I've used those white buckets and got quite a bit of algea growth in the res, so I ditched them for the black buckets
Perhaps just black out the bottom where the res is?
You got a link to those croutons you recommended?
Cree CXA3050 100W Custom LED Grow Journal with Dinafem Blue Widow
- Thread starter bbspills
- Start date
I've used those white buckets and got quite a bit of algea growth in the res, so I ditched them for the black buckets
Perhaps just black out the bottom where the res is?
You got a link to those croutons you recommended?
Gaius
Active Member
Ahh if you are doing recirculation, then the algae could be an issue. I have zero algae in my buckets, but some in the run-off trays. If you end up getting algae in the res anyways, black out the bottom 3 inches like you said. Instead of paint or black tape, buy the aluminum foil tape from home depot (in the same area as all the ducting). The foil tape is highly reflective, and will block any light from going through it.
I really am a fan of these white buckets. When the plants are younger, it's nice to have all that extra light bouncing around.
Grow Cubes
Grow Chunks (The ones I use)
Gaius
Active Member
I agree they are phenomenal for Hydro because of all the air flow, however by the same token they also evaporate your water SUPER quick. The reason why it's working for you in the setup you've shown here is the dripper rings. If you go with hydroton or rocks like that, you have to mechanically spread out your water distribution to prevent dry spots in your pot. A long, skinny pot is ideal in this sort of situation.
If you are going with recirc and you want to water less often, then I'd recommend a 60/40 mix of hydroton and rockwool croutons. The croutons will make sure your water doesn't just drop straight out the bottom of the pot and thus prevents excessive evaporation. The hydroton (or clay pellets if you will) prevents over-soaking the rockwool, and physical mix of both spherical and cubical shapes reserves a good amount of space in the medium for oxygen. Make sure not to compact or squeeze the cubes if you use them, as this will ruin them!
Personally, I ditched recirculation and all the fuss with pumps and such a year ago. I now hand-water my 2-gallon coco hempy pots (rockwool reservoirs) using just a simple 5-gallon gravity feeder--and only once every 3-5 days. By switching to RTW I gained about 1.5 feet of vertical height in my room (no resi or tray needed), and now use FAR less water & nutrients overall.
Hope this is helpful!
PetFlora
Well-Known Member
We all know the more often you can feed, the faster the plant can grow- the obstacle being the high probability of root rot
This set up let's me water 27 seconds every ~ 45 minutes (I have gone as low as 30 minutes).
The stones are inert, and fast draining, but by using a mix of sizes, pockets are created that hold minute amounts of nutes in reserve between feedings
Pics taken 2/6. They are even fuller today
This set up let's me water 27 seconds every ~ 45 minutes (I have gone as low as 30 minutes).
The stones are inert, and fast draining, but by using a mix of sizes, pockets are created that hold minute amounts of nutes in reserve between feedings
Pics taken 2/6. They are even fuller today
I honestly do not understand why people use a timer and go 30 min off 5 min on or whatever your setup is. Why does the plant need this break? If the water has enough DO shouldn't over watering/root rot not be a problem? I made my own continuous hydroponic feed system 24/7 and no problems thus far and the roots look amazing!
Thoughts?
PetFlora
Well-Known Member
Sorry, we seems to have jacked the thread. Unable to remove pic attachments Hmmmm. Anyway, last reply here.
Please go to my threads to continue the conversation, but... You are right. I also have 2 clones in a bubbler, and it works well. I will PM you
Please go to my threads to continue the conversation, but... You are right. I also have 2 clones in a bubbler, and it works well. I will PM you
Attachments
Yep. Tomorrow will be day 35 of 12/12. Things are starting to take form.
I'll try to get a pic up before I head out of town tomorrow.
PetFlora
Well-Known Member
So my local grow shop had some of those grow cubes on clearance, so I snagged them all and will try out your recommendation next grow.
I really like the idea of the larger drain hole with the screen in place. I found a fiber glass screen repair kit at Lowes that is already cut to size for the hole
Looking good!
In those new buckets using Hempy grow you
might consider 1-2" layer of Turface or similar
in bottom of bucket. CEC (cation exchange capacity)
of ions is excellent for hydro nutrient storage and
availability to roots.
http://www.turface.com/
Keep on keeping on.
In those new buckets using Hempy grow you
might consider 1-2" layer of Turface or similar
in bottom of bucket. CEC (cation exchange capacity)
of ions is excellent for hydro nutrient storage and
availability to roots.
http://www.turface.com/
Keep on keeping on.
Gaius
Active Member
You won't be disappointed. Just look at the bud-porn link in my sig for an example of the performance. Those are only 5 weeks too.. More swell every day.So my local grow shop had some of those grow cubes on clearance, so I snagged them all and will try out your recommendation next grow.
I really like the idea of the larger drain hole with the screen in place. I found a fiber glass screen repair kit at Lowes that is already cut to size for the hole
Kudos on that light you built. Looks bad ass
PetFlora
Well-Known Member
If you don't like APs then you're using them wrong
They are awesome for top feed hydro
System I developed. Now in 2.0+
I infill with polished ornamental rock from Dollar Store
Hydro Halo Rings feed nutes ~ 35 seconds/ 45 minutes
View attachment 301296002View attachment 3012961
They are awesome for top feed hydro
System I developed. Now in 2.0+
I infill with polished ornamental rock from Dollar Store
Hydro Halo Rings feed nutes ~ 35 seconds/ 45 minutes
View attachment 301296002View attachment 3012961
Gaius
Active Member
I'm sorry pet, but I don't think I'm the one who is doing something wrong here.
I've used the airpots in recirc hydro. Trust me, you'll get better results with coco hempy and it'll be a lot easier to manage.
You'll also gain more vertical height. It's a win-win.
PetFlora
Well-Known Member
Main and side branching is so long that I had to snap them, as well as train them using my cube
The problem with vertical (with this sat pheno) is, they quickly outgrow the lumen sweet spot
Were I to straighten them out, the plant would be ~ 7ft tall and I would not have a dense canopy.
Having done various soil types, IMO, there is nothing simpler than managing a well thought out rez
I combine 160 gph pump to circ 24/7 + pump for feeding + air stone discs under each pump + a few black magic tweaks
The problem with vertical (with this sat pheno) is, they quickly outgrow the lumen sweet spot
Were I to straighten them out, the plant would be ~ 7ft tall and I would not have a dense canopy.
Having done various soil types, IMO, there is nothing simpler than managing a well thought out rez
I combine 160 gph pump to circ 24/7 + pump for feeding + air stone discs under each pump + a few black magic tweaks