My "IncuTainers" Are Now "Cooking" at 78 Degrees (pics)
 

After reading some of the stories posted here about early plants freezing, I decided to try to keep mine from taking a "dirt nap" if we hit a cold spell.

Enter an aquarium water heater that maintains the water at a constant 78 degrees:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6802.jpg[/IMG]

The heater is fully submersible with a built-in thermostat and fits nicely into the 3" deep 'Tainer water reservoir laying down:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6803.jpg[/IMG]

As I had already put my seedlings into the IncuTainers (is that a word?) a week ago, I did not want to dig them up to remove the aeration bench and then install the heater. Fortunately, I was able to just pull up the filler tube, insert the heater with a bit of manual wiggling, down under the aeration bench and into the water. I then just fed the power cord up the filler tube and set it back down into the aeration bench:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6795.jpg[/IMG]

So now, the 'Tainers should stay fed with heated water at a constant 78 degrees all day, and I am expecting a faster growth rate from this addition:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6799.jpg[/IMG]

At night (or when we have bad weather) I will put the cold-frame covers on and the warmth from the heated water should keep the plants cozy:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6707.jpg[/IMG]

I am thinking about doing the same for a couple of "production" EarthTainers for my early varieties so they get a jump on the season. At about $14.00 per unit, not a bad investment for "happy" tomatoes!

Ray:D:D

Ray,
You never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity! What a grade idea!
Jeff

Thanks Jeff, but I actually discussed this with a another Forum member who suggested trying it. My "improvement" was how to install it with minimal invasive damage to the existing plants (kind of like internal surgery through your belly-button):twisted: ...and it worked!!

Ray:D

In hydroponics they call it root zone heating where they use aquarium heaters in the nutrient tank but in Ray's case he has several.:) Ami

Whoever has had this idea: It's great! Would like to try it, too.
clara

Clara,

I bought a smaller 50 Watt unit to also use in this indoor seedling starting tray:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6575-1.jpg[/IMG]

As long as there is a water reservoir for the heater to sit in, it should accelerate the growth and vigor of the seedlings (just don't let the tray run out of water).

Ray:D

Ray,

Looking good.....Here in VA I'd need additional ambient heat for the top chamber due to the freak cold spells we are now experiencing. Last night it dropped to 9 degrees. Mother Nature is very cranky this March!!! >LOL

Have made notes for the changes next season and will string Xmas lights inside the top cold frame cover with the water heater. Thanks to Big Alan and you I'll have a better time bringing out the tomatoes in Early March.

George

[img]http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL16/733137/1302777/356381139.jpg[/img]

[img]http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL16/733137/1302777/356872512.jpg[/img]

I just installed my third heater in one of the CornTainers I planted last week with early Northern Hybrid corn seed. My goal is to track how the "heater-ized" 'Tainer on the right produces vs. the unheated one on the left.

[URL="http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/?action=view&current=IMG_6774-1.jpg"][IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6774-1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/?action=view&current=IMG_6774-1.jpg"]
[/URL]

So here we go with another [I][B]"Myth-Buster Challenge" - Tomatoville Style[/B][/I] for an "A/B" comparison.

Ray:D

People are amazed at the lengths I go to in order to grow better tomatoes. Your efforts make mine look like amateur hour 8-)

Ray, just remember on thing. Even though your plants will like the heat so do the pathogens that are in your potting mix. So you might want to take some preventative measures as well. Ami

[quote=amideutch;122746]Ray, just remember on thing. Even though your plants will like the heat so do the pathogens that are in your potting mix. So you might want to take some preventative measures as well. Ami[/quote]

Ami,

With the aquarium heater down in the water reservoir keeping the water at a set 78 degrees, the potting mix on the aeration bench is likely to be at 65 to 70 degrees. What "nasties" should I be concerned about with these temperatures?:?!?:

Ray

reply
 

You could possibly get an increase in algae growth in the water. Not Ami, but between all the waterbeds, fish aquariums and at one time a swimming pool it would be a pretty good bet. There are other nasties but I will leave that to Ami
Kat

kat,

I guess I am missing something. What I am doing is creating the same temperature environment in March, that the 'Tainers will see (naturally) in June. All I'm doing is giving the plants a "jump-start".

I could understand if the water was kept at an elevated temperature that would cause bad stuff to develop - - but at a constant 78 degrees water temperature, why should I have a worry???

Ray:?!?:

REPLY
 

Ray I would just immagine more algea would grow and there would be a chance for increased bacteria and fungus. I am a nurse and not an engeneer so I think more along the lines of bacteria grownth and how much they might increase in a warmed enviornment over a period of time. Actually that is even more a Carolyn answer. :lol: Your tainers are in a different enviornment with the water in the bottom. I am just looking at it from a water standpoint. I do remember that you stated you were going to pump out some of the water part way though so that would be a help to reduce any extra algea growth. I remember you posting pics and having a concern about algea in one of your posts. This [I]might[/I] make it worse. You also posted that you were removing chlorine from your water which I would think Chlorine would actually inhibit the algea growth. But it is a very inventive way to keep plants warm and I wish I had thought of it as much as I have messed with aquariums :yes: Once had a brand new heater short out when I was starting up a brand new salt water tank. Lets just say shorted heater+salt water=fried fish and almost fried Kat
If none of this makes sense or I am just stupid ignore the comment and keep going :cute:
Kat

kat,

What you say makes perfect sense.:)

I guess what I think I have in my favor is that unlike a "static" aquarium, in the EarthTainer the uptake of water into the 16 plants is perhaps 1 to 2 quarts per day. This constant churn and replenishment with fresh water ought to minimize conditions that permit nasties to grow in stagnant water environments.

Ray

Ray, read a study on black plastic mulch and basically what they said is pathogens in the soil, especially fusarium I believe will proliferate and become more active when the soil temperature is raised due to the heating effect of the mulch. Preventative measures I was alluding to was using Actinovate as a soil drench. Ami

Ami,

Got it!

I believe my real concern is not the issue of bringing the tomatoes a "June warmth in March" experience, but when it hits August and we get 95 degree temps, then I do get concerned about nasties growing in the 'Tainers. I will be using the Actinovate liberally this season, and also use bark fines to cover over the black plastic mulch to reflect the sun's energy.

Now, the challenge is to figure out a "reverse-heater" unit to REMOVE heat from the water reservoir in July onward and chill the water to keep it then at 78 degrees, or so. Any ideas???

Ray:D:D

Ray, you won't have any problem. As much water as the plants will be taking up the water won't have time to heat up. Just cover the tainers with a light reflecting material. Ami

Great ideas everyone.

I've just purchased a few of the Model HT10 heaters which are rated at up to 50 Watts. In looking at the thermal requirements of the 5 or 6 gallons of water in the 'Tainer, this size is adequate to maintain the water at 78 degrees. It is also cheaper at $11.50 per unit.:yes:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6805.jpg[/IMG]

Ray:D

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=3]Hi Ray,

You might not remember but last June you and I exchange some emails about using Earthbox’s AWS in some SWC I made. Thanks again for the time you took to answer my questions.

I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this series of posts. At the end of the growing season last year I started pondering ways to speed up 2009 set out for some tomato plants. I consider using an aquarium heater in some of my SWC this year. Seeing your posts has now convinced me that I'm not crazy. It also has convinced me that I’m not that original! I hope you'll continue to post updates because I'm really interested in knowing your results.

On a related subject, I have also been contemplating the use of an aquarium aeration stone in some containers to see if increased oxygen in the water would promote increased plant health and productivity. Have you ever considered doing something similar? [/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Verdana][SIZE=3]
[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=3]The increase in oxygenated water might be beneficial to the plant's roots. Maybe the aeration might increase the effectiveness of the Actinovate you plan to use. And it might provide some assistance with evaporating any remaining traces of Chlorine and Chloramine.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=3]
Thank you for sharing all your experiences with your Earthtainers. I look forward to reading your future posts.

Rellis[/SIZE][/FONT]

Hey Rellis,

The "innovation" with the EarthTainer mods has been a collaborative work of a bunch of folks here on Tomatoville, and one other Forum. The "jump-start" of a month or so with the heaters is a more significant event that should have been obvious to me a year ago - - but it took another Forum member to "nuggetize" down the idea into something pratical like the aquarium water heater.:yes:

This same member has also suggested an Ozone pump and a "stone" (which I am not familiar with - - guess I need to spend some time at my local pet shop), as an idea that might accelerate tomato production. I would encourage someone to run some trials on this concept as with 30 EarthTainers to tend now, I've got my hands full with all this Tomato-tone old and new, Actinovate, Actino-Iron, and a bunch more "A/B" comparisons this season.:panic:

Ray

Ray when I had my 120 gallon fish tank I always [COLOR=black]ordered [/COLOR]online from pet warehouse [COLOR=black]usually [/COLOR]40-50% off pet store prices on equipment:
[URL]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/shop.cfm?c=3578[/URL]

Craig

[quote=rnewste;123007]Hey Rellis,

The "innovation" with the EarthTainer mods has been a collaborative work of a bunch of folks here on Tomatoville, and one other Forum. The "jump-start" of a month or so with the heaters is a more significant event that should have been obvious to me a year ago - - but it took another Forum member to "nuggetize" down the idea into something pratical like the aquarium water heater.:yes:

This same member has also suggested an Ozone pump and a "stone" (which I am not familiar with - - guess I need to spend some time at my local pet shop), as an idea that might accelerate tomato production. I would encourage someone to run some trials on this concept as with 30 EarthTainers to tend now, I've got my hands full with all this Tomato-tone old and new, Actinovate, Actino-Iron, and a bunch more "A/B" comparisons this season.:panic:

Ray[/quote]

Craig,

Thanks for the link. Some interesting aids there.

Last night I ordered an Ozone Generator for aquatic applications. Should be here in a week. Now, just need to figure out a manifold tubing distribution system to send the Ozone to the 16 tomato EarthTainers, and how long per day to run it. (Yes, when I was a kid I went crazy with my Erector Set).:lol:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/Ozonegenerator.jpg[/IMG]

I am going to experiment with everything possible this season to try to keep the 'Tainer water reservoir as pristine as possible.

Need to check-in with Ami and dice to see what potential impact the Ozone will have on the bio's like Actinovate. Goal is to kill the nasties, but not harm the good guys (or I will at least have to reapply the Actinovate more frequently). Small price to pay for a "clean house".

Ray:D:D:D

[QUOTE=rnewste;123085]Craig,

Thanks for the link. Some interesting aids there.

Last night I ordered an Ozone Generator for aquatic applications. Should be here in a week. Now, just need to figure out a manifold tubing distribution system to send the Ozone to the 16 tomato EarthTainers, and how long per day to run it. (Yes, when I was a kid I went crazy with my Erector Set).:lol:

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/Ozonegenerator.jpg[/IMG]

I am going to experiment with everything possible this season to try to keep the 'Tainer water reservoir as pristine as possible.

Need to check-in with Ami and dice to see what potential impact the Ozone will have on the bio's like Actinovate. Goal is to kill the nasties, but not harm the good guys (or I will at least have to reapply the Actinovate more frequently). Small price to pay for a "clean house".

Ray:D:D:D[/QUOTE]

Ray:

To keep your containers from over-heating have you thought of using Reflectix on the outside of your containers? I'm going to try them on my grow bags:

[url]http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=13357-56291-BP24025&lpage=none[/url]

As for keeping your water clean...there really aren't any selective killers out there. Whatever you treat your container with is going to kill some good guys too. Hydroponic growers often treat their setups with hydrogen peroxide to keep the baddies down.

What's next? .. a carbon dioxide pump to pump CO2 into the EarthTainer?

How has this work out?

[quote=GardenJedi;127718]What's next? .. a carbon dioxide pump to pump CO2 into the EarthTainer?[/quote]

When I was really into brewing beer in 5 gal buckets, the plants I was growing in the same room under a HPS really responded to the increased concentration of CO2. When I was finished brewing beer, I continued the CO2 production by inncoulating a bucket of sugar water with yeast: 3 buckets in 2 or 3 day rotation. Given adequate light & nutrients, the plants REALLY respond. Normal atmospheric concentration is about 300 ppm. Plants can utilze up to 5X this concentration (depending on species) with a 33%+ growth rate increase.:D

Commercial greenhouse growers use CO2 generators for their greenhouses. Aquariam hobbyists have CO2 injectors that inject CO2 into the water to fertilize the plants and increase growth.

Ray never did get back with us as to the results of the root zone heating and ozone generator experiment. What say you Ray! Ami

[quote=amideutch;167734]Commercial greenhouse growers use CO2 generators for their greenhouses. Aquariam hobbyists have CO2 injectors that inject CO2 into the water to fertilize the plants and increase growth.

Ray never did get back with us as to the results of the root zone heating and ozone generator experiment. What say you Ray! Ami[/quote]

Hey Ami,

The aquarium heaters worked well for me last Season, in that I had tomato seedlings that ultimately gave me ripe tomatoes on May 27. This Season, I did not use them and my plants are about 3 weeks behind last years plants. Next Season, I intent to use them again.

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6802.jpg[/IMG]

Regarding the Ozone Generator, it is still sitting in the cabinet, as other priorities came about last year. I *may* try to run periodic ozone injections in a few 'Tainers this Season, but my immediate project is to figure out how to adapt my icemaker Chloramine filter into my 1/2 inch irrigation plumbing.

[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh67/rnewste/IMG_6586.jpg[/IMG]

Raybo