jerm1nator
New Member
So, to get things started... I have never grown any plants, ever. I have been doing a fair amount of research on DWC Bucket Hydroponics Systems and have also typed up a nice little file that I would love to share with the community. Again, I have never grown any plants, nor have I even made the purchases for any of the equipment yet. I am not making this post saying "This is the RIGHT way to make and grow plants hydroponically with a DWC system." I AM posting this here for constructive criticism, advice, and any extra tips you can throw my way BEFORE I start growing.
I have copy&pasted my file as well as attached it below.
Please, ONLY constructive criticism, advice, and tips.
________________________________________________________________________________
DWC Bucket System (Deep Water Culture/aka Direct Water Contact)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Items needed:
· DWC Bucket System $40
o Air Stone (x2) $20
o Air Pump - 4 Outlets $50
o Air Pump Tubing $5
· Rockwool Starter Cubes $10
· Nutrient Pack $50
o TechnaFlora Starter Kit $40
o GH Flora Series Starter Kit $50
o General Organics GoBox Starter Kit $45
· pH/ppm/temp Combo Meter - $300
o pH meter $15
o ppm meter - $15
· Digital Thermometer/Humidity Meter $7
· 6 Clip Fan $20
· Mini Humidifier $30
· Digital Cycle Timer $30
· Digital Lumatek 250w/400w Ballast $200
· MH/HPS Conversion Bulb 400w $100
· Small Grow Tent $150
· Ventilation Combo Fan $130
o Carbon Filter $90
o Fan $130
Maintenance:
· Root/Bacteria Problems
o H202 (35% dilute to 3%) (Hydrogen Peroxide) (x5) $10
§ Treats water by killing organic/pesticides/herbicides
§ Removes Chlorine in water
§ Removes dead roots/algae, preventing spread
o Root Booster
§ Speeds up recovery
o Nutri-Boost
§ Helps plant strength/growth
o Beneficial Microbes
§ Helps destroy bacteria growth
· pH Balance
o pH Up/Down
§ Raises/Lowers the pH
§ Ideal around 6.5 6.8
o Vinegar/Lime Juice
§ Raises/Lowers the pH
· Environment Temperature
o 6 oscillating fans
§ Cooling the area
§ Exhaust/Intake
· Bucket Temperature
o Water chiller
o Frozen Water Bottles
o Cooling Tray
· PPM
o Adjust according to charts/desired nutrients
FAQS:
What should I start my seeds in?
Moist paper towels, in the darkness
How long should I keep my seedlings germinating?
Until you see roots emerging (Usually a day or less)
After, move to a Rockwool Cube
Should I water my Rockwool Cubes, how often?
At least once a week, and if not damp.
Use ¼ nutrients and slowly increase over 2 weeks
How long should I wait before transplanting from Rockwool to DWC Bucket?
1 2 weeks.
When you see roots emerge from the bottom of the Rockwool Cube or the plant has at least a couple leaves sprouting it is good to transplant
How long should I keep my plants in the Vegetative State?
4 6 weeks or:
1/3 the desired height (for Sativas)
1/2 the desired height (for Indicas)
How high should I fill the water level?
Initially, just at the bottom of the Netting Pot as to not keep the Rockwool Cube wet
* Over time, the roots should be reaching out for water and the water level can drop
What light cycles should I use during?
Seedling: 20 24 hours MH
Vegetative: 18 24 hours MH
Flowering: 12 12 hours HPS about 3 feet above
About how much lighting will I need for my grow?
About 75w 100w/plant, or minimum of 50 watts per cubic foot
Which light should I use for which stages and how far from the top of the plants?
Seedling: MH - 24 from the top
CFL - 3 4 from the top
Vegetative: MH - 24 from the top
Flowering: HPS - 12 18 from the top
* A good way to check is to hold your hand just above the top of the plant for about a minute; if the heat is uncomfortable, raise the light a bit higher
What temperature should my plants environment be during?
Seedling/Vegetative: ~72*F
Flowering: Day ~75*F
Night ~70*F
What temperature should my plants water be?
~68*F
Lower temperatures help oxygen absorption rate and lower chance of unwanted growth
What humidity should my plants environment be during?
Vegetative: 40-50%
Flowering: 45-50%
What pH should my water be at?
Ideally, 5.5 6.2
How should I change out the water?
Pre-mix and test ph/ppm/temp levels of the clean bucket.
Carefully shake off plant and move into new bucket
How can I raise/lower the temperature of my room?
Proper ventilation/circulation; oscillating fans/AC
How can I raise/lower the temperature of the water solution?
Adding a water chiller to keep temperatures down to ~68*F
Using frozen water bottles
Tray with ice/cold water that bucket can sit in
How can I raise/lower the pH balance of the water solution?
Use pH up/down ($
Vinegar/Lime juice
How can I raise/lower the ppm of the water solution?
Adding nutrients accordingly
How can I raise/lower the humidity?
Using moist towels
*Not advised Bacteria?!
Water tray
Humidifier/Dehumidifier
How much h2o2 should I add, and when?
10m/l per gallon, or adjust accordingly (if root problems occur)
When should I start adding/upping the nutrients?
After the first leaves have sprouted
The first week start off at 25% nutrients, upping the dosage slowly
What is a beneficial microbe tea that I can make for root problems?
Consists of Aquashield (15 30ml), ZHO Powder (¼ - ½ scoop) and Ancient Forest (sock full)
What is chemical burn, and what does it look like?
Chemical burn occurs during overfeeding of nutrients. It is displayed as a browning/yellowing of the plants leaves at the tips
When should I stop giving my plants nutrients?
About 1 2 weeks before harvesting, this allows for a better, more natural taste
How long should the Flowering Stage last?
Anywhere between 6 12 weeks long (depends on strain/genetics)
When is my plant ready to harvest?
Usually when trichomes are 50/50 or 75/25 (amber/cloudy)
What if I harvest a little early?
The buds will give you a bigger head experience
What if I harvest a little later?
The buds will give you a bigger body experience
Troubleshooting:
My roots are having problems, what should I check?
· Is the pump working?
· Is the pump too strong? (Too much water ON roots, water thrashing the roots)
· Are the roots getting enough oxygen?
· Is the water temperature ideal?
· Does the water need to be changed?
· Are the ppms off?
· Is the pH off?
· Is the bucket leak-proof?
· Bacteria?
My roots/bucket is showing algae/mold/fungus, what should I do?
· Immediately change out bucket/water
· Clean/mix new solution
· Rinse roots, trim off dead roots
*Some chemicals/plants cause natural color changes so always check before you trim.
Healthy roots should typically not be slimy or smelly, and should have a white-ish color
My plants seem to have Brown Algae, what should I do?
· Clean up the root base as well as possible, rinse, GENTLY tug on dead/damaged roots
· Sit in sterilizing agent (Physan 20 works well) for no more than 12 hours
· Clean/sterilize all equipment as best as possible, including bucket
· Rinse off roots again, place in new bucket, insert beneficial microbes
* Important not to add any nutrients for at least 12 hours after moving plant to clean bucket
Growing System DWC Bucket
Strain Northern Lights
My setup will consist of:
I will be using the Agromax Small Grow Tent (22 x 36 x 63)
*Possibly changing out to something a bit taller
A 5 gal pre-made blackened bucket with a 3 netting pot.
A Dual Diaphragm 4 Port Air Pump (8W, 120v, 20L/m) with 2 Alita 3.75 Air Stones or the 6 tube ones.
For my lighting:
I will be using a combination 400w HPS/MH Bulb in a HydroFarm Daystar A/C Reflector 6.
The ballast I will be using will be the 250/400w Super Lumens from Lumatek.
May use some supplemental CFLs if need be
For ventilation:
I will be using a GrowBright 4 Combination Carbon Filter Fan (80W, 170CFM, 4 Flange)
I will also be using a 6 oscillating clip fan from GrowBright
For maintenance:
I will be using a Mini Humidifier
*Possibly MacGyvering some sort of cooling tray/humidifier
I will be using one of these starter nutrient packs:
General Hydroponics FloraSeries Performance Pack, General Organics GoBox Starter Kit, or TechnaFlora Starter Kit
I will be using another blackened 5 gal pre-made bucket for cleaning
To test my levels:
I will be using a combination pH/ppm/temperature meter OR I will purchase cheaper individual tools.
Plans:
The temperature Im aiming for with the water would be around 68*F. This will be accomplished by using frozen water bottles, a chiller, or some sort of cooling tray that the Bucket will sit in. The environmental temperature will be set around 70* 75*F. This will be tested using a combination pH/ppm/temperature meter.
The environmental humidity will be set around 45% 50% through a humidifier, wet towels (last resort) and possibly a cooling tray. This will be tested through a digital thermometer/humidifier meter.
As previously mentioned, the nutrients I will be using will be the General Hydroponics FloraSeries, General Organics GoBox, or the TechnaFlora Starter kit and maybe some good ole h2o2.
The ppm will start off at a low amount and slowly increase throughout the stages. I will be using the assistance/guidance of a PPM/Stage Chart (I am not following word-for-word, more of a guideline)
The Grow:
I will start by germinating the seed in a moist paper towel in complete darkness for 12 24 hours or until roots emerge.
I will then place my seed in a 2 Rockwool Cube for the initial placement until roots emerge from the bottom. I will stick these under a 400w MH light hanging about 24 above the seeds for 20 24 hours. I will make sure to water them with ¼ nutrients at least once a week until they sprout a few leaves/roots emerge from the bottom.
At this point, I will transplant the Rockwool Cube into the 3 Netting Pot using Hydroton as my growing medium. I will set the water level to the base of the Netting Pot with a pH of around 5.5 6.2.
During the Vegetative Stage I will keep the MH light hanging 24 above the top of the plant and cycle it for 18 hours on 6 hours off with a digital timer. I will allow my plant to veg. for 4 6 weeks or until it reaches 1/3 its full height (Sativa.) I will continue feeding nutrients and upping the dosage accordingly throughout this stage and throughout the Flowering Stage as well.
When the plant is ready for the next stage, I will switch my light to the HPS setting and slowly drop the lighting just about 12 18 above the top of the plant over time and cycle the lighting period to 12 hours on 12 hours off. The environment conditions will be continuously monitored and the plant will be fed over the duration of this stage. About 2 weeks prior to harvesting I will flush the system with normal pH water to lighten up the flavor.
During the final days of Flowering I will be inspecting each bud for the 50/50 or 75/25 trichomes amber/cloudy ratio. Only then will I start harvesting.
After harvesting, I will trim and hang the buds to dry possibly inside the Grow Tent.
I will proceed to cure the buds in Mason Jars in the dark for 2 weeks 1 month.
I have copy&pasted my file as well as attached it below.
Please, ONLY constructive criticism, advice, and tips.
________________________________________________________________________________
DWC Bucket System (Deep Water Culture/aka Direct Water Contact)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Items needed:
· DWC Bucket System $40
o Air Stone (x2) $20
o Air Pump - 4 Outlets $50
o Air Pump Tubing $5
· Rockwool Starter Cubes $10
· Nutrient Pack $50
o TechnaFlora Starter Kit $40
o GH Flora Series Starter Kit $50
o General Organics GoBox Starter Kit $45
· pH/ppm/temp Combo Meter - $300
o pH meter $15
o ppm meter - $15
· Digital Thermometer/Humidity Meter $7
· 6 Clip Fan $20
· Mini Humidifier $30
· Digital Cycle Timer $30
· Digital Lumatek 250w/400w Ballast $200
· MH/HPS Conversion Bulb 400w $100
· Small Grow Tent $150
· Ventilation Combo Fan $130
o Carbon Filter $90
o Fan $130
Maintenance:
· Root/Bacteria Problems
o H202 (35% dilute to 3%) (Hydrogen Peroxide) (x5) $10
§ Treats water by killing organic/pesticides/herbicides
§ Removes Chlorine in water
§ Removes dead roots/algae, preventing spread
o Root Booster
§ Speeds up recovery
o Nutri-Boost
§ Helps plant strength/growth
o Beneficial Microbes
§ Helps destroy bacteria growth
· pH Balance
o pH Up/Down
§ Raises/Lowers the pH
§ Ideal around 6.5 6.8
o Vinegar/Lime Juice
§ Raises/Lowers the pH
· Environment Temperature
o 6 oscillating fans
§ Cooling the area
§ Exhaust/Intake
· Bucket Temperature
o Water chiller
o Frozen Water Bottles
o Cooling Tray
· PPM
o Adjust according to charts/desired nutrients
FAQS:
What should I start my seeds in?
Moist paper towels, in the darkness
How long should I keep my seedlings germinating?
Until you see roots emerging (Usually a day or less)
After, move to a Rockwool Cube
Should I water my Rockwool Cubes, how often?
At least once a week, and if not damp.
Use ¼ nutrients and slowly increase over 2 weeks
How long should I wait before transplanting from Rockwool to DWC Bucket?
1 2 weeks.
When you see roots emerge from the bottom of the Rockwool Cube or the plant has at least a couple leaves sprouting it is good to transplant
How long should I keep my plants in the Vegetative State?
4 6 weeks or:
1/3 the desired height (for Sativas)
1/2 the desired height (for Indicas)
How high should I fill the water level?
Initially, just at the bottom of the Netting Pot as to not keep the Rockwool Cube wet
* Over time, the roots should be reaching out for water and the water level can drop
What light cycles should I use during?
Seedling: 20 24 hours MH
Vegetative: 18 24 hours MH
Flowering: 12 12 hours HPS about 3 feet above
About how much lighting will I need for my grow?
About 75w 100w/plant, or minimum of 50 watts per cubic foot
Which light should I use for which stages and how far from the top of the plants?
Seedling: MH - 24 from the top
CFL - 3 4 from the top
Vegetative: MH - 24 from the top
Flowering: HPS - 12 18 from the top
* A good way to check is to hold your hand just above the top of the plant for about a minute; if the heat is uncomfortable, raise the light a bit higher
What temperature should my plants environment be during?
Seedling/Vegetative: ~72*F
Flowering: Day ~75*F
Night ~70*F
What temperature should my plants water be?
~68*F
Lower temperatures help oxygen absorption rate and lower chance of unwanted growth
What humidity should my plants environment be during?
Vegetative: 40-50%
Flowering: 45-50%
What pH should my water be at?
Ideally, 5.5 6.2
How should I change out the water?
Pre-mix and test ph/ppm/temp levels of the clean bucket.
Carefully shake off plant and move into new bucket
How can I raise/lower the temperature of my room?
Proper ventilation/circulation; oscillating fans/AC
How can I raise/lower the temperature of the water solution?
Adding a water chiller to keep temperatures down to ~68*F
Using frozen water bottles
Tray with ice/cold water that bucket can sit in
How can I raise/lower the pH balance of the water solution?
Use pH up/down ($
Vinegar/Lime juice
How can I raise/lower the ppm of the water solution?
Adding nutrients accordingly
How can I raise/lower the humidity?
Using moist towels
*Not advised Bacteria?!
Water tray
Humidifier/Dehumidifier
How much h2o2 should I add, and when?
10m/l per gallon, or adjust accordingly (if root problems occur)
When should I start adding/upping the nutrients?
After the first leaves have sprouted
The first week start off at 25% nutrients, upping the dosage slowly
What is a beneficial microbe tea that I can make for root problems?
Consists of Aquashield (15 30ml), ZHO Powder (¼ - ½ scoop) and Ancient Forest (sock full)
What is chemical burn, and what does it look like?
Chemical burn occurs during overfeeding of nutrients. It is displayed as a browning/yellowing of the plants leaves at the tips
When should I stop giving my plants nutrients?
About 1 2 weeks before harvesting, this allows for a better, more natural taste
How long should the Flowering Stage last?
Anywhere between 6 12 weeks long (depends on strain/genetics)
When is my plant ready to harvest?
Usually when trichomes are 50/50 or 75/25 (amber/cloudy)
What if I harvest a little early?
The buds will give you a bigger head experience
What if I harvest a little later?
The buds will give you a bigger body experience
Troubleshooting:
My roots are having problems, what should I check?
· Is the pump working?
· Is the pump too strong? (Too much water ON roots, water thrashing the roots)
· Are the roots getting enough oxygen?
· Is the water temperature ideal?
· Does the water need to be changed?
· Are the ppms off?
· Is the pH off?
· Is the bucket leak-proof?
· Bacteria?
My roots/bucket is showing algae/mold/fungus, what should I do?
· Immediately change out bucket/water
· Clean/mix new solution
· Rinse roots, trim off dead roots
*Some chemicals/plants cause natural color changes so always check before you trim.
Healthy roots should typically not be slimy or smelly, and should have a white-ish color
My plants seem to have Brown Algae, what should I do?
· Clean up the root base as well as possible, rinse, GENTLY tug on dead/damaged roots
· Sit in sterilizing agent (Physan 20 works well) for no more than 12 hours
· Clean/sterilize all equipment as best as possible, including bucket
· Rinse off roots again, place in new bucket, insert beneficial microbes
* Important not to add any nutrients for at least 12 hours after moving plant to clean bucket
Growing System DWC Bucket
Strain Northern Lights
My setup will consist of:
I will be using the Agromax Small Grow Tent (22 x 36 x 63)
*Possibly changing out to something a bit taller
A 5 gal pre-made blackened bucket with a 3 netting pot.
A Dual Diaphragm 4 Port Air Pump (8W, 120v, 20L/m) with 2 Alita 3.75 Air Stones or the 6 tube ones.
For my lighting:
I will be using a combination 400w HPS/MH Bulb in a HydroFarm Daystar A/C Reflector 6.
The ballast I will be using will be the 250/400w Super Lumens from Lumatek.
May use some supplemental CFLs if need be
For ventilation:
I will be using a GrowBright 4 Combination Carbon Filter Fan (80W, 170CFM, 4 Flange)
I will also be using a 6 oscillating clip fan from GrowBright
For maintenance:
I will be using a Mini Humidifier
*Possibly MacGyvering some sort of cooling tray/humidifier
I will be using one of these starter nutrient packs:
General Hydroponics FloraSeries Performance Pack, General Organics GoBox Starter Kit, or TechnaFlora Starter Kit
I will be using another blackened 5 gal pre-made bucket for cleaning
To test my levels:
I will be using a combination pH/ppm/temperature meter OR I will purchase cheaper individual tools.
Plans:
The temperature Im aiming for with the water would be around 68*F. This will be accomplished by using frozen water bottles, a chiller, or some sort of cooling tray that the Bucket will sit in. The environmental temperature will be set around 70* 75*F. This will be tested using a combination pH/ppm/temperature meter.
The environmental humidity will be set around 45% 50% through a humidifier, wet towels (last resort) and possibly a cooling tray. This will be tested through a digital thermometer/humidifier meter.
As previously mentioned, the nutrients I will be using will be the General Hydroponics FloraSeries, General Organics GoBox, or the TechnaFlora Starter kit and maybe some good ole h2o2.
The ppm will start off at a low amount and slowly increase throughout the stages. I will be using the assistance/guidance of a PPM/Stage Chart (I am not following word-for-word, more of a guideline)
The Grow:
I will start by germinating the seed in a moist paper towel in complete darkness for 12 24 hours or until roots emerge.
I will then place my seed in a 2 Rockwool Cube for the initial placement until roots emerge from the bottom. I will stick these under a 400w MH light hanging about 24 above the seeds for 20 24 hours. I will make sure to water them with ¼ nutrients at least once a week until they sprout a few leaves/roots emerge from the bottom.
At this point, I will transplant the Rockwool Cube into the 3 Netting Pot using Hydroton as my growing medium. I will set the water level to the base of the Netting Pot with a pH of around 5.5 6.2.
During the Vegetative Stage I will keep the MH light hanging 24 above the top of the plant and cycle it for 18 hours on 6 hours off with a digital timer. I will allow my plant to veg. for 4 6 weeks or until it reaches 1/3 its full height (Sativa.) I will continue feeding nutrients and upping the dosage accordingly throughout this stage and throughout the Flowering Stage as well.
When the plant is ready for the next stage, I will switch my light to the HPS setting and slowly drop the lighting just about 12 18 above the top of the plant over time and cycle the lighting period to 12 hours on 12 hours off. The environment conditions will be continuously monitored and the plant will be fed over the duration of this stage. About 2 weeks prior to harvesting I will flush the system with normal pH water to lighten up the flavor.
During the final days of Flowering I will be inspecting each bud for the 50/50 or 75/25 trichomes amber/cloudy ratio. Only then will I start harvesting.
After harvesting, I will trim and hang the buds to dry possibly inside the Grow Tent.
I will proceed to cure the buds in Mason Jars in the dark for 2 weeks 1 month.
