Grow Mediums Hydro friends, what do you think of this system?

[Grey Bear]

Thanks for your input.

A few quick questions if you don't mind...

How often should I be doing rez changes? I've read that when you've had to top off 50% of the volume of the rez with ph'd water it's time to change and add fresh nutes

Would a water pump suffice to remove all the old water or do I need to physically remove the unit from the tent and pour it out/rinse it to remove salts etc.?

Do I need to rinse the pots with hydroton/plants with fresh clean water before I add new nutes to keep salts down etc.?

Temps, what is the highest temp I should allow in the tent? What is the lowest temp? In winter keeping the tent at whatever temp I want will be super easy, in summer I may have to go back to soil plants as it's not a big enough operation to warrant running A/C

Thank you for your input

Sorry I haven't responded sooner, but so far all the advice is right on.

Changing rez- that is a good rule of thumb, some do it every 7 or 10 days. Whatever works for you that you will do regularly.

Water pump will be fine, no need to worry about getting every bit out unless you have disease, then you would refill with h20 and drain again
if the plant has become unweldy

You do not need to rinse the hydroton during rez changes. (you may, but it isn't necessary)

rez temps- aim to keep it somewhere between 60 -72, right in the middle is fine, but don't freak over it.
ambient temp- aim to keep it 72-85 it can handle + or - 4 on top of that but you will suffer yield and possibly potency.

Pops suggestion works for storing your ro , or just start keeping milk jugs, buy a few of those big water cooler jugs

Advanced Nutrients ph perfect Sensi Grow and Sensi Bloom are very reliable products. Pricey but worth it
AN also has a 3 part line, but I have not used it so I cannot speak to that.

General Hydroponics
A good solid 3 part line with Grow-Micro-Bloom, you will need to ph your rez pretty regularly with this product. Inexpensive, but worth it.

Good Luck
GB

 

[Roark]

I do rez change 10-14 days no issues. I do top off wth fresh water then p.h. rarely do add back nutes. 10 days is about right on, though.

Personally I use cutting edge. Though if you can't keep your rez temp below 68-70, the sugree or sour dee, and maybe even the uncle johns, gets gummy when temps get to 75. But their additives, so you can go with out or lessin them if needed.

A pump is what I use to get water out. Just get a long enough hose to drain it wherever. Can feed to outdoor plants if you want. I like to dulite though.

When I did leca balls, I'd flush the system, refill an p.h water then run for 15 minutes every 15 min for an hour. So 4 times total. Then drain system. Fill and add fresh nutes, p.h at feed the next day.

An air pump an air stones are vital to any hydro system, in the rez. Maybe your systme has that I don't remember.

Um I think that's it. Any other direct ?'s feel free to p.m me.

 

[Waximus]

When I was doing hydro, it was near identical to roark's method. I added a toilet brush... lol

 

[CanadianHigh]

I do drip and I do it well. Coco, from seed, low ec, 6-6.5ph. done. 24/7 drip if you aerate your tub. Very recommended either way. kiss. love it. pm me for any specific questions...

 

[CanadianHigh]

Switch nute line at least two times in veg, and two times in flower. Bet ya didn't hear that one. Plants love it.

 

[Gadgetguy]

The system doesn't come with an air stone, but that is the plan aside from the original design because I know it can't hurt.

My water is super hard, tons and tons of minerals in it. I could give it a try and see what happens but I think starting with low-0 ppm water would be my best bet.

Thanks for the tips on the nute lineage. My truck needs some serious work coming up so this project will not materialize as fast as I'd hoped but it will get there. I'd like a little more production from my little tent.

 

[Gadgetguy]

So.... another question. Sorry to keep bothering you guys :slaps:

If starting from seed or clone in buckets this size, what is preferable, 1.5" rockwool or the big 4" cubes? I have an aero cloner but rockwool/rapid rooters seem to work the best for me.