If you are about to switch your grow bags on soil to a gutter system to optimize its functionality and obtain higher yields, this article is for you. Here you will find a comparison of the most common spacers available in the market in order to present their benefits and disadvantages and help you make the right decision when choosing the best spacer for your agricultural project. 

With so many options and varieties available, the question to answer is: what type of spacer should I buy to increase the functionality of my grow bags? And this depends on several issues that range from the budget to invest in your production, the life of the product, and the labor available for its installation, maintenance, and cleaning. 

 

Benefits of using spacers 

Among the main benefits of using spacers are: 

  • Serves as a base for the slab that provides height and separates the roots from the soil, preventing contact with pathogens
  • Allows water to drain efficiently
  • Provides adequate aeration to bags

 Failure to provide your grow bags with these conditions can lead to inconsistent drainage, saturated zones, and water accumulation under slabs that will end up weakening the plants and rotting the roots. 

 

Why use spacer and gutter? 

Although these products are usually sold separately both products complement each other. Gutter helps drainage to be disposed and keeps ground free of water, while the spacer supports and raises the slab allowing air flow while promoting drainage. 

Among the main benefits of using gutters for drainage collection are: 

  • They function as a conduit that collects drainage 
  • Allows water to flow and drainage to be collected or disposed of 
  • Avoid dirt and puddles 
  • Avoid environmental impacts and soil contamination 

 

Available spacers in the market 

Once the main benefits of using spacers and gutters have been presented, we can analyze the different options on the market and discover which is the ideal spacer for your production in grow bags. 

 Metal gutter (Premium) 

  • Pros: It is the spacer with the longest lifespan 
  • Cons: The price per meter and its accessories is quite high. 

Flat spacer + wide gutter 

  • Pros: There are many options in the market, of different shapes and sizes according to the needs and to fit every grower´s budget. 
  • Cons: Two pieces (spacer and gutter) cost more and require more labor for installation. The open space under the bags causes evaporation, and wide gutter favors dirt buildup and algae formation. In addition, the skinny support can easily break causing not to support the desired weight and pointy legs tend to break the gutter. 

 

 

Ditch with plastic film 

  • Pros: It is comfortable for growers and is commonly used. 
  • Cons: Investment in machinery and labor are required for installation. In addition, the lack of airflow causes roots to grow down and come into contact with drainage water and pathogens. Uneven ditches cause inconsistent drainage and the accumulation of water under the slabs causing bad aeration and root rot. 

 

Now that you are familiar with the most used spacers in the market, check out the two best options designed by Plantlogic that will change the way that you grow in substrate slabs. 

  

Kratos slab base  

If you are looking for a system with drainage collection that allows you to keep your greenhouse clean, our Kratos base is the ideal product for your growing project. Kratos is a system for hydroponic slab production that consists of a ”V” shaped base with 3.75 in (9.5 cm) height that keeps the slab off the ground and a narrow gutter that collects all drainage water preventing contact with pathogens. In addition, its exclusive and patented design channels all drain water into the central gutter preventing dirt build-up and algae formation. The open space between the slab and the gutter provides aeration and prevents the roots from growing out of the slab and into contact with drainage water.  

 Main Advantages:  

  • Greater Air Flow and Oxygenation. Keeps roots off the ground and out of the gutter, preventing contact with pathogens.  
  • Better Drainage. ”V” shape improves drainage from slab by reducing the saturated zone.  
  • Simply to use. Quick and easy installation.  
  • Clean environment. Narrow gutter keeps ground free of water by containing all drainage below the slab, avoiding the dirt buildup and algae formation common in wide gutters.  
  • More economical than wide gutter.  

 

 Rivus 2-in-1 slab base 

spacerIf you are starting your project and want to try growing with a gutter, our Rivus base is the ideal option for you. Its unique 2-in-1 design works as a base and as drainage collection gutter which enhances the performance of the slab by providing it with greater oxygenation and better humidity control.  

  

 

 

Main Advantages:  

  • Air flow and Oxygenation. The open space provided by the base keeps roots off the ground preventing contact with pathogens.  
  • Better drainage. Its 2.3 in (6cm) high base guides drainage to the edges of the spacer which also works as drainage collection gutter.  
  • Does not require ditches or gravel under slabs.   
  • Simply to use. One piece design is easy to install and maintain.  
  • Clean environment. 2-in-1 design keeps ground free of water by containing all drainage below the slab, avoiding the dirt buildup and algae formation common in wide gutters.  
  • Costs much less than other plastic and metal gutters.   

 

To learn more about the Kratos System and our Rivus Slab Base, at Plantlogic we can guide you in your agricultural project by offering high-value solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today!    

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