrets since I sold the fish and the old system. Hope that helps? Chuck
good video but if those grommets I'm so expensive why not just run of flexible polyurethane one in tubing that you can puncture your lines and install with connectors it's much cheaper and will hold the pressure you just have to attach the polyurethane flexible line to the solid PVC which is it hard
Moys Free are you talking about the standard irrigation tubing? I actually use that for some of my smaller hydroponic systems but it doesn’t scale out as well. This 3000 Square foot Greenhouse will have over 300 feet of contiguous feet of feed and adjusting the pressure from beginning to end with one big pump doesn’t work well with the tubing and fittings for it. Hope that makes sense? Chuck
Thanks for your answer! That way looks very practical, you don´t need to spend in growing baskets and your time putting your plants in them (at large scale that may be a good advantage). I´m still designing how my system will be.
Have you had any algae growth problems? It will get bad quick to where it will clog up the emitters in the system. I was just wondering if you had a problem up there in Florida it is much hotter and it will take over quick. Have all the tanks blackened out and the PVC lines also. Thank You!
Minimal algae. Keep your reservoir covered in white plastic. It keeps the water cooler and the light out! The little algae thar makes it to the reservoir will die off or go dormant before recycling through the feed lined Chuck
It is a much easier system to manage in scale. I am moving into a commercial environment and this system can't be beat. The product is spectacular and managing it large scale is fairly simple! Hope that helps! Chuck
I am in the Memphis area but I usually do tours in the fall and winter. Things are really crazy this time of year. I may be able to show you around the place if you are in town during the week sometime. Where are you located? Chuck
Fensterfarm Greenhouse in southern Illinois about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis Missouri. I totally understand and I can wait until a more convenient time for you I just appreciate your willingness to do so. Thanks again. Your system looks really good.
I believe I paid about 9 bucks each for mine. One price you see at the beginning of the video was for gutters and not downspouts. I use gutters for the returns. I buy mine from Lowe’s. I like their downspouts better. Chuck براندازم
@@FensterfarmGreenhouse I paid $5 for some at home Depo, found some with minor dents from strapping on one side, asked for 50% off and got it.. kept going back and now I have close to 20.
Hi Chuck. Great videos! Thanks so much for doing them. The 100+ pricing from Lowe's - is this for their Amerimax Traditional 120-in White Vinyl Downspout 3x4. According to Lowes, no discount here in Miami.
Thanks. They use PVC here for plumbing also I just hear many conflicting reports and don't want this issue to hinder my future sales! Great videos by the way. Very plain and straight to the point which I like.
Serenity Farm Glad to help. When I was trying to certify as organic the had no problem or questions about the PVC however, my house had a termite contact on it and it was too close to the greenhouses so I cannot certify unless I dropped treatment on my home. Can’t do that where I live. Would not have a house for very long! Lol Chuck
Lowes is where I got mine. I liked them a little better than the ones that Home Depot had cause the ridges that run the length on both sides are a little more defined and it makes keeping the holes that you will have to drill straighter! Chuck
