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| Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in half? http://byap.backyardmagazines.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=21483 |
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| Author: | tacosalad [ Apr 24th, '14, 03:01 ] |
| Post subject: | Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in half? |
Hopefully, this doesn't start WW III. We're in the process of building a medium sized system. I'll be starting a build thread shortly. I'm trying to decide which way to cut our barrels. Here's what I've come up with so far.... I think the plumbing should be the same. Lenthgwise: Pro 1. Larger grow bed 2. Easier to build a stable platform Con 1. More shallow depth 2. Need to support the sides Cut in half Pro 1. Deeper grow bed 2. Do not need to support the sides 3. height is a bit taller. Not as much bending. Con 1. Smaller surface area for plants 2. Possibly more awkward of a stand Can anybody else shed the pros/cons for each style of growbed? Thanks!! John |
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| Author: | Stuart Chignell [ Apr 24th, '14, 05:24 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
It depends on so much of the rest of your design and the space you have to work with. Circular half barrels are also great for wicking beds or if used as GBs the extra volume of wet gravel but reduced growing area can be compensated for by NFT or DWC. |
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| Author: | bentaz [ Jun 30th, '14, 14:47 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
G'day I've got 5 blue drums to cut, I already had the decision of which way to cut them taken out of my hands as they are missing the bung plugs so I'll be cutting them long ways. What would people advise as the easiest way to neatly cut them? I am tossing up between the angle grinder, circular saw or just carpenters hand saw. |
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| Author: | Charlie [ Jun 30th, '14, 15:03 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
I like the look of the long ways cut barrels but Im not sure what would be more efficient. I like using a jigsaw to cut IBC's but the other methods would work too. |
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| Author: | Mr Damage [ Jun 30th, '14, 15:05 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
Jigsaw |
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| Author: | bentaz [ Jun 30th, '14, 15:16 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
Jigsaw it is then. I found a good sharp Stanley knife cut through the ibc's ok. |
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| Author: | mattyoga [ Jun 30th, '14, 16:26 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
This was discussed a while back! it all comes down to nutrient density and required biofiltration capacity. It lightly stocked and growing greens, a long cut may be better, if heavily stocked/going for fruiting plants, a shorter cut may be better. plus all the other considerations about support, plumbing etc.... |
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| Author: | jayendra [ Jun 30th, '14, 17:57 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
Don't use a grinder - the wrong disc can melt the plastic. Jigsaw - get the right speed and your fine. |
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| Author: | sehoner [ Jul 22nd, '14, 12:30 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Barrels. Pros and cons for cutting lengthwise or in hal |
Here is my first system, with instructions and pics. It may help you decide. I grew everything from melons to lettuce to tomatoes. The only real problem I had, besides little boys putting all kinds of things in the tank was, roots clogging the siphon. The system was small so it happened towards the end of every summer grow season. http://sehoner.blogspot.com/2012/06/v-b ... tvmlo.html |
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