Winter Weedy Wonderland - Auto Grow - Royal Queen Seeds

Grand Daddy Black said:
Damn. Can't a guy sleep in on Thanksgiving! šŸ˜

I'm here LadyC.

I like the swick bases with coco. I'm not certain I like them very much using soil. (I didn't complete the soil grow I started with them due to some "issues." Though I never determined whether those issues were swick-related, I removed the plants from the bases around mid-grow.)

I would certainly opt for the 2 gallon size. The smaller ones (with coco) eventually needed to be filled daily -- no real time-savings or convenience. I believe the larger ones will equate to time-savings as the plants can water themselves for at least 2 days, and sometimes more than 2.

The wicking action works fine with synthetic nutrients. I have my doubts about whether they do as well with organic. I tried giving my plants Recharge through the base and it clogged up the wick lines. (I continued using Recharge but top-fed it.)

When I bought the system I bought some extra wick lines just because. I haven't needed them yet but I will someday.

Do not cross your wick lines. Position them in a way that there is no intersection of the lines (crossing each other). Your roots may grow through the pots and if there's a point where the lines intersect they'll grab hold of the wicks there and begin clogging things up.

Did I say they work great with coco? :)
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Why should we let you sleep? Are you special? (Picture the church lady saying "well ain't he special ) :laughtwo:
Grand Daddy Black said:
I almost forgot @Lady Cannafan, also see what @Timhomegrow has to say! He's used them too, and with soil I believe.
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Thanks for all the info! I'll be doing some measuring tonight, those are some big bases.
Soil it is....for this grow. If I don't have to spend a lot of time watering with a gallon per day by a little at a time to get it soaked in evenly, then those smaller ones might be okay for me. I don't mind gathering the water, it's the time spent watering. LOL
I'll order extra wick too, just to be good for later grows.

Okay, so go back to sleep now. :cheesygrinsmiley:
 
Lady Cannafan said:
Why should we let you sleep? Are you special? (Picture the church lady saying "well ain't he special ) :laughtwo:

Thanks for all the info! I'll be doing some measuring tonight, those are some big bases.
Soil it is....for this grow. If I don't have to spend a lot of time watering with a gallon per day by a little at a time to get it soaked in evenly, then those smaller ones might be okay for me. I don't mind gathering the water, it's the time spent watering. LOL
I'll order extra wick too, just to be good for later grows.

Okay, so go back to sleep now. :cheesygrinsmiley:
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I understated the convenience that they do present. Watering the bases is a big time-saver!

I mixed my nutes in a 5 gallon bucket and just slid the bucket to the front of the tent and used a battery-powered siphon to move the solution from the bucket to the bases.
IMG_9791.JPG

Took only a few minutes to completely water 4 plants! :Rasta:
 
Grand Daddy Black said:
I understated the convenience that they do present. Watering the bases is a big time-saver!

I mixed my nutes in a 5 gallon bucket and just slid the bucket to the front of the tent and used a battery-powered siphon to move the solution from the bucket to the bases.
IMG_9791.JPG

Took only a few minutes to completely water 4 plants! :Rasta:
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That's brilliant. :)
 
Hi LC,

I've done three grows with the wick system and soil, two auto and one photo grow. I'm really liking the system and.so do the plants. A few speed bumps here and there but I've figured it out to where I don't see myself changing. My current and prior grow I detailed a good bit of the ups and downs. The downs weren't too bad.

Some things I have learned:
1. As GDB taught me, do the " square pattern", you'll see pics in the current journal. The "x" pattern I had issues with roots growing into the wicks and bases after just 2 weeks (pics in prior journal) Plants did great still.

1a. I can't recall the exact number for the length of each wick listed in their instructions....but add 4 inches to each one. Helps absorption

2. I used the AC infiniti fabric pot and believe it made a difference too. These pots and the square wick pattern made it their last 68 days of.life without ever cleaning or changing the wicks/base

3. With the above said, I would recommend replacing the wicks at flip if doing photos...better safe than sorry. I got replacement wicks.from.the zon, believe I looked it in my current journal, cheap and perhaps thicker and more effective.

4. Liquid nutes seem to be the best. MC works but the particals gunk up the wicks and can slow or stopp wicking action.

5. I went with the 10gal base but used 7gal pots. I could see the 10.pot being tight on there. I wanted the 2 gal reservior for travel, although it really fits like 1.8 gal.. I only fill the bases 1 gal at a time so it gives more of an air gap to help prevent roots over taking the wicks (the main issue)

6. A floor fan, even small. Air circulation down at the pot level seems.to help roots growing into the wicks (there it is again ha).

7. Soil: I'm not sure the plant uses any of the nutrients in the soil. After harvest I'll look at the soil/roots, and seriously the top 1/3 looks brand new (outside the very top crust). I wonder if a 5gal container would be just as good as 10 gal ;)

8. It takes amber a week.for them to transition from top.watering to.bottom. once they do, I stop topwatering for good.

If you have any questions certainly let me know.
 
Lady Cannafan said:
If I don't have to spend a lot of time watering with a gallon per day by a little at a time to get it soaked in evenly, then those smaller ones might be okay for me
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That's the best part of the wick system. No slow watering, let it drain, clean up the overflow. With a siphon like GDB showed, mine luckily fits perfectly I'm the water level indicator hole, it takes less than 6 minutes to water 4 plants :)
 
Timhomegrow said:
Hi LC,

I've done three grows with the wick system and soil, two auto and one photo grow. I'm really liking the system and.so do the plants. A few speed bumps here and there but I've figured it out to where I don't see myself changing. My current and prior grow I detailed a good bit of the ups and downs. The downs weren't too bad.

Some things I have learned:
1. As GDB taught me, do the " square pattern", you'll see pics in the current journal. The "x" pattern I had issues with roots growing into the wicks and bases after just 2 weeks (pics in prior journal) Plants did great still.

1a. I can't recall the exact number for the length of each wick listed in their instructions....but add 4 inches to each one. Helps absorption

2. I used the AC infiniti fabric pot and believe it made a difference too. These pots and the square wick pattern made it their last 68 days of.life without ever cleaning or changing the wicks/base

3. With the above said, I would recommend replacing the wicks at flip if doing photos...better safe than sorry. I got replacement wicks.from.the zon, believe I looked it in my current journal, cheap and perhaps thicker and more effective.

4. Liquid nutes seem to be the best. MC works but the particals gunk up the wicks and can slow or stopp wicking action.

5. I went with the 10gal base but used 7gal pots. I could see the 10.pot being tight on there. I wanted the 2 gal reservior for travel, although it really fits like 1.8 gal.. I only fill the bases 1 gal at a time so it gives more of an air gap to help prevent roots over taking the wicks (the main issue)

6. A floor fan, even small. Air circulation down at the pot level seems.to help roots growing into the wicks (there it is again ha).

7. Soil: I'm not sure the plant uses any of the nutrients in the soil. After harvest I'll look at the soil/roots, and seriously the top 1/3 looks brand new (outside the very top crust). I wonder if a 5gal container would be just as good as 10 gal ;)

8. It takes amber a week.for them to transition from top.watering to.bottom. once they do, I stop topwatering for good.

If you have any questions certainly let me know.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for that detailed and informational response! This really helps me in the decision today on ordering. I'm using 5 gal. fabric pots and liquid nutes (General hydroponics) in FFOF soil, Autos from RQS. The roots question did come up in my mind, but I had forgotten to ask. (GDB took care of that, as well as you) My fabric pots are basic from the zon, but I like them so far.

I don't travel at all anymore, I'm retired and a major "home body" these days. My truck hadn't been started in so long, the battery was dead yesterday from the cold weather. LOL I'll be purchasing another battery tender today to keep on the truck in the garage.
So, the smaller reservoir should be fine for me, and I will feel more comfortable with how the four plants fit under the one Viparspectra KS5000. I don't want to run two of them because of the electric cost increasing.

I have floor fans and clip on fans, so we're good there.
Timhomegrow said:
That's the best part of the wick system. No slow watering, let it drain, clean up the overflow. With a siphon like GDB showed, mine luckily fits perfectly I'm the water level indicator hole, it takes less than 6 minutes to water 4 plants :)
Click to expand...
Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Less time for watering, more time for admiration. LOL

Only one question left, do you know what size the wicks are? 1/4", 1/8"....or?

I'll heading to your journal and going through it as I get time here.

Again, thank you so much and I Hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!
 
Lady Cannafan said:
Thank you so much for that detailed and informational response! This really helps me in the decision today on ordering. I'm using 5 gal. fabric pots and liquid nutes (General hydroponics) in FFOF soil, Autos from RQS. The roots question did come up in my mind, but I had forgotten to ask. (GDB took care of that, as well as you) My fabric pots are basic from the zon, but I like them so far.

I don't travel at all anymore, I'm retired and a major "home body" these days. My truck hadn't been started in so long, the battery was dead yesterday from the cold weather. LOL I'll be purchasing another battery tender today to keep on the truck in the garage.
So, the smaller reservoir should be fine for me, and I will feel more comfortable with how the four plants fit under the one Viparspectra KS5000. I don't want to run two of them because of the electric cost increasing.

I have floor fans and clip on fans, so we're good there.

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Less time for watering, more time for admiration. LOL

Only one question left, do you know what size the wicks are? 1/4", 1/8"....or?

I'll heading to your journal and going through it as I get time here.

Again, thank you so much and I Hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!
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The wick lines are 1/5 inch, LadyC.

I contacted AC Infinity regarding replacement wick lines and they gave me the link on the Zon where they can be found.

HERE.
 
Order is in! Supposed to be "overnight delivery"....BUT...I've learned to NEVER count on that with this because of the hub that delivers packages here from the zon. More often than not, they are either delayed a full day or a few days..or it just plain gets lost. LOL
Woke up to 4" of that white snit, and it's still coming down. Lake effect bites the big one.

I hope everyone had a nice day yesterday with family and friends. I made so much food, being assigned the sweets part of the meal. I came home with more food than I left here with. :laughtwo: Leftovers today. YUM YUM YUM
 
Grand Daddy Black said:
The wick lines are 1/5 inch, LadyC.

I contacted AC Infinity regarding replacement wick lines and they gave me the link on the Zon where they can be found.

HERE.
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Thank you! I had 1/4" in my order that is to be here Dec. 1st. I just added the 1/5". I'll use the 1/4' for other projects. It's always handy to have around.
 
Lady Cannafan said:
Order is in! Supposed to be "overnight delivery"....BUT...I've learned to NEVER count on that with this because of the hub that delivers packages here from the zon. More often than not, they are either delayed a full day or a few days..or it just plain gets lost. LOL
Woke up to 4" of that white snit, and it's still coming down. Lake effect bites the big one.

I hope everyone had a nice day yesterday with family and friends. I made so much food, being assigned the sweets part of the meal. I came home with more food than I left here with. :laughtwo: Leftovers today. YUM YUM YUM
Click to expand...
BTW, which one of your journals has this system being used?
 
Lady Cannafan said:
I'm using 5 gal. fabric pots and liquid nutes (General hydroponics) in FFOF soil, Autos from RQS. The roots question did come up in my mind, but I had forgotten to ask. (GDB took care of that, as well as you) My fabric pots are basic from the zon, but I like them so far.
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I had the same nutes and FFHF soil. First time with GH Trio and followed a formula from online and @InTheShed created a formula for me that only uses Micro, Gro and epsom. It worked really well. What nute levels do you usually do?
Lady Cannafan said:
Only one question left, do you know what size the wicks are? 1/4", 1/8"....or?
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1/4", been using these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLNGBRL?tag=420magazine0f-20
 
Timhomegrow said:
I had the same nutes and soil. First time with GH Trio and followed a formula from online and @InTheShed created a formula for me that only uses Micro, Gro and epsom. It worked really well. What nute levels do you usually do?

1/4", been using these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CLNGBRL?tag=420magazine0f-20
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I follow the guide I originally got with the nutes series way back in 2014. It's like a magazine. I don't think they issue that anymore. LOL I am not a fan of making things up as I go, and prefer to follow a manufacturers suggestions whenever I can. I have a "set it and forget" preference. ;-)

I would be interested in that formula that Shed provided you, when/if you have time. I prefer to stay with GH, because it works and I'm familiar with it.

I have found with the FFOF soil, I have to start cal/mag early. I used to use my own soil blend provided by a member here to me many years ago, but I cannot make that anymore...so I went with the FFOF. The grows I have done since returning here have been using that.
First time growing Autos since way back then as well.
 
Lady Cannafan said:
BTW, which one of your journals has this system being used?
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Not sure if this question is for me or Tim.

HERE is the link to the journal in which I used the swick bases.
 
Lady Cannafan said:
would be interested in that formula that Shed provided you, when/if you have time. I prefer to stay with GH, because it works and I'm familiar with it.
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It was easy. When I traveled and had to fill all four bases from an external reservior, I used this on all of them. No issues. The one that got this formula was definitely the most frosted during and after thr grow. Still curing so no smoke report :)

Veg:
Gro: 9.4
Micro: 5.2
Epsom salt: 0.8

At flip:
Gro: 10.5ml
Micro: 5.8ml
Epsom: .9g

Flower
12.5ml Gro
6.9ml Micro
1g epsom salt
 
Timhomegrow said:
It was easy. When I traveled and had to fill all four bases from an external reservior, I used this on all of them. No issues. The one that got this formula was definitely the most frosted during and after thr grow. Still curing so no smoke report :)

Veg:
Gro: 9.4
Micro: 5.2
Epsom salt: 0.8

At flip:
Gro: 10.5ml
Micro: 5.8ml
Epsom: .9g

Flower
12.5ml Gro
6.9ml Micro
1g epsom salt
Click to expand...
Thanks, and you used that on every watering? :)
Liquid Epsom?
 
@Timhomegrow
I just ordered some liquid epsom for plants. So, I'm all set there. Loving the Black Friday deals I'm getting. :)
 
Lady Cannafan said:
Thanks, and you used that on every watering? :)
Liquid Epsom?
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No regular Ole epsom salt from walgreens. It dissolves real quick and doesn't mess up the wicks. Every watering they got that mixture.
 
Well, my self watering bases are supposed to be here today between now and 11 a.m. They have yet to leave the hub that has them which is about an hour away. 15 car pile ups and accidents on highways since the white crap began Thursday night, and it's still coming down with lake effect. It's not a blizzard by any means, the problem is that it's the first snow and people are not slowing down until it's too late.
I doubt very much I will see a delivery today.
Guess, I'll just spend the day in the kitchen. LOL
 
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