Hey HPA Aeroponic Growers... are you still out there?

I'm used to running with hydro (ebb & flow, DWC, etc.) and run my pH 5.7-5.9. Does aero run at different pH levels? I've heard some people mention aero requires slightly lower pH, but haven't found a definite answer. Any help out there?

Atomizer - What are you thoughts on the importance of root reservoir temperature? I've read varying opinions (nutrient temp is the only thing that matters, root zone temp have no affect, must keep root zone between 65-75, etc.). I ask this because the plants started off with white roots but some are now becoming slightly brown (not all of them have this issue, but I am guessing its a sign of the future). I am fairly certain it isn't algae as there is no source of light (schedule 80 PVC, light sealed holding tank, opaque root reservoir, etc.). Maybe root rot? Not sure what would cause this as I run a fairly clean grow operation (or at least I think so!). To address this, I have been applying an H202 substitute to the roots and nutrients.

Thanks for the help!

Browning roots can be a sign of overmisting, undermisting or high chamber temps. If the roots feel dry or sticky its undermisting, overmisting should be easy to spot but it also creates smooth roots without root hairs.
Ideally try to keep the root chamber temps upper 60`s to low 70`s, normal hydro ph ranges work for aero but with large root bundles it pays to monitor inlet and runoff ph, you can use it to calculate the rootzone ph.

I had the same issues in an earlier aero grow (browning roots) and resolved the issue by lowering the root chamber temps via cooler nutrients and cutting back the on time. HPA is all about learning your specific system. Each system has different requirements. On/Off times will be determined by root reservoir size, temperatures, etc. Keep troubleshooting until you get it right.

PS - Has anyone heard of these guys?

I am still dialing in my system, but I am pretty sure I was having nutrient issues (I am attempting to mix my own and dial in my HPA at the same time :/) and root zone temperature control issues.

HPAgirl - I am not familiar with their company.

[QUOTE="HPAgirl, post: 11448790, member: 899441"
PS - Has anyone heard of these guys?

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Whoa. Naysayer's of HPA beware!

Hey HPAgirl, how did you find that video? I can't seem to find anything about them. I don't think anything of this size has ever been done, using HPA & MJ. Fucking scary and awesome at the same time.

I found them through weedhire. Apparently they're hiring growers right now. They also have a website where I submitted my application to. I would love to work with HPA & MJ on this scale. Definitely fucking scary and awesome, Mike Young.

I'm curious to know what atomizer thinks of this setup? I see a top feed line for early stages. 8 Hydraulic nozzles pointing upward. I can't imagine they're running to waste. The lower half of the chambers is somewhat confusing to me. They're all fitted together like a DWC setup, with 4" or so pipe. But you can't see any sign of that pipe in the root chamber. Are the running the lower half as a cooling/oxygenation chamber?

Looked like two seperate systems to me. The hpa components look to be standard patio misting gear so they are likely using very high pressure (1000psi) to drive them. I never had any luck with that type of brass nozzle, they love to clog. On the plus side, the fubar`d nozzles make great set screws and you dont need any tools to tighten them up thanks to the gnurled edge

Way cool,just found this site.
I live in WA state & just got our permits after 2 half years for 2 Warehouses. been working on a system Idea for Mega cropping,still in R&D
but it has taking me along time because I have had Nobody to talk to that even understands a little bit. My biggest issue right now is finding the best nozzles,have purchased a few different brands but there all junk. Trying to save money (U get what U pay for. also choosing the right Nutrients I use Adva*** Connosuier for my normal Hydro.
but have not wanted to waist the money trying it with these chinese Nozzles. What Brand of Nozzles would somebody recomend? Thank you.

I've been wondering the same thing about nozzles myself. The bete's look good to me, and look most like the ones used in the atomix. Not sure what they cost yet, but It's gotta be a pretty penny. Even knowing that I like the bete's, there's still the matter of which one?

http://www.bete.com/products/xa-dir.html

If Bete prices are anything like they are here, you could be looking at $135 for the basic nozzle (body and spray setup only), and anything upto $225 for the basic nozzle/spray setup + optional clean-out needle assembly + optional panel mount adapter. Pays to be sitting down when you read the quotation