Question for Ray on SH

[bil]

I am setting up some Catasetinae for SH in some pint glasses which are about 3.25 inches diam and 6 inches tall.
They will be filled with Leca.

Now, how deep should the reservoir be at the bottom, and should there be holes in the sides for ventilltion, or will a ring of holes at the top of the reservoir be adequate please?

[estación seca]

Semi-Hydroponics™ - First Rays LLC

[bil]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Semi-Hydroponics™ - First Rays LLC

Thanks. I had to search thu a lot of pages, but I found what I was looking for.

[Ray]

Oh, Grasshopper. I am SO disappointed.

NEVER put holes for ventilation in the sides of the pot. It defeats the wicking by enhancing the evaporation.

Depth of reservoir? Below the current roots, but convenient for watering. Use your judgement. I went with 1"-1.5" for a standard 4"-6" pot. With a 12" pot, I might go with 2"-3" reservoir height.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

Oh, Grasshopper. I am SO disappointed.

NEVER put holes for ventilation in the sides of the pot. It defeats the wicking by enhancing the evaporation.

Depth of reservoir? Below the current roots, but convenient for watering. Use your judgement. I went with 1"-1.5" for a standard 4"-6" pot. With a 12" pot, I might go with 2"-3" reservoir height.

Thanks Ray, I'm curious. Why two drainage holes in the bottom?

[Ray]

Two, 1/4" holes in the side, one inch up from the bottom, placed as close together as possible without intersecting.

That way, when a piece of LECA happens to block one of the holes, slowing drainage, it also effectively prevents another piece from blocking the other one. If they are too far apart, it's possible for both to be blocked.

It's really not a big deal, as you can usually push the offending LECA ball aside, but it's a bit of minor insurance.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

Two, 1/4" holes in the side, one inch up from the bottom, placed as close together as possible without intersecting.

That way, when a piece of LECA happens to block one of the holes, slowing drainage, it also effectively prevents another piece from blocking the other one. If they are too far apart, it's possible for both to be blocked.

It's really not a big deal, as you can usually push the offending LECA ball aside, but it's a bit of minor insurance.

OK, yeah, smart thinking.

[Ray]

Not smart; experienced.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Ray

Not smart; experienced.

There's a difference?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by bil

There's a difference?

Certainly. Had I been "smart", I'd have thought of that before losing most of the root system on plants that drowned while I was away on vacation and had automatic watering operating.