Automatic SWC watering system

Stepheninky · September 12, 2010

Was looking at the Global Buckets website, their site is based on cheap container methods for third world countries.

What they are using is a siphon system. So it has fairly adaptable uses as it can be used with and without having to hook up a water hose and uses no electricity, pumps etc.... Also it can be used to water one or an unlimited number of SWC containers.

Basically it works on the same principle as when people siphon gas or any other liquid.

OK let me explain how it would work you have a container that can hold water at the same height as whats in the SWC (s). In this container is mounted a float valve that is used in livestock water tanks. ( basically like the float in a toilet tank)
They can be purchased for $10 -$20

1st method would just be to hook up a water hose to the float valve and run a tube or tubes from the water container to the swc, make sure all air flows out of the tubes and place them into the swc s below the water lvl. What will hapen is that all the containers will equalize and maintain the same water level once the float value is properly set. As the water level decreases in the water container it will activate the float valve and refill the water container to the proper level. So it keeps all containers filled.

Second method would be to use a water or rain barrel to supply the water container. Everything else is the same only difference is you will need to also make a siphon from the water barrel to the water container. Once that is done you just have to keep enough water in the water barrel to maintain the siphon and all your SWCs will be automatically watered.

here is a link to a video that explains it better:

http://www.youtube.com/user/GlobalBu.../3/x8kJ3l4yPLU

you can also check out their other videos and it will explain better how the float valve and water container work.

You will still need a drain hole that is above the water level in each SWC this is to prevent flooding your plants in case of heavy rains or in case the float valve were to become stuck just as a caution measure.

Anyways i know a few people on here was looking for something to fully automate the watering process so this might help.

September 12, 2010	#1
Stepheninky Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 682	Automatic SWC watering system Was looking at the Global Buckets website, their site is based on cheap container methods for third world countries. What they are using is a siphon system. So it has fairly adaptable uses as it can be used with and without having to hook up a water hose and uses no electricity, pumps etc.... Also it can be used to water one or an unlimited number of SWC containers. Basically it works on the same principle as when people siphon gas or any other liquid. OK let me explain how it would work you have a container that can hold water at the same height as whats in the SWC (s). In this container is mounted a float valve that is used in livestock water tanks. ( basically like the float in a toilet tank) They can be purchased for $10 -$20 1st method would just be to hook up a water hose to the float valve and run a tube or tubes from the water container to the swc, make sure all air flows out of the tubes and place them into the swc s below the water lvl. What will hapen is that all the containers will equalize and maintain the same water level once the float value is properly set. As the water level decreases in the water container it will activate the float valve and refill the water container to the proper level. So it keeps all containers filled. Second method would be to use a water or rain barrel to supply the water container. Everything else is the same only difference is you will need to also make a siphon from the water barrel to the water container. Once that is done you just have to keep enough water in the water barrel to maintain the siphon and all your SWCs will be automatically watered. here is a link to a video that explains it better: http://www.youtube.com/user/GlobalBu.../3/x8kJ3l4yPLU you can also check out their other videos and it will explain better how the float valve and water container work. You will still need a drain hole that is above the water level in each SWC this is to prevent flooding your plants in case of heavy rains or in case the float valve were to become stuck just as a caution measure. Anyways i know a few people on here was looking for something to fully automate the watering process so this might help.