Let's Find a Mother! Hiking Through a Field of Mary Jane

[cannasensei]

Schwing!
Nice cloned kinda gay prideish looking but I wont bust ya chops Haha.
They look great man. Thicker than a snicker lol

I've been considering making a cloner I just don't know that I could convince the wife to let me spend anymore. I gotta order a case of bulbs here next week (ouch)

Hope ur Mrs is good with scissors, ur gonna need the help come harvest

 

[Muttt]

Very nice update. Glad to see things are working out well for ya.

 

[Hozona]

You need one of these hole saws to make clean holes. Even with the right tool, a few of my holes are a little loose. I'll see if it tightens up with there is a stem in the foam insert.
The finished cloner. I won't need it for another week or so. Hopefully I'll have the beg area all built out before I fire this baby up!

I had the same problem with the holes also, my solution was 2" nets with a 1/4" lip with the bottoms cut out. Holds the neoprene firm, but easy to remove from cloner and the net.

Your spacing would need some adjusting to use the net pots I think.

 

[cannasensei]

Good call hoz. Saved me a type and an upload lol. As.for the spacing... use scissors to clip off anywhere they overlap eachother and they'll work great.

 

[Hiker]

The cloner didn't cost a lot. I already had the pump, but I did buy 2 pumps for it since I wasn't sure how many GPH I needed. The threaded PVD adapter I bought would not fit the 2 new pumps, so I used this one. I can still use at least one of the other pumps, so I'll just return the little one most likely. Here is what I spent (from memory, so hopefully it's pretty accurate. At least I haven't smoked since yesterday):
Sterlite Tote: Home Depot $7
Neoprene inserts: Hydro store 6 colors x 10 each x $0.25 = $15
Ebb&Gro Pump: Hydro Store $29 (might have been less, but I recall the CAP pump cost more than the other brand)
PVC fittings and emitters: Lowes ~$15
Hole saw: DoItBest $12

So I spent ~$70 total, including the tool. You could do it cheaper with less expensive pumps and using a razor to cut the holes.

I still need to add the 'curtain' around the edges and spray the clear tote black. I want to try it out before making those changes. Maybe they won't be necessary.

As to the colors... I made the colors sort of random intentionally. When I was putting them into the holes I tried to not put any color next to themselves. I bought all the colors for two reasons. First, I liked the idea of using the colors to help indicate which strain the clone is from. Second, the colored inserts were half the price of the black ones, and they felt thicker!

That's a good idea Hoz, but as you all noticed already, my spacing is a little tight.

I'll just put a piece of duct tape around the hole if the stem doesn't make the insert stay tight. It's only a couple of holes that have an issue. My hole making technique improved over the course of making 54 holes. The slightly larger holes were cut early on, before I had much 'practice' at it. I broke one drill bit while making the holes. When I setup the second bit, I made more if it stick out past the hole saw's edge. This leads me to a tip for anyone else making one of these....

When you are cutting the 1 7/8" holes, put the lid over a piece of wood. Then set the drill bit, so it sticks out beyond the hole saw as much as you can. I was able to get about 3/8 - 1/2" beyond the cutting edge and still leave ~3/8" for the drill's chuck to grab on to. Having the bit extend further will help hold the saw in position while it cuts the plastic. The bit will 'lock' itself into the hole in the wood. This will keep everything still while the hole saw does it's part. There is definitely some technique involving pressure that one can develop to get nice clean cuts.

I can't really try it out for real yet. My clones are doing well, but none are ready to be cloned yet. I'll be topping most of them in the next day or so. I'm at ~3 weeks of flower. I'm assuming I have 6-7 weeks left until the flowering room is empty. I'll take more clones in about 3-4 weeks. Hopefully the timing works out well. The clones might have to sit in the cloner for a few weeks. Hopefully they will be OK that long. I'll just give them some nutes if it starts to go passed 2 weeks or so.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm honored that you are willing to spend some of your precious time following along. Things are starting to get real interesting in there.

 

[shottafire]

Very cool diy bubble cloner Hiker!

One day I will build one. Right now i am busy enough. Garden looks great and cant believe that is only day 11 flower.
right on hiker. +reps on the diy and jungle you got going.

 

[Hozona]

The cloner didn't cost a lot. I already had the pump, but I did buy 2 pumps for it since I wasn't sure how many GPH I needed. The threaded PVD adapter I bought would not fit the 2 new pumps, so I used this one. (that's why I use an outdoor sprinkler riser with a PVC couplerbetween it and my manifold) As to the colors... I made the colors sort of random intentionally. When I was putting them into the holes I tried to not put any color next to themselves. I bought all the colors for two reasons. First, I liked the idea of using the colors to help indicate which strain the clone is from. Second, the colored inserts were half the price of the black ones, and they felt thicker! Kewl!

That's a good idea Hoz, but as you all noticed already, my spacing is a little tight. (Yes I did)

I'll just put a piece of duct tape around the hole if the stem doesn't make the insert stay tight. (did that before too!! Hated it!)

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

Great DIY and conversation!

 

[cannasensei]

Change the.duct tape often. It can harbor bacteria and Leach sulphur

 

[Hash Hound]

Hozona,

Have you grown Jorge's Diamonds before, or is this your first time? It's on my wish list.

 

[Hozona]

Hozona,

Have you grown Jorge's Diamonds before, or is this your first time? It's on my wish list.

First time, picked them up as clones...I have two ready to finish up in the next couple of weeks ....I will have a better idea about this strain after another grow...have teens and clones going at the present time...

 

[Hiker]

Very cool diy bubble cloner Hiker!

One day I will build one. Right now i am busy enough. Garden looks great and cant believe that is only day 11 flower.
right on hiker. +reps on the diy and jungle you got going.

Thanks Shotta

I can't edit posts, but I realized this weekend that I was wrong about that #. It was actually day 13. I'm still pleased with how quickly they are flowering though.

 

[shottafire]

Thanks Shotta

I can't edit posts, but I realized this weekend that I was wrong about that #. It was actually day 13. I'm still pleased with how quickly they are flowering though.

Even at day 13 looks good to me.

About to go enjoy natures beauty with my family up in the mountains for the day. Taking the dogs and a nice doobie should be great.

 

[Hiker]

Great DIY and conversation!

Change the.duct tape often. It can harbor bacteria and Leach sulphur

I tried out the duct tape last night, and it seemed to work well. Will it really cause an issue? I don't mind changing it for each batch of clones if it is a problem. I may not need it anyway. I think putting the stem inside will be enough to make it sit tightly. It's not like it won't stay at all. There is just one hole that is looser than the others.

Has anyone else built one of these? Which emitters did you use? Mine are 360 degree sprayers, but I'm not real happy with the pattern. They shoot too much horizontal, and not enough vertical. I had to raise up the manifold to try and get the spray up where the stems will be. If anyone has one, can you share a link to better emitters?

I've also been testing my DIY cycle timer. This is just a standard 24 hour timer, with non removable 'pins', that I have modified. I don't have pictures of the actual modification. While it actually isn't all that difficult, it did take me a couple days as I had to wait 24 hours for glue to dry a couple times (first application was a test and had to do second application to get a strong bond). I got the idea from watching a youtube video. It's pretty simple. There is a little gear box inside the timer. The gear box has a series of reduction gears. These make the fast spinning electric motor move the timer ring very slowly. Taking one reduction level out, by fusing 2 gears together, changes the time for each 'pin' from 15 minutes to ~50 seconds. I've been running it on my desk connected to a little light. It works pretty well, but it misses about one cycle per ~48 minute loop. I've determined it's because the ring with all the pins has just enough play that it won't always move the switch enough to turn the light on. I'm going to break down and buy a 'real' cycle timer, but not until after I harvest. I think this timer will suffice for one or two batches of clones.

In case anyone wants to DIY their own timer, I'll share a tip. In the video I watched, they weren't sure if all timers would be the same. I opened up 2 timers from 2 different brands. While the timers shapes and such were very different, that little gearbox inside was identical. Both timer manufacturers buy their gearboxes from the same vendor. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if ALL of these 24 timers use the same gear box. In other words, I'm pretty sure you can do this mod on ANY 24 hour timer.

Just a few weeks ago I was complaining about how much work it was tending to all these plants. Now that I have removed 9 plants, and the remainder are well into flowering, I find they need much less time to tend to. I try to peek in on them and spin the buckets everyday, but some days I only look and tell them how much I love them.

Ironically, while the time needed for day to day care of the plants has decreased, I'm still not getting as much done on the rest of the basement as I would like. I've been trying to spend more time with Mrs Hiker, as she has complained about how little she sees me now that I'm basically working 2 jobs. There's also that honeydo list that keeps getting longer. Oh well. I'm grateful to have a wife that supports the growing. Happy wife = happy life.

 

[Hozona]

Has anyone else built one of these? Which emitters did you use? Mine are 360 degree sprayers, but I'm not real happy with the pattern. They shoot too much horizontal, and not enough vertical. I had to raise up the manifold to try and get the spray up where the stems will be. If anyone has one, can you share a link to better emitters? I think the idea is to create a humid mist. I use the same ones in my bucket cloner..5 gallon bucket with 3 gallons of water..manifold has to be above the water level or they can't spray

I've also been testing my DIY cycle timer. Bought mine on Ebay for $31 (dual outlet it is $20 for the single outlet) I bought this to run my bucket cloner and vegger at 1 on 5 off or 2/10 you get the idea..My Titan timer was a lot more expensive for doing basically the same job. I'm going to break down and buy a 'real' cycle timer, but not until after I harvest. I think this timer will suffice for one or two batches of clones.

In case anyone wants to DIY their own timerI weigh time involved to cost and bought the one I mentioned above...

Like I said, two devices at the same time if they use the same cycle
Just a few weeks ago I was complaining about how much work it was tending to all these plants. Now that I have removed 9 plants, and the remainder are well into flowering, I find they need much less time to tend to. I try to peek in on them and spin the buckets everyday, but some days I only look and tell them how much I love them. Took down my two Jorge's Dream last night...production was minimal to say the least

Ironically, while the time needed for day to day care of the plants has decreased, I'm still not getting as much done on the rest of the basement as I would like.

Great post! Hope you getter done!

 

[Hiker]

Great post! Hope you getter done!

Thanks Hoz.

I did look at the offerings on eBay. If I took my time into consideration, then I would never DIY anything.
I just really like making things. I have not done a lot of DIY so far. OK OK. Yes, I did DIY the whole room and all, but I haven't made any of the gear. Between the cloner and the timer, I think I got it out of my system for awhile.

 

[Hiker]

Even at day 13 looks good to me.

About to go enjoy natures beauty with my family up in the mountains for the day. Taking the dogs and a nice doobie should be great.

Missed this earlier. Sorry Shotta.

I thought they looked good for day 13 too
Which mountains? The Sun has come out up here recently. Makes me want to go hike, but this hiker doesn't really care for the cold
Still lots of snow in our mountains here.

 

[cannasensei]

Gonna have to sacrifice a spare timer muahahah.

Awesome post mate.
Were gonna have a serious shitload of bud porn here real quick. There's like 8 of us that flipped within a week of eachother.

 

[Hiker]

Gonna have to sacrifice a spare timer muahahah.

Awesome post mate.
Were gonna have a serious shitload of bud porn here real quick. There's like 8 of us that flipped within a week of eachother.

Thanks. I flipped on 2/6. I think. I'll check journal and update if that's wrong.
Day 20!

 

[cannasensei]

Day 26 for me but I have mainly sativa leaning hybrids so it should level out pretty well. Last round went 13-14 weeks

 

[Hiker]

I promised Cannasensei some pics of my Bubba Kush, so here they are...

I actually had 2 of these seeds. This was my 9th strain, so I have 9A and 9B. 9B is the healthier of the two. I had noticed 9A (although I didn't realize which strain it was until last night) did not look well the other day. It looked limp as if underwatered. I thought it was due to being right next to one of the fans. When I removed it last night to take pictures, I realized it has root problems. None of my other plants seem to be affected. It's very weird.

Back in the 90's, my buddy and I got some seeds from Marc up in BC. This was the grow where I got to work with Blueberry, and led to my choosing it as one of my strains for this grow. In that grow, my second favorite strain was probably Hindu Kush, but I didn't end up ordering any Kush strains. In hindsight, that was an oversight on my part. I had not planned to make mothers out of the 2 femmed strains, but I've pretty much changed my mind on that. The other femmed strain is also a Kush variant. It's Royal Queen's Critical Kush. I'm going to be keeping both strains as mothers. I lovz me some Kush!

Here is 9B. She is a real beauty. Great bud structure so far. Nice dark green color with that lovely Indica appearance. The first shot is my label indicating the strain.

The whole plant. Such a beautiful girl!

Closer view of the buds forming.

This is a new shot, but the same roots as one of the previous root photos.

Now here is 9A. I still love her, but she is not doing well. First, the label shot.

The whole plant. A little smaller than her sister, but obviously related. It's not readilly apparent in this shot, but she has a lot of leaves showing signs of distress. She has been looking very limp, as if underwatered.

Here is why she is not doing well. AFAICT, this is the only affected plant. No idea how or why it's only this plant. I didn't have a lot of time down there last night, so I will be investigating further tonight.

Here is a shot of the whole garden last night. When I started this journal, I promised myself I wouldn't post updates every few days, but alas... If you don't wanna see another shot that looks about the same as the last one, avert your eyes!

If anyone has an idea why only the one plant's roots are having problems, please share it!
I'm going to do a res change tonight, so it will get another treatment of H2O2, Zone and Hygrozyme. I think I might remove all these brown roots. I don't think they are helping the plant and will just end up flowing around the system. Based on what I saw when I took down the males, there can be a lot of bad roots under the bucket, but the roots in the rock are probably OK.

I'm thinking I might pour a solution of the H2O2, Zone and Hygrozyme right into that bucket to flush the roots a bit. I'm NOT planning to flush the system this time. This will be just a res change. Now that I've elevated the buckets, there is much less water in the system. In the past, I have poured ~1/2g of RO into each bucket as I worked my way down each circuit. This would push all the old nutrient solution back to the controller and into the res to drain out. Now I can just flush the controller and be done with it. The other plants won't be getting the root bath though.

Anyway, thanks for reading my long winded post. If anyone has ideas or advice about this plant's roots, please share!

Happy trails!