Foam size

[drdreww]

Can some one explain the use of 2"foam rafts rather than 1"? I didnt have the cash for 2"anf I only bought enough for half of my gb's so if there is a def reason to get 2"i will get that for my next ones.. Using 2"net pots

[keith_r]

1" should work, paint after drilling - and when drilling, only drill part way through from one side and flip it over to finish, that way your drill bit won't get clogged as often

[urbanfarmer]

Any size foam will work. The thicker foam will give more support for larger plants. In fact, 2" foam of the same dimensions will support twice the weight in the water as a 1" foam piece. The only other reason I can think of is durability. The 2" in my experience is a lot tougher and not as easy to accidentally snap or break versus the 1" foam. Just be careful with it and don't grow anything too fancy!

1" should work, paint after drilling - and when drilling, only drill part way through from one side and flip it over to finish, that way your drill bit won't get clogged as often

Paint the foam?? I don't think I would recommend that nor is it necessary!

[drdreww]

good to know.. thanks for the replies. I was expecting to get some answer about a magical depth for the net pots in the water or o2 levels in the tops of the roots. but the durability makes sense.. ill scrape up my change and get some 2" next time. (maybe) lol

[keith_r]

Any size foam will work. The thicker foam will give more support for larger plants. In fact, 2" foam of the same dimensions will support twice the weight in the water as a 1" foam piece. The only other reason I can think of is durability. The 2" in my experience is a lot tougher and not as easy to accidentally snap or break versus the 1" foam. Just be careful with it and don't grow anything too fancy!

1" should work, paint after drilling - and when drilling, only drill part way through from one side and flip it over to finish, that way your drill bit won't get clogged as often

Paint the foam?? I don't think I would recommend that nor is it necessary!

unless you paint it, it will break down, fast
"friendly's" in hi recommends "external latex semi-gloss", but there are probably some other options for this

[rfeiller]

The 2" allows you to seat the 2" net pot without the bottom of the pot extending below the bottom of the styrofoam and prevents the root crown from being submersed. This is the mistake I was making. Some greens don't mind but a lot of plants do. Use 1" just make the hole smaller so pot sticks up.

[urbanfarmer]

[quote=keith_r]

Any size foam will work. The thicker foam will give more support for larger plants. In fact, 2" foam of the same dimensions will support twice the weight in the water as a 1" foam piece. The only other reason I can think of is durability. The 2" in my experience is a lot tougher and not as easy to accidentally snap or break versus the 1" foam. Just be careful with it and don't grow anything too fancy!

1" should work, paint after drilling - and when drilling, only drill part way through from one side and flip it over to finish, that way your drill bit won't get clogged as often

Paint the foam?? I don't think I would recommend that nor is it necessary!

unless you paint it, it will break down, fast
"friendly's" in hi recommends "external latex semi-gloss", but there are probably some other options for this[/quote:6v8175ac]
Oh, I did not know that. You have to be very careful with paint because it can put toxins in the water. Some paints can melt the foam as well.

[davidstcldfl]

unless you paint it, it will break down, fast
"friendly's" in hi recommends "external latex semi-gloss", but there are probably some other options for this

I know someone who painted 'all of ' the raft with the latex. Even though it was dry, it made the water foam up.....I think they mentioned 'surfactants' in the paint (?) They had to change out all the water twice, to get rid of it
I've been painting the top of the rafts with white rubber mobile home coating. I don't know if it's safer then paint....I was given half of a 5 gal bucket for free.

[drdreww]

so paint the top side? this system is outdoors too..

[rfeiller]

what type of time frame, before it breaks down. i've never heard this before and i've never seen styrofoam break down in water, it's used in boat docks, building foundations. amazing.