Containers for SH

[Tabbyblack13]

I was wondering what containers people used for their S/H systems. I would like to try it myself but I don't like the plastic cups I've seen. I was thinking about using a quart mason jar for my experiment. Also if you are using glass, do you use just a regular drill or should I invest in something else.

Does anyone know a place in Phoenix AZ or close to that general area where I can get the LECA or similar material?

[katrina]

Check your local hydroponics stores for LECA.

[Tabbyblack13]

The closest store is at least over 2 hr away from me. I have a hard time finding stores because a lot of them have closed up recently but the web pages are still up saying that they are open.

[bellini girl]

Try Firstrays.com , OB member and he has pots too

[jeremyinsf]

You can find 32oz food containers on amazon, get them free shipping with Prime.

Drilling glass is... not so easy.

[billc]

I find drilling glass more tedious than hard. You'll need an electric drill, the battery types just don't have the staying power. A diamond drill bit, I use a 3/8"bit I picked up at Sears. 1/4" will work also but I thought the hole was too small.
A dish pan or large enough container to just submerge the glass/ container to be drilled. You want to lay the glass on its side with the water just covering the surface of the glass. The water serves 2 purposes, 1 to cool the drill bit, and 2 it will contain the broken shards if you break it.(which you will if you press too hard) Let the drill bit do the work. I find the hardest part is to get the hole started. You have to stabilize the glass against the side of the dish pan and kind of rotate the drill so you are starting the hole at a slight angle. Once it's started it's just a matter of letting the drill bit do it's thing. With a little practice (and some broken glass) it's not so hard. And the glass containers look a lot nicer than the plastic to my eye.
Thicker glass is actually easier to drill because it's less prone to breaking.

Bill

[katrina]

A city the size of Phoenix...it's hard to believe you don't have any hydroponics stores w/in a decent driving distance. Bummer.

You'll probably have to order it...I don't think any other stores carry the stuff. ??

[Ray]

A Mason jar is a bad idea, because of the shape.

As the plant grows, it will fill the container with roots, and with a non-compressible medium like LECA, you'd have to break the jar to get the plant out.

[Tabbyblack13]

Billc: Thanks for the info. I will have to experiment when I get a chance.

Katrina: I'm sorry if I didn't explain this but I don't live in Phoenix. I live about 2 hr north of the Phoenix suburbs. I only go down there about once every 3-4 months.

Ray: Good point about the mason jars. I take it a vase with straight sides or one with opening bigger at the top is best.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[DTEguy]

Just want to add a few more tips on drilling glass pots.

Just as Billc explained, you should drill it at an angle to begin or the bit will skid a lot. Wrap a few layers of translucent packing tapes on the intended drill spot, it will stop the bit from sliding on the glass.

An alternative to using a large container, just run a small stream of water from the faucet along the spot you will drill. Layer some paper towel at the bottom to absorb the impact; don't use cloth towels as they will be exposed to glass powder. Hold the bottom of the drill against the edge of the sink to help stabilize the it an angle in the beginning, slowly straighten drill perpendicular to the surface of the pot as you proceed.

If you are worried about shards, use a strainer for your sink.

Remember to wear safety goggles!!