DWC Greens Totes Redesign

[mike]

I was pretty proud of my 10-gallon Rubbermaid Totes when I put them together 6 years ago. What I didn't like was the amount of water (and nutrients) needed for growing greens. I also wasn't happy with the 180 watts for the Apollo UFO light or the 300 watts for the larger Apollo light.

I decided to redesign my greens totes. I like simplicity. I don't want to use sprayers for the nutrients. I just want a couple of air stones in the water stirring the water up. To reduce the water, I'm going to a flatter 28-quart Sterilite tote. I'll probably need about 2-1/2 gallons of water to start, but only 2 gallons once the roots are established. That's a lot less than the 7 gallons I used to start the 10 gallon tote.

I use 2 inch net pots with trimmed down Park Jumbo sponges for grow media. I waste money there, but it's simple.

For lights, I ordered a cheap 45 watt LED clamp light. For $29.95, if it works it's a steal. And I am not committed to where the light is hanging. It has become portable. Greens don't need much light anyway.

I do need to get some black spray paint, thought. The totes are clear.

[airscapes]

Hey Mike! I am interested to see this project unfold as I will be wanting something bigger in the future.  I wanted to comment on the black paint.. I just did this a couple weeks ago on the DIY bounty, and the paint does not work all that well.  My plan is to use automotive under coat on the next one.   It will only require 1 coat and it will not let any light in at all, even after 3 coats  of rust oleum flat black I still had light leaking..  Just an idea,  and of course I have not done this yet, but have used it on plastic inner fender wells more than once and it should work fine on any plastic.  Not sure how long it takes to completely cure to where it has no odor,  so a test may be in order if you try it.

Please post photos of your progress!

Thanks,
Doug 

[mike]

Do you think this will do, Doug?

www.amazon.com/Rust-Oleum-248656-Undercoating-Spray-15-Ounce/dp/B003CT49AS/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=automotive+undercoat&qid=1613950611&sr=8-3

[airscapes]

That is the stuff, rubberized undercoating.  I hate to make you the test subject.. I have a  second box I had painted black and did not use, I think I have a can of undercoating in stock so will go spay some on some clear plastic to see how it works. Will report back in later or in the morning

[mike]

Doug, does this stuff need to be painted over to prevent it from scraping off?

[airscapes]

No, it is rubberized, so it seals and deadens sound when used on the floor pan of a car. It is thick and blocks out all light.
Here is a clear plastic box I sprayed with what was left in this can.  I thought I had a full can, this one was it and it is almost empty.  Just a couple of stokes is all it took to completely bock out all light
 This image is of it wet, I will take another photo in the morning and post



This morning I check to see how well it blocked the light and was a bit disappointed.  Below you will see what it looked like when held up to the light from the inside.
I then added another coat and took another picture held up to the light.

Unfortunately it will take more than one coat.
The good things are:
Does not produce much over spray and therefor does not fill your room with paint mist.
No requirement to wait so many days after the first coat to apply the second, 
Dries  fasters than paint  and does not smell quite as bad when wet.
Sorry to suck up your thread, with this sidebar..I should have checked this before suggesting it.



After Second coat



outside after Second coat, it becomes less shiny when dry.

[Shawn]

Will it have a sticky feel to it?

[airscapes]

Feb 22, 2021 7:15:30 GMT -5 Shawn said:

Will it have a sticky feel to it?

No it is smooth when dry, I will add more info to my post above to keep it all together

[campingcorgis]

This sounds very interesting to me!  mike, what are the measurements of your 28-quart totes?  I'm wondering if a slightly smaller, already black tote might work?  See these here: 20 Quart Black tote - smaller, but if the dimensions are workable, instead of painting or otherwise coating?  I can look for something else, if I have measurements, this was just a quick search.

[mike]

It's not le,gth or width. It's the height, it needs to be as flat as possible. The flat ones all seem to be clear. Besides, I already have the totes. I'd buy new if they were opaque..

[campingcorgis]

Okay, mike, that makes sense.  Use what you have!

I did think of one other item, something I use for lots of things.  Mostly for storage in the RV so that things stay put...LOL.  If you have a restaurant supply store nearby, like what used to be Cash & Carry...soon to be U.S. Chef Store...look for these Bus Tub - I think they may be similar to your 28-quart, but they are not clear.  NOTE: You have to buy the tub & the lid as separate items.  They come in black, brown, white & grey.  I have a ton of the grey ones, but only 1 lid, as I don't need the lids.  Just something to keep in mind.

[mike]

Ginny, those are perfect, thank you. I will order a pair of those. I've been wanting to order a dunnage rack from them, anyway.

[campingcorgis]

Feb 22, 2021 16:43:57 GMT -5 mike said:

Ginny, those are perfect, thank you. I will order a pair of those. I've been wanting to order a dunnage rack from them, anyway.

You are quite welcome, Mike.  Happy to help.  I had actually walked away and started doing chores, when I thought I need to grab a bus tub & then,  , that might be just the ticket!  They are great for all sorts of things.  I use them to help with cleaning projects, packing, and generally moving things around.  But mostly for keeping things in some kind of order in the RV.  You would be surprised where things "shift" to, when your home is on wheels!  

[mike]

Here's a quick look at the lighting I will use. I need to figure out a better mounting for the goose neck. The clamp it came with is junk. The rest is perfect.

[mike]

Ugghh! WebRestaurant Store wants a minimum purchase of 24.

[campingcorgis]

Feb 22, 2021 20:22:53 GMT -5 mike said:

Ugghh! WebRestaurant Store wants a minimum purchase of 24.

Which one are you trying to order and when does it say there's a minimum?  I just tried to order 2 + 2 lids, nothing else & it didn't tell me that.  But I didn't hit the "complete order" button.  Maybe the one you chose is in groups of 24?  The one I chose had a price "each" note on it.  

Alternatively, check for "restaurant supply" stores in your area?  So sorry Mike!!

[mike]

Maybe I read it wrong. I'll have to check tomorrow, I have to get to bed.

I'm looking for about 20" x 15" x 5" with a flat lid in black. I have to have room for the 2" net pots to sit flush. I want 13 to 15 net pots total.

[campingcorgis]

Feb 22, 2021 21:15:41 GMT -5 mike said:

Maybe I read it wrong. I'll have to check tomorrow, I have to get to bed.

I'm looking for about 20" x 15" x 5" with a flat lid in black. I have to have room for the 2" net pots to sit flush. I want 13 to 15 net pots total.

I think you may have tried to order from lower down on the page, where they have the quantity discount listings.  Try this LINK for the item & then this OTHER LINK for the lid...or just scroll down a tad on the first link for the matching lid item.  

Sleep well!  

[Sher]

I bookmarked that link, too, campingcorgis. $2.99 if you buy them singly.

I will look for the lids tomorrow. Am ready to drop tonight!

[mike]

I ordered some.