Plan 'B' Water Test Successful

[Bill Moore]

I am pleased to report that the CHOP2 system using the Rubbermaid Ag tanks is now working as I write.  Glued everything together (boy it's hard to keep the purple solvent from running everywhere!).   Started water test with sump filling grow bed to see if the siphon worked.  Immediately discovered leak around 1" tank flange. let most of water drain and then siliconed the flange.  Discovered same problem as I next filled the 100 gal. fish tank.  It too leaked, so I bailout some of the water, removed the flange and put silicon around the whole from both sides, then screwed everything down tightly.  No more leaks  (fingers crossed).  Added more water and got the entire system to cycle, which it's been doing on its own now for several hours.  This is so cool!   It's like magic.   Next step is to add grow medium.  Thinking about using up some of the lava rock I've had around for a decade and then topping it off with Hydroton.  Good idea or not?

 

 

[k edmonds]

Hi Bill,  Glad to see you getting your system up and rolling.  With lava rock I have heard heavy metals can be an issue depending on where it originates.  I am now using a product called Buildex.  It is an expanded shale for use in lightweight concrete mixes. It is a lot less expensive than Hydroton.  Its available in bulk at Rogers Rock and Stone out in Gretna.