Delivery of nutrients to the Dutch Bucket Hydroponic setup could not be easier. I hesitate to even use the word hydroponic, because it holds negative connotations for many. That is where the Dutch Buckets shine using the Master Blend Tomato Fertilizer with two added locally available ingredients. Master Blend’s use of many otherwise missing trace minerals, gives this system of nutrient supply that great taste boost that was needed.
Eco Plus 264 submersible pump, 18 Watts, 120 volts.
Pump, a small electric pump inside the nutrient reservoir brings needed delivery through 1/2 inch main line, and 1/4 inch branch lines to each bucket. The pump runs for thirty minutes, three times a day. A respected gardener, Bobby Smith, aka mhpgardener on YouTube.com, runs his at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. Check Bobby’s Channel Preparing to Provide.
Many pumps are available, I’m using the EcoPlus 264 which puts out 290 gallons per hour. It runs on 120 Volts household current and burns only 18 Watts of juice. It can lift 6.5 feet to the Dutch buckets. I dropped one in a bucket with 8 inches of water in it and plugged it in. It shot the unfettered 1/2 inch stream about two feet in the air and back into the bucket. So nice that they are dependable and fairly trouble free, from what folks say about them. Mine came from Greners.com in northern California, and shipping was reasonable. They shipped three to Arkansas for twelve bucks, very reasonable. The pumps were 19.95 each April 2013.
Intermatic 24 Hour Timer with three on and off positions.
Okay, now to the timer. The best one I’ve found is mechanical, an Intermatic TN 311 at Amazon.com free shipping. It can handle switching for dozens of pumps at once. Ha ha, this thing can do 1875 watts, or fifteen amps. It is heavy duty and has a single grounded outlet. A multitap or power strip would allow multiple pump control. You will have to provide a weatherproof enclosure as electronic timers and water don’t mix. Or, simply keep it inside and run a power cord out to the pump or pumps. I do plan on a second pump and reservoir and this timer can easily handle it.
Set the time of Day, move the on and off prongs to position or remove. Switch can be overridden without affecting the schedule .
Special fitting allows the submersible pump to induct air into the nutrient stream. I’m really excited about this feature. I thought it was to spray liquid out, but it is to suck air in. It’s like a free air pump in your hydroponic setup.
Air Suction Fitting supplied with EcoPlus 264 pump. Add 1/4 inch line to outside of reservoir to introduce air into the nutrient stream.
Tomato Heaven 