I need hydro help! Im starting at my water source. The main factor here is my budget. Ive got a pretty good tab going on this new grow. The 5x5 tent kit, $400 in different seeds, and the same in the hydro setup. Plus I have a few more things to get. So I can maybe get a budget friendly ro system that I would connect to the washing machine cold water or if possible to save some money use my tap water.
Heres the info Ive got so far. Turn my tap on let it run for 20-30 seconds 203 ppm. Tested with the blue
vivosun meter you can get in a bundle. It says calibrated ready to use but I am getting a calibration liquid. My water report depending on the year says 50-70 mg/l calcium and 3-9 mg/l magnesium. The main question here! Can I add 15-20 mg/l magnesium to get the ratio right and then add my nutrients? I understand that RO is normally the better choice for hydro but could I get away with tap for a few grows?
Second is can I get some basic knowledge on the schwazzing? Below is what Ive found.
First session happens prepping for the net.
Remove all or almost all fan leaves
Couple weeks between sessions but defol top sites daily.
Could be 3-5 sessions depends on the plant.
Is it every 2ish weeks once you start and when do you stop? Is there a selection process for which leaves go or get left on? I'll add that I have a basic understanding of defol for air flow and light pen. Looking for those trade secrets. I noticed you leave longish stems sometimes when pruning. Is there a benefit or reason for it?