bbailey1808
Member
High all
! I have build four containers filled with silica stone that hold around 4-8 gallons each and a 30 gallon reservoir. The roots are completely underwater. I have the plants directly in the stone. I run a 4.5L/min air pump in the reservoir that is on a 15 min on/off cycle along with a water pump. I have a 600 hps light that is about 6" from the top of the nearest plant. My highest seedling is about 6" while others started later are about 1". My current PPM is around 400 and I am waiting for a digital pH meter. I have the liquid drop tester and I keep the pH around 5.8 without digital accuracy. They seem to be growing slow. I am on a tight budget so although I think hydroton is better I wont be able to get this for a while. I have 3 white walls and a white sheet draped over the final wall. Again, due to budget this is the best reflectivity available to me currently.
Questions:
1. Is this enough oxygen getting to the roots?
2. Does anyone have any tips that wouldn't cost a lot?
! I have build four containers filled with silica stone that hold around 4-8 gallons each and a 30 gallon reservoir. The roots are completely underwater. I have the plants directly in the stone. I run a 4.5L/min air pump in the reservoir that is on a 15 min on/off cycle along with a water pump. I have a 600 hps light that is about 6" from the top of the nearest plant. My highest seedling is about 6" while others started later are about 1". My current PPM is around 400 and I am waiting for a digital pH meter. I have the liquid drop tester and I keep the pH around 5.8 without digital accuracy. They seem to be growing slow. I am on a tight budget so although I think hydroton is better I wont be able to get this for a while. I have 3 white walls and a white sheet draped over the final wall. Again, due to budget this is the best reflectivity available to me currently.Questions:
1. Is this enough oxygen getting to the roots?
2. Does anyone have any tips that wouldn't cost a lot?
...................
. And no, again due to expense I only bought hps. Next grow I plan on buying a metal halide and also a higher wattage hps. I read somewhere that if the palm of your hand doesn't get hot the plant leaves can handle the heat. My palm was only a little warm and there wasn't near enough heat to want me to pull back my hand. The grow is also in my basement where it is quite cool. 
