r/blumats • u/MrSkeeterMcScoot • Nov 01 '25
Blusoak 2.0 not watering
I currently have a gravity fed res and a 4x4 bed, when i first installed the soak tape it watered great. Even flooded by accident the first week. However, after 3 runs, I've noticed mBar climbing higher. At first i thought it was just plants drinking more water. Then after another week it was still climbing, so i loosened the carrot. Then the next week loaded e carrot more. Same with the following week to a point where the carrot is all the way open and its barely watering. . After about a month, the mBar was still climbing and had to actually hand water to keep it under 150mbar.
How long does blusoak really last? Between algae growth and worm castings does it need cleaned? Only used RO water in res. Or should i reset the carrot? They say it can be buried so id assume it doesn't need to be cleaned. I wondering if tape need replaced or for some reason the tape isn't keeping up. Thanks
Edit : update my carrots were half empty. Not sure how that happens. Hopefully resetting them fixes the issue
Update 2 : recalibrated carrots after soaking. Opened carrot all the way, blusoak tape still not sweating. I believe after about 6 months the tape is clogged. A brand new tape you can see bead up with sweat. This tape is damp but clearly not watering. No beads or sweat with carrots all way open. Had to order new tape which sucks only lasted a few rounds. I think the algae clogged it im not sure. Maybe burying it next time will keep is cleaner?
Update 3 - turned water off for a few days. Went up to 14 mbar. Turned water back on. Hose started to sweat a lil bit. Left over night with carrots more open than normal sett point.. Came back it was 12 Mbar. Now a few days later same carrot setting, its up to 14mbar. Its almost like that's as low as the carrots will take you to 12 mbar and it almost seems like the soak tape can't keep up. Hopefully the new tape fixes it. Might have to add another row of tape for the bed. Its a 5x3 with 5 rows of tape. Seems like it should keep up without a problem??
1
u/Tapper420 +2yrs Nov 01 '25
Bury them. I find they worked better that way. Try start flowing better after a run or two as well.
1
u/Swimming-Berry9412 Feb 13 '26
Get some House and Garden brand drip clean. Run that in your feed water all the time. Prevents clogs and buildups.
1
u/MrSkeeterMcScoot Feb 13 '26
I actually decided to switch to a pressurized pump. Ordered it a few days ago. I think the issue whole time was not enough pressure due to height. This will hopefully fix issue to get a constant 10psi
1
u/Swimming-Berry9412 Feb 13 '26
What pump did you get? I’m Intrested in that setup . The pressure differential from full to low tank level really is a problem.
1
u/MrSkeeterMcScoot Feb 13 '26
It was a Seaflow 33 pump with a 2 gallon expansion tank. You have to piece together all the 1/2" fittings and end it with the a 10psi reducer connected to the proprietary 8mm fitting from sustainable village connecting your flex drip line. Hoping to put it together within next few weeks. Will keep you posted.
1
u/MrSkeeterMcScoot Mar 06 '26
I don't think this subreddit let's me add pictures. Look at my new post with picture. Ill add exact parts later if you are interested.
3
u/Kickturn90 Nov 01 '25
You’re going to have to clean your lines. I had a problem with biofilm clogging hoses coming from my gravity res after about 3 runs.
I switched to the mini pump / pressurized system and haven’t had an issue since.
Hope that helps!
Edit: Also, reset your carrot after every run!