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Possible solution to leaky tower

I recently found a product from Sure to Grow called a 6" slab. It is 36"L x 6"W x 3"D and resembles the batting used in upholstery work. I am planning to put it into the center of my tower and then push the net pots in around it. I previously had a central pipe fitted with emitters at intervals and spraying outward soaking the roots. The problem was that the fluids were escaping through the net pot and rock wool cubes holding the plants. Another issue I encountered was the fluids dripping off of mature plant leaves and falling outside the area of the catch basin. There was too much fluid on the outside of the tower. with this new media I hope to contain the nutrient solution as well as to give the roots a good amount of surface area for nutrient uptake and support. Once I get this part figured out, I am going to set it up as an AP system. Stay tuned for photos and updates.

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Comment by JRComito on March 19, 2012 at 12:34pm: So it has been a month and my ap system is up and running. I have fish and plants living together in harmony. :6:

Comment by JRComito on February 7, 2012 at 8:12am: Thank Chris for the reply. I think I may have to address the flow situation next. I have tried three different configurations with jet emitters, and I ended at a single emittter at the top spraying straight down and soaking the net pots. I tried the ball valve, but it resricted the flow too much and would not allow the emitters to work properly. I think moving to this new media and switching to a drip delivery system for the nutrient rather than spraying should take care of things. I'll keep you posted.

Comment by JRComito on February 7, 2012 at 7:58am: I messed around with it yesterday a bit. I think I might just eliminate the net pots all together and direct seed right into the media or transpant seedlings. The trick is going to be keeping them in place until the roots grab the media. The media is pretty inexpensive, and if it lasts one harvest cycle, it will have definitey paid for itself.
I hear a lot of people here talking about "cycling" their systems. Could someone please lead me in the right direction, possibly a link to some info?.

Comment by Chris Smith on February 6, 2012 at 11:58pm: I have had towers that have become root-bound and had the same problems. My solution is to regulate the flow to the top of the tower so that there is not too much flow that will create the overflow effect. A tee inline with a ball valve which returns to tank is a simple solution. My towers do not need lots of flow and just a trickle is fine.