"Winston" wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:
wrote in message
...
Starting yesterday , anyone initiating *OR* *RESPONDING* to a
crossposted
political post will be joining the current inhabitants of my killfile .

(...)

The Zombie nutjobs all came out of hiding when Obama got elected.

Nineteen minutes. That has to be some kind of record.

Sadly, it's pretty much the truth...

I've been in CAD for the last few days designing my aeroponics
tower. Hopefully, it'll allow me to grow heirloom veggies in
my tiny suburban back yard, by placing the plants several feet
in the air (where the sun *does* shine).

http://www.insideurbangreen.org/aeroponics/
Scroll about 25% down to play the video:
"CNN Covers The Rooftop Aeroponic Tower Gardens"

The frame will be primed - and - painted 1/2" square tube that'll
be pop riveted to corner connectors TIGed from 5/8" square tube.
I'll heat and stretch some 10 mil poly over the back, top and
front and fix it in place with riveted stretcher bars at the
base. I can retrofit a stouter cover in case the poly proves
too weak for the 'environmental challenges'.

The plants will sprout from a vertical piece of ABS DWV anchored
to the frame.

The side doors will be made the same way as the frame
from 1/2" square tube and gusseted 5/8" TIG'ed corner supports.
I hope that the corner gussets will keep the doors planar and
prevent them from 'potato chipping', especially after I stretch
the poly fabric over them.

Yesterday I devoured Les Bridgewood's _Hydroponics, soilless
gardening explained_ thoughtfully checked out of the county
library by SWMBO. I shall have to re-read it more carefully
over the next couple days.

Right now, I'm looking for some 12 V ~80 PSIG water pumps to
cycle at 4.2 milliHertz (a few aerosol spritz's every 4
minutes). I'd rather not be in the 'water pump business' so
a turnkey solenoid - driven pump would be super cool.

Perhaps something like this, with a solenoid pressing from
above:
http://www.seaquistperfect.com/PAGES...technical.html

Ideas gratefully entertained.


Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and the
other various nasties.

PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and the
other various nasties.

That'd be great, because the plants will be completely enclosed for
most of their lives. I notice that insects are completely baffled
by poly sheet.

Fungii, bacteria and viruses in the nutrient will be continuously
bombarded with UV-C in a stainless tub located in the base, so I'm
pretty confident that the nasties aren't going to be a problem.

I *am* still working on ventilation of both the growth column and
the 'leaf area' to provide CO2 to the leaves and 02 to the roots.

I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.

--Winston

"Winston" wrote in message ...

PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and the
other various nasties.

That'd be great, because the plants will be completely enclosed for
most of their lives. I notice that insects are completely baffled
by poly sheet.

Fungii, bacteria and viruses in the nutrient will be continuously
bombarded with UV-C in a stainless tub located in the base, so I'm
pretty confident that the nasties aren't going to be a problem.

I *am* still working on ventilation of both the growth column and
the 'leaf area' to provide CO2 to the leaves and 02 to the roots.

I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.

--Winston

================================================== ====

Run the exhaust from your lawnmower in there. You'll have plenty of CO2, and
CO, and other stuff. d8-)

This is sounding an awful lot like some Frankensteinien experiment, Winnie.
Are you planning something really scary? Like a pumpkin with Republican
genes or something?

--
Ed Huntress

Ed Huntress wrote:

(...)

Run the exhaust from your lawnmower in there. You'll have plenty of CO2,
and CO, and other stuff. d8-)

We could reveal sources for lies, debt and crime too.
(As you have!)

I don't require any more of those either, sadly.

This is sounding an awful lot like some Frankensteinien experiment,
Winnie.

You read me like book. 'The Impossible' is fascinating.

I *do* plan on screaming "It's ALIVE!" when I see my first
plantlike survivor.

My devious plan is to grow (most of) a few dinners.
An artichoke entree with spinach salad and sliced heirloom tomatoes.
Strawberries for dessert.

Are you planning something really scary? Like a pumpkin with
Republican genes or something?

Thanks for that, Ed. Made me laugh out loud it did!

I will carefully watch any pumpkin that toe-taps near
the zucchini.

--Winston

As a right wing, employed, Republican. The scarriest thing I
see are elected liberals.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Winston"
wrote in message ...


Are you planning something really scary? Like a pumpkin
with
Republican genes or something?

Thanks for that, Ed. Made me laugh out loud it did!

I will carefully watch any pumpkin that toe-taps near
the zucchini.

--Winston

Treaters are like popcorn. They slow down, but you're never
sure it's done. Well, at least with popcorn you can listen
for the smoke detector.

I had about 45 this year. About half were boys, other half,
well, guess. Other half were not boys.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Winston" wrote in message ...

Ed Huntress wrote:

(...)

Run the exhaust from your lawnmower in there. You'll have plenty of CO2,
and CO, and other stuff. d8-)

We could reveal sources for lies, debt and crime too.
(As you have!)

I don't require any more of those either, sadly.

This is sounding an awful lot like some Frankensteinien experiment,
Winnie.

You read me like book. 'The Impossible' is fascinating.

I *do* plan on screaming "It's ALIVE!" when I see my first
plantlike survivor.

If it says "Feed me, Winnie," run like hell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7SkrYF8lCU

My devious plan is to grow (most of) a few dinners.
An artichoke entree with spinach salad and sliced heirloom tomatoes.
Strawberries for dessert.

Are you planning something really scary? Like a pumpkin with
Republican genes or something?

Thanks for that, Ed. Made me laugh out loud it did!

I will carefully watch any pumpkin that toe-taps near
the zucchini.

--Winston

You don't want to start with one of those wide-stance pumpkins. They're too
hard to keep in line.

Bon appetit. If you figure out how to grow the whole salad one plant, let us
know. I can fix you up with a good marketing guy.

--
Ed Huntress

"Winston" wrote in message ...

Ed Huntress wrote:

(...)

If it says "Feed me, Winnie," run like hell:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7SkrYF8lCU

Feet, don't fail me now!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOdqr...eature=related

(...)

I will carefully watch any pumpkin that toe-taps near
the zucchini.

--Winston

You don't want to start with one of those wide-stance pumpkins. They're
too hard to keep in line.

The hypocritical twerps can be drummed out of office, however.

Bon appetit.

Thank you!

If you figure out how to grow the whole salad one plant,
let us know. I can fix you up with a good marketing guy.

This is 'as good as' for sure!

http://tinyurl.com/3odtcht

--Winston -- Wants to work at 'The Plant'.

"Winston" wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and the
other various nasties.

That'd be great, because the plants will be completely enclosed for
most of their lives. I notice that insects are completely baffled
by poly sheet.


Pretty sure those nasties never got THAT memo...


Fungii, bacteria and viruses in the nutrient will be continuously
bombarded with UV-C in a stainless tub located in the base, so I'm
pretty confident that the nasties aren't going to be a problem.


That will probably be somewhat helpful

I *am* still working on ventilation of both the growth column and
the 'leaf area' to provide CO2 to the leaves and 02 to the roots.

The splash resulting from even a short drop into your nutrient tank will
dissolve plenty of oxygen in to it, and there's plenty of c02 in the
atmoshpere--likely any benefit from providing an accurately calibrated
additional percentage will be negligable...and in case you supply too much
well then put me on record as giving my condolences to your next of kin in
advance.


I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.


I think you are way over-complicating things..

We've been growing green beans, peppers and tomatoes well into early winter
in our 40 ft poly greenhouse, and salad greens and the other common winter
crops basically till early spring for many years--in three 4 x8 raised beds
that are made out of stacked cinder blocks and filled with regular
dirt.....and out of all the problems that could possibly come up, mice have
probably taken the biggest toll.

PrecisionmachinisT wrote:
wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and the
other various nasties.

That'd be great, because the plants will be completely enclosed for
most of their lives. I notice that insects are completely baffled
by poly sheet.


Pretty sure those nasties never got THAT memo...

Most bugs are pretty harmless.
Though I am still surprised at the hornworm I
found on the only tomato plant in a half-mile radius
a few years ago. Still puzzles me.

Fungii, bacteria and viruses in the nutrient will be continuously
bombarded with UV-C in a stainless tub located in the base, so I'm
pretty confident that the nasties aren't going to be a problem.


That will probably be somewhat helpful

Here's hoping!

I *am* still working on ventilation of both the growth column and
the 'leaf area' to provide CO2 to the leaves and 02 to the roots.

The splash resulting from even a short drop into your nutrient tank will
dissolve plenty of oxygen in to it, and there's plenty of c02 in the
atmoshpere--likely any benefit from providing an accurately calibrated
additional percentage will be negligable...and in case you supply too much
well then put me on record as giving my condolences to your next of kin in
advance.

In the hydroponics book I am reading they say it is normal
to quadruple the amount of CO2 to the leaves, over the
naturally - occurring ratio of that gas.
I think I will try it out with the standard mix and see
what happens.

I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.


I think you are way over-complicating things..

Why are people always telling me that?

I want to recirculate the air to avoid thermal
stratification anyway. It'd be nifty to have
that little fan serve another purpose as well.

We've been growing green beans, peppers and tomatoes well into early winter
in our 40 ft poly greenhouse, and salad greens and the other common winter
crops basically till early spring for many years--in three 4 x8 raised beds
that are made out of stacked cinder blocks and filled with regular
dirt.....and out of all the problems that could possibly come up, mice have
probably taken the biggest toll.

Very cool! I am now officially inspired.


--Winston

"Winston" wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:
wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

Your biggest problem will probably be biological--insects, fungus and
the
other various nasties.

That'd be great, because the plants will be completely enclosed for
most of their lives. I notice that insects are completely baffled
by poly sheet.


Pretty sure those nasties never got THAT memo...

Most bugs are pretty harmless.
Though I am still surprised at the hornworm I
found on the only tomato plant in a half-mile radius
a few years ago. Still puzzles me.

Fungii, bacteria and viruses in the nutrient will be continuously
bombarded with UV-C in a stainless tub located in the base, so I'm
pretty confident that the nasties aren't going to be a problem.


That will probably be somewhat helpful

Here's hoping!

I *am* still working on ventilation of both the growth column and
the 'leaf area' to provide CO2 to the leaves and 02 to the roots.

The splash resulting from even a short drop into your nutrient tank will
dissolve plenty of oxygen in to it, and there's plenty of c02 in the
atmoshpere--likely any benefit from providing an accurately calibrated
additional percentage will be negligable...and in case you supply too
much
well then put me on record as giving my condolences to your next of kin
in
advance.

In the hydroponics book I am reading they say it is normal
to quadruple the amount of CO2 to the leaves, over the
naturally - occurring ratio of that gas.
I think I will try it out with the standard mix and see
what happens.


All right but just you know I use it to force-carbonate beer with and IIRC
the last time they nicked me about $10 for a 5lb refill....

I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.


I think you are way over-complicating things..

Why are people always telling me that?


I would try and explain, but it gets kinda complicated...


I want to recirculate the air to avoid thermal
stratification anyway. It'd be nifty to have
that little fan serve another purpose as well.

We've been growing green beans, peppers and tomatoes well into early
winter
in our 40 ft poly greenhouse, and salad greens and the other common
winter
crops basically till early spring for many years--in three 4 x8 raised
beds
that are made out of stacked cinder blocks and filled with regular
dirt.....and out of all the problems that could possibly come up, mice
have
probably taken the biggest toll.

Very cool! I am now officially inspired.



Probably that's not such a good thing....

PrecisionmachinisT wrote:
wrote in message
...
PrecisionmachinisT wrote:

(...)

All right but just you know I use it to force-carbonate beer with and IIRC
the last time they nicked me about $10 for a 5lb refill....

I mean that I will try the 0.035% CO2 'standard mix'
first. That could change if I recycle the gases, though.

I'm gonna avoid buying bottled gas as long as I can.
That sixty smackers I paid for argon still smarts!

(...)

I think you are way over-complicating things..

Why are people always telling me that?


I would try and explain, but it gets kinda complicated...

Heh!

(...)

Very cool! I am now officially inspired.



Probably that's not such a good thing....

We shall see.

--Winston

On 10/31/2011 06:57 PM, Winston wrote:

I don't suppose I could just pump the O2 from the leaves into the
growth column and allow the CO2 from the column into the 'leaf area'.

Could it be that simple? Hmmm.


I think you are way over-complicating things..

Why are people always telling me that?

I want to recirculate the air to avoid thermal
stratification anyway. It'd be nifty to have
that little fan serve another purpose as well.


I'm visualizing an old computer fan blowing
into a vertical PVC tube. Even a 40 mm fan
will move more air than you suspect.


technomaNge
--
Psalm 109:8

technomaNge wrote:
On 10/31/2011 06:57 PM, Winston wrote:

(...)

I want to recirculate the air to avoid thermal
stratification anyway. It'd be nifty to have
that little fan serve another purpose as well.


I'm visualizing an old computer fan blowing
into a vertical PVC tube. Even a 40 mm fan
will move more air than you suspect.

OK, that is spooky.

I'm using a 12 V 'blower' style computer fan and
a 2" diameter ABS tube. At least for starters.

The plan is to vacuum the stratified air out
of the top of the leaf enclosure and distribute
it near the bottom so it warms the bottom leaves
during the winter. That turbulence should
also vent O2 away and make more CO2 available
to the leaves, I guess.

I suppose I will have to vent the top of the
nutrient column to allow O2 in and CO2 to exit
out of the nutrient tank overflow tube on the
bottom, too. It'll be interesting to see how
I do that while minimizing evaporation and
without allowing any light into the nutrient
column.

Fun Stuff!

--Winston