Harvest a Pound Every Three Weeks!

[StinkBud]

Youve helped me out so much ill send you some.

The only thing you don't realize is it costs like $50 to send one of those containers. I've done it! The size makes them a pain in the ass to ship.

Nice thought though!

 

[vertise]

i appreciate the message back and i def understand. quick question can your veg unit be used to flower. if so how far apart should i space the plants

 

[DragonPhoenix]

You guys need to focus on the curing the problem and not the symptoms. It's like taking morphine for pain. Yea the pain goes away but it dosen't solve the problem. You need to figure out what is causing the pain.

For example PH rising tells you something is growing in the reservoir. Algae, bacteria or fungus is what it usually is.

Algae needs light to grow. Bacteria and fungus love warm water.

So adding H2O2 or Hygrozyme is just a quick fix. It doesn't get rid of the problem, only the symptoms. The symptoms will just keep coming back.

So you have to figure out what is causing your problems. Are you using the gray containers? They let light in and algae WILL grow.

Do you have your containers in a room that is sealed and 85 degrees? Your water temps will get too high and you WILL get bacteria or fungus.

There is all kinds of nasty shit you guys will experience if you don't watch the basics like light and heat. If you can control the environment, you can control the funk.

You're right...it's not the temps so light must be getting somewhere. I'll go back through everything and check it out. Also I keep cleaning the roots off because it seems to have clung there and I don't want it recontaminating the system after I clean it!

 

[dspec]

i have read every page of this thread...and have a few questions...

Do you run the pumps even durring the sleep period?
and would i be able to transfer clones rooted in rock wool into nft...or do i have to start from seeds =(?
How are you maintaining your mothers?

i was planning on starting my grow-op with Drip system for clones and Veg, and DWC for flowering...but your system is a much more efficient use of space and water consumption...and thanks to your thorough advices i feel confident in building my own aeroponics... much love

 

[repvip]

seen your growing the lowryder 2. thats what i want...do you think it will do well in the aerogarden?

Not sure if anyone answered this.. was looking and couldn't find one. I also grow Lowryder #2, but I wouldn't recommend it for this setup... IMHO get some kickass feminized seeds and start right.

Lowryder's won't work for cloning. You would have to grow from seed everytime, which sort of defeats the purpose...

Once you get this system up and running the turn-around-time is so short... the only reason I grow Lowryder is to "bridge the gap" between the time I get my aeroponic system up and running and the first harvest.

ps - I am having great success with the cloner

 

[potpimp]

I just thought of something... I don't need 2 tubs; I need 4 tubs; 2 for the veg unit, one for the cloner and one for the aero/NFT unit. I also need two more 390 pumps, a total of 55ea 2" net pots, neoprene doo dads and 72 sprayheads (allowing for a complete change). Crap... I just got my stuff in this morning. I don't know where I'm going to put all this stuff; I only have an 8 sq ft growing cabinet. I've got big CFL's I can use for over the cloner but the 400w would be a bit much for the small veg unit. I'm getting 3 of the 50w LED panels but those go in the grow chamber. I hear this huge sucking sound coming out of my wallet, LOL. Oh well, spent $4,000 last year so what's another grand this year? Got my white widow and hindu kush coming from Nirvana, some nutes and other goodies coming from HTG Supply. Yep, I can hear it.

 

[repvip]

Stink: Thought you would get a kick out of this article! It talks briefly about NFT gully design to minimize anaerobic root mass conditions...

http://www.gardenandgreenhouse.net/cms/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=353

Here is a pretty good supplement to maximum yield all about hydroponics.. it also has the article above in it:
http://www.maximumyield.com/assets/pdf/back_issues/bo/BO_08_sec_1.pdf

Last but not least, this brief article has some good tips on NFT:
CropKing.com - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Production of Lettuce | CropKing.com

Some interesting reading... though I can't really think of any improvements on your design!

 

[DragonPhoenix]

Hey Stinkbud -

I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier but I'm having this problem now in my veg unit and not my clone unit for the past couple of days. The only thing I can think of is the space between the two rubbermaid tubs in the veg unit so I basically taped a black plastic skirt around the top veg unit. I'll post some pics later but I'm hoping this does the trick. Also I checked the res for the veg unit and it looks like the Hygrozyme is doing some work as I don't have brown algae but there's alot of white stuff that looks like it might have been brown algae but the Hygrozyme killed it I'm thinking....

Stay tuned for more...I'll post a bunch of pics later tonight.

 

[StinkBud]

i have read every page of this thread...and have a few questions...

Do you run the pumps even durring the sleep period?

Yes, the plants would die if you didn't.

and would i be able to transfer clones rooted in rock wool into nft...or do i have to start from seeds =(?

If you only have clones in rockwool then that's ok. I don't use any medium though. You can start from seed but I recommend clones if you can get them.

How are you maintaining your mothers?

No mothers, cuttings are taken from the plants in veg.

 

[dvsdsm]

Love the thread + reps!! I have my stuff for this setup minus the damn recycle timer, was going to buy one this morning and ended up getting a 1000w HPS for cheap. So will put off on the timer til next week. In the meantime I've got the clone box running as a bubble cloner until I get the timer. For anyone interested. I've re-configured your setup a little bit. Instead of 2 -47" Gully's/posts I'm running 4-36" for a total of 20 site so it will neatly fit in my 4x4ft grow tent. Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't this setup a knock off (and a very good one at that) of the Aeroflo 20-30-60 etc? Stinkbud, do you have any pics of the internal plumbing on the flower unit that goes into the posts?, that was the only part i saw missing in the first few pages of the thread

 

[timmmy2021]

wow this is so awesome i want i want i need

 

[StinkBud]

Hey Stinkbud -

I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier but I'm having this problem now in my veg unit and not my clone unit for the past couple of days. The only thing I can think of is the space between the two rubbermaid tubs in the veg unit so I basically taped a black plastic skirt around the top veg unit. I'll post some pics later but I'm hoping this does the trick. Also I checked the res for the veg unit and it looks like the Hygrozyme is doing some work as I don't have brown algae but there's alot of white stuff that looks like it might have been brown algae but the Hygrozyme killed it I'm thinking....

Stay tuned for more...I'll post a bunch of pics later tonight.

I was just thinking...you said veg unit right? That means you are using my nutrient formula right?

There will be all kind of brown shit in the water and bottom of the res. It's normal. The nutes are made out of a compost tea. There is a lot of solids because it's 100% organic. Nothing to worry about, it's perfectly normal.

The Liquid Karma is really nasty! It turns everything brown including the roots. It will look like root rot but it's not. It's just the pigments in the formula.

I stir my res when I check it or whenever I remember to. That helps to keep the sediment off the bottom. Some of the nutes (such as rock phosphate) takes a long time to dissolve in water. That's ok because the plants don't need everything at once anyway.

Sleep easy tonight bro...

 

[DragonPhoenix]

Awwwww crap. LOL. Well I guess this is a good thing and a bad thing. I wasted a bunch of nutes and RO H2O but I suppose this is a good learning experience. I am still monitoring the res and I have been cleaning off the roots although now I'm a bit confused as to if it's brown algae or part of the nutrient mix. I'll have to post pictures and I suppose just continue to monitor the pH very closely. The plants are growing insanely fast and large and I'm interested to see at what point my seedlings (yes I started alot of the plants from seed) start showing preflowers so I can put them into bloom.

 

[WVPothead77]

So here is the final installment many of you have been waiting for. My next step it to put everything together into one convenient post. So have fun!

Aeroponic/NFT Assembly Instructions vers 1.1
By Stinkbud

Step 1 – Cutting the ¾” PVC Pipe for the Frame
1) 4 - 41” lengths (label plant support)
2) 4 - 20” lengths (label “H”)
3) 6 - 4 1/8” lengths (label fence post holder)
4) 3 - 14 3/4” lengths (label 1- “H” and 2 -“end”)
5) 4 - 18” lengths (label plant support leg)
6) 4 - 12” lengths (label plant support leg)
7) 4 - 2” lengths (label end)
8- 2 - 12 1/2“ (label front)
9) 2 - 13 1/2” (label back)

Step 2 – Preassemble Your Frame
1) Start with the ends. Use 4 - Tees and 3 – 4 1/8” lengths to make the fence post holder.
2) Add the legs and bottom Tees. Don’t forget the front and back label!
3) Add the 2” pieces to the bottom of the Tees
4) Add the Elbows to the 2” pieces. Make sure the elbows are facing toward each other.
5) Connect the Elbows with the 14 ¾” pieces. The ends should be complete now.
6) Now make the bottom “H” using 2 - Tees, 4 – 20” pieces and 1 – 14 ¾” piece.
7) Connect the two ends together using the “H”.
8- Create your plant supports using the 4 – 41” lengths and 4 – Elbows.
9) Add the 12” and 18” plant support legs and place the plant supports into the frame.
10) If everything fits then take the unit apart and glue all the pieces together. Be careful, the glue
dries fast!

Step 3 – Assemble the Fence Posts
1) Measure and mark the 2" net pot holes (according to the plans).
2) Clean up the holes with the Exacto knife.
3) Put a large bead of Silicone inside 2 of the end caps and place them on the back end of the fence
posts.
4) Run a bead of Silicone around the edges of the end cap and let the posts dry
5) Cut the bottom ¼” off of the 2 end caps. Use a small drill drum sander to sand an opening for the
sprayer pipe assembly. A Dremel tool works well too.
6) Place the fence posts on the frame and use large cable ties to hold it in place.

Step 6 – Cutting the Sprayer Assembly Pipe
1) 2 - 3” lengths
2) 2 - 2” lengths
3) 2 - 47” lengths
4) 1 - 11 1/2” length

I know I'm a stoner, and am very grateful for all that you've done in this thread, StinkBud, but I just wanted to ask... Are the steps just numbered wrong, or are Steps 4 and 5 missing?

 

[peaceb2usall]

It seems like they would work great for a scaled down system. You could make a small cloner and veg unit.

You may have to put a screen on the top veg unit so the roots don't clog the pump.

The color is right too. The darker the better.

I wish I could find these in the 14 gal size...

Want me to find some and ship em to you? I'm pretty sure we have them up here in Canadia. Got a link to them on Rubbermaid.com? Also how many litres is 14Gals? Any information you can give me would be good and I'll go out and find them for you.

 

[peaceb2usall]

I think it's a great idea. I would also recommend:

1. Product codes for all the different parts - makes it easier to find the parts

2. What stores carry what - i.e home depot carries part "X" in the "x" section etc

3. Rough costs of each parts and total for full system - forgive me if you have already done these things

4. Troubleshooting post in the thread for problems and fixes

I would open a new thread and immediately make 2 or three replies so that you can put all your good information at the beginning of the thread so it's easily accessed by all.

Keep up the good work Stinker!

It seems to be working well. I have 5 different strains growing in this system. AK47, Bubblegum, Purple Silver, Elvy and 2 NYC Diesels.

I may have to create scaled down versions of my systems for people that don't need as much medicine.

I would like to create a scaled down cloner and veg unit also.

I thinking a new thread...

I could call it "Harvest Half a Pound Every Three Weeks".

What do you guys think?

P.S. These are under my very first light I bought over 14 years ago(1000W MH)! I've had to replace the socket once but that's it. I remember my friend recommended getting a 400W light. I remember thinking if a 400W is good a 1000W would be great! (it was) I paid $225 for everything! So when it's time to buy your lights, don't be cheap! They will last forever!

One more thing. If you had to veg and bud under just one light, I would pick an MH every time.

 

[DragonPhoenix]

Ok so the Brown Algae is no longer appearing but my pH continues to climb on a daily basis. Anybody have ideas as to what could be causing this?

 

[Gratefulhead423]

i had a question for you sinkbud or anyone else able to answer. If I used the aero cloner, then transplanted to the nft/aero system for veg, would i be able to then transplant from the nft/aero to an ebb and flow bucket system easily a would that cause a lot of stress to my plants???

 

[StinkBud]

Awwwww crap. LOL. Well I guess this is a good thing and a bad thing. I wasted a bunch of nutes and RO H2O but I suppose this is a good learning experience. I am still monitoring the res and I have been cleaning off the roots although now I'm a bit confused as to if it's brown algae or part of the nutrient mix. I'll have to post pictures and I suppose just continue to monitor the pH very closely. The plants are growing insanely fast and large and I'm interested to see at what point my seedlings (yes I started alot of the plants from seed) start showing preflowers so I can put them into bloom.

It's not root rot, it's the Liquid Karma. Perfectly normal. Your roots will end up dark brown in the veg unit and almost black in the flower system.

The only reason you have to care about PH is to avoid nutrient lockout. We just don't have the same kind of problems with PH as soil growers do.

Let me put it this way. I changed my veg res last harvest. I adjusted the PH and PPM and I haven't fucked with it since. I added water once and a splash of nutes, that's it. The plants are growing like crazy!

One of the major advantages of my system is that's it hard to screw up. If you follow my formula and leave it alone, you will have success.

It helps to have your lights on 18/6 to induce preflowers. Your looking at around 6 weeks to see anything. I've never seen them any sooner than that myself although I start looking at 4 weeks.

Which mean your plants will end up being huge! Oh well...

Fems are the only way to go if you ask me. But then again all my strains but one are from clones

My Blueberry strain has been passed around here for over 20 years! It's actually one of the original Blueberries made from the famous Oregon Purple Thai (male). The old school hippies I got the cutting from say it is the original Blueberry from the 70's. They have been growing for over 35 years!

If I could only grow one strain, it would be Blueberry, it's that good! Do yourself a favor and find some fem Blueberry seeds.

 

[potpimp]

It's Christmas!! I just got my new 50w L.E.D. lights in this morning. These babies are so bright I can't even begin to look into them. I have to say that I am more than impressed. I was expecting the itty bitty leds but these things are 3/8" wide and 1/2" tall and there are 108 of them on a panel. I got three panels for my 2x4 grow cabinet. Notice that the light is sitting on the new tubs for my new veg unit. I got an email from Nirvana this morning that my order of white widow and hindu kush seeds are at stage 5 from 7 (assembling order). Also got an email from another supplier that my Liquid Karma and other goodies were shipped yesterday.