First Grow, Hydroponics (DWC) or Soil (FFOF)

This will be my first grow and trying to figure out what will be more grower friendly for a noob like myself. Hydroponics (DWC) or Soil (FFOF).

The grow will be (secret) in a closet - 3' x 2.5' x 5.3'

My setup I will be using:

• Secret Jardin DarkRoom II Pro 60 - 24 x 24 x 64 Inches - Grow Tent
• iPower 400w HPS/MH w/ Dimmable Ballast
• 4" VenTech Inline Exhaust Fan Blower
• SE Electronic Stepless Controller
• AcuRite Humidity/Temperature monitor
• 4" - 25ft. of Hydrofarm non-insulated ducting

• **Will be ordering a 4" VenTech w/Carbon Filter on this next paycheck**

Depending on if I do a DWC or soil, what are some good nutrients that I can use.. Already getting Flora Micro and Flora Bloom. (No need for Flora Gro?)

Suggestions please and thank you!!

linkff4i said:

I am by no means a professional, but I have grown in both mediums. I learned in soil, then was taught how to grow in dwc and drip buckets by the owner of the local hydro shop. After a couple years of trial and error, I settled on using sunshine #4, and a daily watering schedule. After a 4 day power outage cost me a lot of hard work and cash, I got gun shy of hydro systems. If you keep up with your ppms and phs you shouldnt have any problems with the dwc, but dirt, or soiless medium are more forgiving for a new grower. Are you using bag seed or something you paid for? Bag seed will save up front, but starting with a feminized seed, or even a clone will save you alot of frustration if your little girl grows balls. Like I said, I am no pro, but this is what has worked for me.

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Yeah I wanted to do DWC, but I am starting to lean towards using soil. What would be the typical watering schedule for soil plans?? nutes?? That was the good thing was not having to water with a DWC just nutes... and I am expecting 8 fems in the mail.

Bumpity Bump, Help please

No one wants to help...

I use advanced nutrients. sensei grow during veg, then sensei bloom with big bud, bud candy, and b-52 during flower. They have done good by me. I water every day when the lights first come on. I mix a gallon of nutes, and a gallon of staight ro water. I alternate on an every other day schedule. Dont flood the plants. They need to be able to breathe, and if you over water them, They will starve for oxygen and seriously hinder growth. I start in rapid rooters, then party cups, then 3 gallon smart pots. This is what is currently working for me.

Okay, I am getting mixed reviews Whether to go with AN or GH Flora series... its a toss up to me

I'll tell you something that I wish someone had told me 2 years ago - go coco. Coco is easy as hell for a newb and once you've got it dialed in you'll get hydro-like results with virtually none of the difficulties of hydro. Here's what I'd do in that space.

Six 1.5 gallon Airpots
Coco. I like Canna, Botanicare Aeration, or Roots Organic. Once you start to get things dialed in you move towards Chow Mix (Check out Dankworth's threads over at the Farmer).
For nutrients you can try H3ad's modified Lucas Formula. I'm really liking Veg+Bloom from Hydroponics Research.
Don't be afraid to water pretty frequently. It's nearly impossible to overwater coco. Drain to 10-15% runoff every time. Its very easy and uses very little water vs DWC.

SWIM gets 14-15 ounces from this setup in a space roughly the same as yours.

poind3xter said:

I'll tell you something that I wish someone had told me 2 years ago - go coco. Coco is easy as hell for a newb and once you've got it dialed in you'll get hydro-like results with virtually none of the difficulties of hydro. Here's what I'd do in that space.

Six 1.5 gallon Airpots
Coco. I like Canna, Botanicare Aeration, or Roots Organic. Once you start to get things dialed in you move towards Chow Mix (Check out Dankworth's threads over at the Farmer).
For nutrients you can try H3ad's modified Lucas Formula. I'm really liking Veg+Bloom from Hydroponics Research.
Don't be afraid to water pretty frequently. It's nearly impossible to overwater coco. Drain to 10-15% runoff every time. Its very easy and uses very little water vs DWC.

SWIM gets 14-15 ounces from this setup in a space roughly the same as yours.

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Yeah I have heard that about Coco. Dankworths thread?? H3ad's modified Lucas Formula?? Could I possibly get a link please!! And I have also thought about using V+B, but it is a newer product right?

Ill throw in my two cents. I grow professionally/commercially and recreationally two seperate grows.

I would say both have their benefits. Hydro is awesome for speed of growth and cleanliness. However daily action needed or ph balancing nutes. Not to mention clean water is better here so a ro or distilled system helps tremendously.

Soil is easy. That seems mean to say but its the throw it in and go method. Id say look into airpots or building your own. Standard buckets work but are not optimal. Daily action isn't always needed (you can take a f*ing 3 day vacation with less chance of something bad).

Nutrients are whatever you want...everyone will tell you what works. I do say stay name brand and buy an actual growing supply not something from wal mart. Advanced works great I use it in hydro, soul synthetics I use for soil. But hey they all work fox farm, botanicare, Humboldt etc.

Choose your medium carefully.

Soil I like the mix 3/5 Ocean, 1/5 happy frog, 1/5 light warrior.

Hydro I suggest the rocks instead of the clay balls! They roll and clog drains grr.

Choose your setup and devote yourself to it for a round but don't be scared to try new ways once you can produce and sacrifice clones at will

DrFelterpus said:

Yeah I have heard that about Coco. Dankworths thread?? H3ad's modified Lucas Formula?? Could I possibly get a link please!! And I have also thought about using V+B, but it is a newer product right?

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Not sure if I can post links to other forums here. Dankworth's Chow Mix threads are over at THC Farmer. H3ad's thread is at icmag. A google search will give you all the links you need on the first page. V+B is fairly new and is a great, simple nutrient. I've also had great results with Lucas Formula.
If you're considering soil then I'd go coco instead. Yes, you have to water SO much more in coco but that's the point. Tons of oxygen is getting to the roots in coco and you're exchanging that air every time you water. The growth is just explosive if dialed in properly, which is fairly easy to do.