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Substitute for terracotta pipes

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by MiKa, Feb 13, 2013.

  1. Feb 13, 2013 #1
    MiKa

    MiKa Active Member Supporting Member

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    As you probably know I started growing on terracotta pipes and the concept got known under the name "Nano vivariums" or only “Nano vivs”.

    I started the first back in 2003 and it is still running very well.

    Over the years I have got many questions from people wanting to get the pipes to make similar set-ups. The problem has always been that these terracotta pipes are only found in Sweden, and to ship them is too costly.
    Another problem has been to find pipes that "leaks" water in the right pase.

    I have tested since August 2012 to get the same effect and result using Hygrolon covered plastic pipes. This concept works very well. It evens works better than the terracotta pipes. The water reservoir last longer, they always leak in the same way, they are much lighter and the biggest advantage is that anybody can make them.
    A filled 320 mm high and 110 mm diameter pipe last for 3 weeks.

    afarm9.staticflickr.com_8243_8458258553_a7f3014c92_b.jpg afarm9.staticflickr.com_8509_8458251505_3be7bf4a46_b.jpg

    This is how it looked in August 2012

    afarm9.staticflickr.com_8389_8471717822_e6bdf2f6a4_c.jpg

    With a 110 mm plastic pipe, saw, glue gun and a piece of Hygrolon you can make one of these in 15-20 minutes.

    afarm9.staticflickr.com_8389_8470630011_dbcc51fec1_c.jpg afarm9.staticflickr.com_8112_8471725198_23205f2846_c.jpg
     
    Paul Mc and Magnus A like this.
  2. Feb 13, 2013 #2
    Zack

    Zack Will work for plants Supporting Member

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    Are you using metal pins to secure the plants to the Hygrolon? In your experience, how long does it take for the plants to secure themselves to the material, i.e., when can you remove the pins?
     
  3. Feb 14, 2013 #3
    Magnus A

    Magnus A Ph.D.

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    Zack, the answer depends on the species and growing cycle as root growth is not constant for all species.

    My experience is that I get faster root growth in Hygrolon than in Epiweb or on bark.
     
  4. Feb 15, 2013 #4
    MiKa

    MiKa Active Member Supporting Member

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    As Magnus said it all depends on species. But I would estimate the average time is 5-7 weeks before pins can be removed.

    Yes I use metal pins (dressmaker pins or insect pins). You can also use a rubber cord (wrapped around the pipe)to hold the plants in place.

    I should also mention that the set up with plants is a pipe that has been foamed with PU-foam and then covered with Hygrolon. In tjis way you can add structure and shape to the set-up. Another good thing is to make the shape slightly conical. That will make light reach the lower parts much better than on a all vertical shape.
     
  5. Feb 15, 2013 #5
    Jeff9

    Jeff9 Member

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    I use Hygrolon for all my plants since last year and it works great. I do notice slight build up of fertilizer overtime but i flush/wash weekly and never have any issues.

    I use fishwire to sew together the hygrolon into a sleeve, to slide around the tubes. I think this is a very flexible easy way to use hygrolon glue-free.

    Last year i was raising seedlings using traditional media and it was very hard to control mold and bacteria and i only saved a few. Then later i tried again using hygrolon and the success rate so far is at 90% or so.

    I believe next season i will be able to do even better, maybe 99 or 100%
     
  6. Feb 15, 2013 #6
    Paul Mc

    Paul Mc Member

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    Interesting...
     
  7. Feb 16, 2013 #7
    timber

    timber Member

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    So does the hygrolon wick water from the top opening of the pipe as well as the reservoir below?
     
  8. Feb 18, 2013 #8
    MiKa

    MiKa Active Member Supporting Member

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    Yes that is correct. Once the water in the bottom tray get in contact with the lowest part of Hygrolon it will start wicking from there too.
    Its somewhat of a double action effect. When the water inside the pipe and from above has run short the wicking action from the bottom tray takes over.

    So if the water inside the pipe last 2 weeks the bottom water adds another week.
     
  9. Feb 18, 2013 #9
    timber

    timber Member

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    Thanks Mika, will try this out.
     
  10. Jul 8, 2014 #10
    Dave The Scientist

    Dave The Scientist Active Member

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    I have found terracotta wine coolers in various places (amazon, ebay) that should work like the terracotta pipes that Mika uses. They are made to be slightly porous so they should slowly release water like Mika's other nano-vivs. I am working on creating one now so we will see how it works.
     
    gnathaniel and annabanana1987 like this.
  11. Jul 8, 2014 #11
    annabanana1987

    annabanana1987 Active Member

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    Wow ! I will have to keep this in mind when I become more adventures
     
  12. Jul 10, 2014 #12
    gnathaniel

    gnathaniel Lurker Supporting Member

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    Thanks for the tip, Dave! Mikael's setups are simply amazing and I've thought for years about attempting something like this, so knowing a good source for terracotta pipes will be useful if I ever get around to it.