9 plant hydroponic system FloraFlex - 9 Plant Microdrip Irrigation System - 4 x 4ft space

9 plant hydroponic system FloraFlex - 9 Plant Microdrip Irrigation System - 4 x 4ft spaceDrip irrigation; this is how the pros do it. If you're looking to automate watering and to crop steer, you need a dripper system. Irrigation systems can be a bit of a puzzle (believe us, we know the headache!!), so we've created this kit to give you everything you need other than a tank and a pump (more detail on that below). What you get: 9 x 6" Drip Shield 9 x 2 Way Parallel Split Micro Tube Dripper Assembly 24" x (Single Unit) 1 x 7. 5m of 16 17 mm

Drip irrigation; this is how the pros do it. If you're looking to automate watering and to crop steer, you need a dripper system.

Irrigation systems can be a bit of a puzzle (believe us, we know the headache!!), so we've created this kit to give  you everything you need other than a tank and a pump (more detail on that below).

What you get:

• 9 x 6" Drip Shield 
• 9 x  2-Way Parallel Split Micro Tube Dripper Assembly 24" x (Single Unit)
• 1 x  7.5m of 16-17 mm Double Layer Tube
• 4 x 16-17 mm Pipe Fitting | Elbow (Single Unit)
• 2 x 16-17 mm Pipe Fitting | T (Single Unit)
• 1 x 16-17 mm Pipe Fitting | 3/4" Male Adaptor Cap Combo
• 1 x 16-17 mm Pipe Fitting | 3/4" Male Adaptor
• 1 x Flora Puncher
• Rockwool cubes are NOT included!

Optional Suggested Extras

• Pressure Gauge   

The Flora Flex Pressure Gauge 0/60 PSI is designed to fit inline on the Flora Flex Micro Drip irrigation system. Knowing the pressure in your system is critical to ensure your drippers are working optimally. The Flora Flex Micro Drippers require 15 PSI but the optimum is 25 -35 PSI.   

• Aquaking Pump
• 6" Hugo Block
• Time-R Digital Timer (to set your irrigation times)- hands down best digital timer you will get, and at an affordable price!
• Rainbird filter and pressure regulator

Water Pressure with Pressure Compensating Emitters

Theoretically between the stated operating pressure range of an emitter, the volume of water coming out should be the same. The diaphragm inside the emitter opens when a pressure is reached and allows water to pass.

However, in practical terms even within the specified operating pressure range, the volume of water output from a Pressure-Compensating Drip Irrigation (PCJ) system can vary due to factors like emitter design, small pressure fluctuations, and maintenance conditions. Additionally, if emitters are clogged or not maintained properly, they may not provide the intended flow rate, leading to uneven watering.

Key Point on Clogging: Clogging is a common issue in drip irrigation systems, where debris or mineral deposits build up in emitters. This blockage restricts water flow, causing some plants to receive less water than they need, which can stress them or lead to uneven growth. However a partially clogged dripper may still work at higher pressure but restrict flow at lower pressure. ie the higher pressure will blast through the partial clog drippers. 

To prevent clogging, it's crucial to regularly clean the emitters and use water filtration systems such as the 3/4" High Pressure 130 micron Mesh Filter to ensure your irrigation system runs efficiently and your plants remain healthy. You can also use something like House and Garden Drip Clean, with your nutrients. 

Suggested High Pressure Pumps

The most common operating range is 20-40 psi / 1.4-2.8 bar . You MAY be able to get away with less pressure especially in a small setup 4 plants in a 1m tent where the reservoir is very close (and the pipework is not doing up down left right and loop-da-loops). To summarise some options for you

• Aquaking 7000LPH - 0.8 bar (not optimum but for the cost you may be able to get away with it in a small setup)
  

• Aquaking 800103 - 3 bar
  

• Clarke PSD1a Pump - 3 bar
  

• DAB Pump - whatever you want but must be used in conjunction with Floraflex Nylon Valve 2.0 and a controller like the Grow Link System 
  

For the Aquaking and Clarke pump, you will need Aqua King to Floraflex coupling to join on to Floraflex tubing or similar LDPE material pipe work. In which case you  may also need a Floraflex hole puncher This will make light work of punching holes in. If there was ever a tool that you will be thankful for, its this bad boy

Also consider getting this Digital Time-r for your pump to set your feed schedules. This one goes down to the second and is way way way (!!) easier to setup. Please believe.

Considerations For Floraflex Drippers

If you have a large system with 10+ / pots that are far apart, then we suggest you use the Floraflex emitter 0.5GPH (punch holes in your drop line and stab these things into it!).

 This means water will only come out of the drippers once a certain amount of pressure has built up in the system - this ensures even watering across the entire system...otherwise, the ones closest to the pump will be fed first and the one at the back will get the least watering!

You'll also need to install a Floraflex Micro-Drip Lateral Flush Valve (use a Floraflex 16/17mm Pipe Fitting T  piece & a Floraflex 16/17mm mm Pipe Fitting to 3-4" Male Adaptor to connect it), check out the diagram on the top spin drippers product page for more info.