I would like to move to a system like this. It is getting time consuming to keep filling up a 2 gallon sprayer.
Is there any problems with having he pump run, but not spraying water. Does the pump burn out?
Can I turn on the pump, water a few plants, stop watering (without turning off the pump) examine some plants for 5 minutes, then resume watering? All that without burning out the pump?
Whats a good gallons per hour to look for when buying the pump? what are some good brands?
Kyle
Take that NYEric!
We actually use this system and we're indoors.
Kyle, most of the sump pumps are made to take a good bit of abuse- way more than I ever plan on giving mine. So, yeah, I water a bit, do some other things, and resume watering without any pump damage. I unplug it if I'll be away more than 5 or 10 minutes, but have forgotten about it once or twice for an entire morning with no ill effects YET. I'll try not to make a habit out of this- i'm sure long term abuse would shorten the life of the unit. Most sump pumps are sold by HP (horse power) instead of gph (gallons per hour) since they are made to be able to defy gravity which drastically alters the gph output of a pump. If a pump has a gph rating, it usually also has a chart on the box that shows how gph changes with height. I currently have a 1/3 hp that does pretty good. Had to exchange a 1/4 hp model that didn't cut it. 1/2 hp would certainly be better. Consider how high it will need to pump water, how far, and how "bendy" the course will be. Height, length, and curves all reduce water flow. You can always reduce the flow with a valve, but to get more, you'll need a new pump. Get the most hp you can afford within reason (I doubt you'd need a 5 hp pump!). Aquarium pumps (powerheads) are way too weak. Pond pumps can certainly be strong enough, but are essentially compact, *expensive* sump pumps. I like hoses designed for boats etc (marine hoses) because they are usually more flexible and less cumbersome than standard outdoor garden hoses. If you have a pump sprayer currently, you might be able to attach the sprayer end (with thumb valve and a section of its native hose) to the garden hose with hose clamps. The cheaper sprayers restrict the flow too much, but we have a nice brass one we rescued from a pump sprayer that does beautifully. Also, we like the nickle-coated sprayer/wand/thumb valve (Fogg-it?) like the one Charlie's offers (got ours at Hausermann's ~$20?). It gives good flow in a directed pattern through a diffuser identical to one that might be on your kitchen sink. Perfect for INDOORS Eric!
Comes with two different diffusers, or you can use any that fits appropriate sinks. For reservoirs, we use storage totes (the heavy duty ones) and garbage cans. Cheap, flimsy ones will bow and eventually break. If you're lucky, you can find 55 gallon blue barrels (you know, the Drew Peterson style
) free or cheap. I wouldn't get a huge reservoir if you'll only need a couple gallons a week. Maybe shoot for a size that you'll need to refill every week or two at most so the water doesn't get foul. Alternatively, think ahead and get a big reservoir, BUT only fill it with enough water for a week's watering. That'll allow you to expand later without upgrading to a bigger container. It's not a bad idea to add some sort of aeration to the container to keep the water from getting nasty, plus the plants appreciate the extra O2 at their roots. Reservoir aeration can be an aquarium air pump and airstone or a powerhead (see your local pet store or
www.thatfishplace.com in Lancaster, PA). We use a submersible aquarum heater during colder months as necessary too- be careful, they can 1) melt plastic if too close and 2) break if they get dry when hot.
I'll have to look at what brand we use- I got it at Farm-N-Fleet, but it's the same manufacturer I've seen at Home Depot and Lowe's.
-Ernie
