Blumat Distribution Methods: Drippers, Rings, BluSoak & AquaMats copyUpdated 2 months ago

Choosing the Right Distribution Method

Once your sensor is installed and calibrated, you need a way to deliver water to the root zone. Blumat sensors can be paired with several distribution methods — each suited to different container sizes, layouts, and pressure levels.

Basic Drip Tube (No Distribution)

The simplest option: water drips directly from the 3mm line attached to the sensor, with no additional distribution hardware.

• Works well for small pots up to 5 gallons
• Add a stake or elbow to secure the drip point in place
• Drip point should be 3–4 inches from the sensor and positioned toward the center of the pot (not at the edge)

Blumat Drippers

The original Blumat distribution system. Small drippers connect via 3mm tubing and deliver water at multiple points around the container.

• Two types: T Drippers (inlet/outlet, water passes through) and End Drippers (terminates the line)
• Use 2 to 5 drippers per sensor
• Place the first dripper 3 inches from the sensor, loop around the container, and place the last dripper 3–4 inches from the sensor on the opposite side

Important note on the dripper screw cap: Each dripper has a small screw cap that can be removed for cleaning. This screw is not a flow adjustment — loosening it will not increase output and tightening it will not restrict flow. Always screw it fully closed after cleaning. This is a common misconception.

Blumat Drip Rings

Pre-assembled rings with built-in drip points — a clean, easy solution for round containers.

• 5-inch ring — 4 drip points, for 2–7 gallon pots. Place sensor just outside the ring, within 3 inches.
• 10-inch ring — 8 drip points, for 10–20 gallon pots. Sensor can go inside or outside the ring using the gap, always within 3 inches.

BluSoak Drip Tape

BluSoak is a low-flow, pressure-sensitive drip tape designed for containers and raised beds. Three versions are available, each suited to different pressure ranges and applications.

BluSoak 1.0 (Original)

• Tyvek material with a plastic rib down the center (prevents kinks)
• Great for spirals and loops
• Requires at least 2 PSI — not ideal for gravity-fed systems

BluSoak 2.0

• Tyvek material with no plastic spine
• Must be folded over at the end to seal
• Works down to 1.5 PSI — compatible with gravity systems
• Provides uniform watering at ultra-low pressure

BluSoak 3.0

• Emitter-style black drip tape with emitters every 6 inches
• Requires 12–15 PSI — for pressurized systems only
• Cut only at the emitter (the visible slit) — cutting between emitters disables that emitter
• Use pliers or channel locks to tighten fittings beyond hand-tight

BluSoak Layout Options

Loops (all versions): Use a BluSoak T to loop around large containers (30–100 gallons). Place sensor 3–4 inches inside the tape path.

Spirals (1.0 and 2.0): Start in the center of the container and spiral outward. Place sensor near the center of the spiral, ideally between two coils.

Manifold (2.0 and 3.0): Ideal for raised beds or straight rows. A common layout uses four parallel lines across a 4x10 bed. Sensor should be at least 12 inches into the bed, positioned between two lines and skewed 3–4 inches toward one for responsiveness.

Critical installation tip: The most common issue with BluSoak is leaking at the fittings. Always tighten all BluSoak fittings with pliers or channel locks — hand-tight is not enough. After hand-tightening, add an extra quarter turn with pliers. This small step makes a significant difference in system performance.

AquaMat Capillary Mats

AquaMats are bottom-watering mats designed for small containers, typically 1-gallon pots. Water is distributed through an internal BluSoak manifold and wicked upward through the mat into the pot.

• Two sensor options: a 5-inch sensor in a dedicated pilot pot on the mat, or a Surface Blumat sensor (bell-shaped ceramic) placed directly on the mat
• The mat must be perfectly level — within ½ inch over 10 feet. Use a level to verify.
• Pots must have permeable bottoms or open drainage holes at least ⅜ inch in diameter
• Target moisture setting: 20–30 mbar (very wet — close to hanging drip)
• If there's standing water under a pot, tighten the sensor. If it's dry under a pot, loosen the sensor.

General Placement Rule

Regardless of distribution method, always place the sensor within 3–4 inches of the distribution point. Too far and the sensor may not detect moisture — leading to overwatering. Too close and it responds too quickly — leading to underwatering.