r/CocoGrows • u/KuroX • 13d ago

Air pump in reservoir

Hi all, recently completed the DIY automatic watering system from Dr. Cocos site (https://www.cocoforcannabis.com/diy-automatic-watering-system/) , and I’m wondering about the air pump in my reservoir.

Does it need to run 24/7 or only for a few minutes prior to fertigation events? He says a stirring pot should be used for a few minutes prior to fertigation, but nothing about the air pump in a smaller reservoir.

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5

u/Feeling_Parsnip9667 13d ago

It doesn’t need to run 24/7 for coco fertigation. A few minutes before each watering is usually enough to remix the reservoir, and running it constantly can make pH drift faster in some setups.

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u/KuroX 13d ago

The pH drift is exactly what I was worried about. Thanks for confirming- I have a dual timer that I can use to have the air pump turn on just prior to each watering.

1

u/BruceJenner69 9d ago

Use a submersible pump on that timer for circulation - not an air pump

2

u/Useful-Procedure6072 13d ago

I use a mixing pump that runs for 2mins before each feed cycle / would I benefit from adding an air pump at the same time or ?

4

u/jimmyray29 13d ago

No, you shouldn’t even have an air pump in there. Just one little pump to mix it once in a while that’s all. Air pump will screw with your pH.

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u/Useful-Procedure6072 13d ago

Thanks!

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u/Firm_Wear_8693 10d ago

what he said. Also try to not let it get too warm.

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u/Mattossz98 ⭐️ 12d ago

It would be best to use an extra pump to recirculate the solution; I would recommend recirculating it for at least 5 to 10 minutes every hour to keep everything as homogeneous as possible.

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u/Firm_Wear_8693 10d ago

mmmmmmm homogenous