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bullet08

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
has anyone try using TuffStuff aquatic containers to set up SIP like bill? 

http://www.amazon.com/Tuff-Stuff-Products-KMB103-25-Gallon/dp/B000HHLWDK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_5

i think few trees do deserve better home and thinking about going about what bill's doing. 
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Pete
Durham, NC
Zone 7b

"don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill
"the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher

***** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. *****
***** and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...*****
brackishfigger

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
looks great.  The larger 37gal is cheaper!  The rubbermaid stock tanks are also very well thought of by those of us in the aquarium hobby.  http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-FG424400BLA-Structural-Capacity/dp/B00GVJWB6K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1389019225&sr=8-5&keywords=rubbermaid+stock
ascpete

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Have never used the LDPE containers because they are a bit floppy(soft) sided. The best size, material and price that I've found are 70 QT. "Muck Buckets". Available from Tractor Supply. They are #2 HDPE and available in multiple colors with wood grained sides for under $16.00. There is also a Hand cart available for $65.00 from Tractor Supply. They are the same size as the less expensive 70 qt, 74qt and 17 gallon plastic buckets but they are made for outdoor use.
BTW, I'm constructing my larger SIPs from 30 Gallon #2 HDPE Barrels. 
30 gallon Barrel SIP.jpg  
 
Fortiflex Large Capacity Plastic Bucket, 17.5 gal. Capacity, Burgundy
Fortiflex Large Capacity Plastic Bucket, 17.5 gal. Capacity, Burgundy
Tuff Stuff Products Tuff Muck Bucket Cart, 300 lb.
Tuff Stuff Products Tuff Muck Bucket Cart, 300 lb.  


bullet08

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
my ideal size would be 20-25 gal of soil space, and about bottom 1/3 for the water reservoir. can't seem to find something that looks good and will last about 10 yrs. any idea what bill uses? 
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Pete
Durham, NC
Zone 7b

"don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill
"the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher

***** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. *****
***** and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...*****
ztfree1128

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Bill uses smart barrels like in this link but he gets them without the steel bands- http://www.smartwareproducts.com/recycled-garden-pots.html, if you search there forum there is some information on them. I have tried looking for them but they are relatively hard to find. 
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Zach
Baltimore, MD
Zone 7a
ascpete

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
http://figs4fun.com/bills_figs.html
Quote:
The pots are 22-1/2" diameter by 16-1/2" deep measured on the inside. They have no holes in them and are guaranteed for a period of 20 years. They are pretty thick and are very sturdy


Smart Barrelz pots
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/SmartWare-410032-Smart-BarrelZ-Whiskey-Barrel-Planter/6344026/product.html
http://www.valuenest.com/products/SmartWare-410032-Smart-BarrelZ-Whiskey-Barrel-Planter.html
http://www.esbenshades.com/onlineshopping/proddetail.asp?prod=053883041004

PlasTeak, similar to Smart barrelz
http://www.plasteak.com/plasteak-recycled-plastic-products/landscaping-products/plastic-planters-whiskey-barrels/recycled-plastic-whiskey-barrel-planter

Here are a few similarly sized pots from Lowes..
Lowes 22inch pots comparison.jpg
ztfree1128

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Thanks Pete for the links, I haven't seen the value nest one before. Has anyone used the pots from Lowes? I am curious as to how long the last and how they hold up. 
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Zach
Baltimore, MD
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bullet08

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
i have been using one of those cheap tubs from lowes for last 3-4 yrs or so. they are holding up so far. but i want something little more decorative for the front of the house. i'm thinking about putting CdDB and CdDN on both side of the front door. that would be nice. picking figs for snack on the way into the house. 
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Pete
Durham, NC
Zone 7b

"don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill
"the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher

***** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. *****
***** and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...*****
ascpete

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Pete,
It sounds like you need one of these inserts that can be placed inside any Decorative Planter.
[step1a][step1b]

STEP ONE:
Place approximately 2” - 3” of gravel at the bottom of your decorative planter to prevent soil from entering gravel area. Place filter cloth over gravel if desired but not necessary.

STEP TWO:
Place soil over gravel then place GAI reservoir onto the soil base.

STEP THREE:
Insert 1-1/4” Fill Tube into GAI reservoir fill unit, trim to a height of 1/2” to 1” above top of decorative planter.

STEP FOUR:
Place formulated Eco SoilTM into planter to desired level - tamp down, do not pack.

STEP FIVE:
Place plants into planter and add Eco SoilTM around plants.

STEP SIX:
Water soil thoroughly and add water into fill tube until GAI Sub Irrigation is full.

STEP SEVEN:
Use GAI dipstick to determine when tank is full. Replenish water in tank as required to moisture level.

[step1c][step1d]
[step1e][step1f]
[step1g][step1h]

They are distributed by Garden Art Int. who also distribute decorative Planters
http://www.jardiniercorp.com/Reservoirs.html
http://www.jardiniercorp.com/planters-1

Quote:
Sub Irrigation Systems
Our Sub Irrigation system can convert any planter or pot to a capillary irrigation system. The patented Sub Irrigation come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be configured to any planter design, from standard decorative pots to custom design build installations. Like all our patented capillary irrigation systems, the reservoir tanks are easy to install, easy to maintain, eliminate water runoff, and have the added benefit of being a water harvesting system during the rainy season. We can help you design and specify any planter installation.

http://www.jardiniercorp.com/_literature_92503/Irrigation_Reservoir_Catalog_2
http://www.jardiniercorp.com/_literature_92504/Planters_Catalog_2 .
Chivas

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
If you look around a farm supply stores they usually carry animal feed or water troughs, reservoirs.  You should be able to find some with the structure you're after, they may be wider and shallower than a pot but wider pots don't blow over as easily as well or stay as soggy on the bottom.
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Rewton

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 

I wrote to Bill about this containers a year or so ago and here is his reply: "The containers hold 3.4 cu ft, they are 23 by 17.  You can buy them from me, the price with the growing system is $75.  I get them from the manufacturer, if you want to go that route you will have to purchase 80 of them, or two pallets."

I calculate that they hold around 25 gallons.  I wonder if you get a pallet whether you can get them without the metal rings and thus they would be cheaper?  I didn't see this option on the smartwareproducts website.
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Steve MD zone 7a
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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Sump Basin from Home depot........

[flotec-fpw73-19-basin] 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Flotec-18-in-x-22-in-Sump-Pump-Basin-FPW7 3-19/100112069#
coop951

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Hi Everyone,
As a huge admirer of Bill's Figs and as an owner of 3 of his pots I can say that even at $75.00 its not a bad deal. The great links that Pete provided show that the pots alone at $53.00 is about as cheap as Ive seen them. However, Bill supplies the cut PVC tubes, the wire mesh, burlap, black plastic bungee, fertilizer, lime and a pot full of his mushroom compost. It is all ready to go. I don't think that is an unfair profit for all that he supplies plus you are supporting a great "fig pioneer" in the process. 
Of course this is a pick up only and this is no help if you don't live in the area. 
By the way, we all discuss our favorite mixes for the SIP's and Bill uses 100% mushroom compost. Hard to argue against this with the amazing results he (and I ) get.
Trying to keep warm
Coop
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