Does anybody even use Wilmas anymore?

[Tom1974]

I remember these when they first landed in my shop when I was a total newbie to the game, perhaps 2013?

They was all the rave and seemed a really cool and convenient invention.

Don’t hear of many using them anymore though.

I quite enjoy hand feeding my girls and have all the time in the world to pop in and out as I live there and doesn’t bother me whatsoever

So, what were the pros and what were the cons?

I have been offered 2 x 9 trays complete set up for free and in my head thinking I could stick just one in my tent and spread my 8 girls out in the future if they are superior to hand feeding?

Sorry guys couple of threads started this morning and pestering away, just thinking out loud and obviously i can’t really speak to anyone about this stuff and if I could they wouldn’t have the answers that you guys have

:-)

[420mFuk]

I think @Keeno uses a wilma system, heard him complain about blocked pipes & broken pumps but since I've never used one your best asking @Keeno. Think @GMO & @kbag have also used the wilma system.

Edit - listening to last nights hangout podcast atm.... wilma system comes up in conversation at time index 13:11
This link should take you straight to 13:11.
https://youtu.be/7r9mqWjFZLA?t=791

[420mFuk]

I use them or a system based on a Wilma all the time.
Use hydroton as it doesn't put any foreign bodies in the tank.
You need to wash the pebbles in 5.5ph water before use. After that you can just keep using them.
You'll need to drill a few more holes in the water channels on the tray as they'll block with roots.
I run mine like DWC with air stones in the tank. I drill more holes in the recess where the pots sit.
I only use the drippers till the roots hit the tank. 15 mins every 3 hours during lights on.
It's a cracking easy to use system. If you can get a freebie even better

[Nom]

I use to use one recirculating in coco, worked rather well for me

[Tom1974]

I use to use one recirculating in coco, worked rather well for me

That sounds like now you don’t mate can I ask why if so?

[Tom1974]

I use to use one recirculating in coco, worked rather well for me

That sounds like now you don’t mate can I ask why if so?

I'm in a smaller space now and it doesnt fit anymore so I don't use it and I didnt fancy buying the smaller one because they are easy to make if you have a few spare parts kicking about

[420mFuk]

I really like using my Wilma. That being said its my first grow with one. I normally use Rhizo system which is run to waste. My only con would be they rely on a pump and its not easy to get into the res once your plants are a decent size. If the pump fails you'll want a spare hanging about imo. I'd say run to waste is a tad faster but im definitely using more nutrients in the run to waste set up opposite the wilma plants. Its a very safe and convenient system where leaks/water may be a concern.

[seymore_budz]

I've still got a Wilma in the shed and I'd use it within a heartbeat if a situation arose where it would make sense to use. Excellent system when used correctly. A couple of downsides are it's fairly easy to flood too many times and the media to become waterlogged and once you have them setup, they're quite tall so you loose a bit of headspace. They still very popular so I'm told.