Xlr8's "Flo N Gro" Hydro Multiple Strains 2011

[Mr. Krip]

Hey there Mr. Smith!

Yes, it royally blows how much medium it takes for this system. You are correct. I think I mentioned that as a "Con" on the review I did. The other possible disadvantage is just all the movement of water - it would be easy to flood your grow space if a hose isn't connected well to a fitting, etc.

I love DWC, and the under current style you are doing is one of the coolest hydro systems going in my opinion. I've been dying to do a run just like the one you're doing now, and I'm thrilled to see you doing it. I've been saving kitty litter buckets up, and still want to do it someday as I like experimenting a lot like you do.

But, I see nothing about the Flo N Gro (yet) that makes me feel like I NEED to try anything else. Growth has been vigorous, and they've been the picture of health since I put them in the system. Roots are bone white.

What's not to love? Oh yeah, all that *&%$*&!! hydroton. That does suck, but may be worthwhile for how smooth it works otherwise. Ugh, I hate rinsing it too. What a pain! It ain't cheap for that much of it either...

Great tips on defoliating along the main stalk to reduce stretch and encourage lateral growth. Makes so much sense!

I really like that DIY Gravity drain controller you made. I most definitely will keep that in mind if I start vegging separately. I have some ideas on that but they may have to wait a while. Right now, space and stealth make that difficult.

Great post, Mr. Smith.

First, I do have to agree that Mr. Smith is one of the most innovative hydro growers I've had the pleasure to follow!

Next, just a suggestion, but I recommend you buy a bag of STG hail and try it in a bucket or two on your next grow. I've been real happy with the way it's performed in the waterfarms (just stay away from their starter cubes!), and it's very light-weight (good for your back!), and doesn't need to be pre- rinsed/soaked. You may find it worth switching!

 

[Xlr8]

First, I do have to agree that Mr. Smith is one of the most innovative hydro growers I've had the pleasure to follow!

Next, just a suggestion, but I recommend you buy a bag of STG hail and try it in a bucket or two on your next grow. I've been real happy with the way it's performed in the waterfarms (just stay away from their starter cubes!), and it's very light-weight (good for your back!), and doesn't need to be pre- rinsed/soaked. You may find it worth switching!

Your first grow kinda scared me off of STG hail, but I guess that was probably just the starter cubes that were problematic. Good to know that you're liking it in the waterfarms. I really like hydroton (by mid-grow!) I just hate rinsing it and washing it. And yes, it's horsepucky for my back. Good thinking Mr. Krip - I may try it. I think I'm set on hydroton for a little while so it might have to wait, but I like the lighter weight of it and the no-rinsing.

 

[Xlr8]

Just signed up not too long ago, so I'm a late arrival, but I'm here now!

Nice semi DIY set-up, and nice results, so far! Can't wait to see the end result.

Jandre2k3

Good to have you. It's a bit DIY, but mostly just made my own homemade reservoirs and peaced together their parts with my own pumps and hoses. It's working pretty slick - I'm thrilled so far. for the props!

Was just checking out a couple of your threads - congrats on getting back into growing and dipping your toes into hydro. I'll try to keep peeking in, and chime in if I think I have a worthwhile nugget for you.

 

[Xlr8]

Hey Buddy! Things are looking great.

Gave you some +reps for the lighting info...good stuff.

Glad your Chocolope has joined the family properly and is big girl now!

OMM!

She's sitting at the big girl table, but she still has a training bra.

Now to go get caught up on things in your part of the world...

 

[Mr. Krip]

Your first grow kinda scared me off of STG hail, but I guess that was probably just the starter cubes that were problematic. Good to know that you're liking it in the waterfarms. I really like hydroton (by mid-grow!) I just hate rinsing it and washing it. And yes, it's horsepucky for my back. Good thinking Mr. Krip - I may try it. I think I'm set on hydroton for a little while so it might have to wait, but I like the lighter weight of it and the no-rinsing.

Yeah, it was just the starter cubes I've had issues with, but have used the STG Hail exclusively and have been very happy. I still have two bags of hydroton that came with the Waterfarms, but I just keep ordering more of the hail. No dust, no cleaning, no PH'ing, and a bucket full of the hail weighs about as much as the bucket.

No rush to try it if you've got a good hydroton supply. But I predict that once you do try it, you'll make the switch, especially considering your back issues which will be "the straw the broke the camel's....." Nevermind!

 

[Propa Gator]

I just keep ordering more of the hail

Disposing may require care, but 'ton is worse. Mr Smith's water(hydro) culture is thrice attractive: Water is cheap, easily disposed of and can be pumped rather than carried. Also, hydroponics gets pretty good results

 

[Closet Farmer]

I have always loved the ebb and flo. Great system. Easy to maintain.

I like Mr Krips idea of using the hail. It is lighter and disposable and no dust! I am going to use instead of hydroton my next hydro grow!

Your plants are looking great!!

 

[Xlr8]

I have always loved the ebb and flo. Great system. Easy to maintain.

I like Mr Krips idea of using the hail. It is lighter and disposable and no dust! I am going to use instead of hydroton my next hydro grow!

Your plants are looking great!!

I like the idea of hail. Sure could use less hassle!

 

[Xlr8]

Disposing may require care, but 'ton is worse. Mr Smith's water(hydro) culture is thrice attractive: Water is cheap, easily disposed of and can be pumped rather than carried. Also, hydroponics gets pretty good results

Heya Propa -

Yes, I love those under-current style RDWC systems, and Mr. Smith made a nice one. I still want to make one of those, too, as it seems like the perfect DWC solution in many respects. I'd probably try it next grow (been saving up kitty litter buckets) if I didn't think a chiller would be a practical necessity in my space, and those damned things are pricey!

Aside from all the medium needed for the Flo N Gro (or any Ebb and Flo system), though, I absolutely LOVE this thing.

The bottom line is - the plants are thriving, and no need for a chiller the way I have it configured. But dealing with the 'ton as you called it... sucks, no doubt!

 

[Mr Smith]

I have round buckets. I like using the STG storm. They are perfect fit inserts for the cap ebb n gro. I still use the clay pellets but mostly on other projects. When I was heavily using the multi buckets STG wasn't around and I remember going to the hydro store to pick up 5 50pnd bags because they were on sale. I had to stop by the hardware store to pick up contractor trash bags to cover them because I felt uncomfortable carring in the naked bags. I hurt my back that day. Now I only get one bag at a time and the inserts are in brown boxes and are super light.

 

[Magic beans]

Dealing with the 'ton. Yea its a hassle, but its virtually 100% reusable. I still do want to try some hail, though. I dont know the pricing but if its cheap enough ill definitely go for it. I remember Mr. Krip shared a video on that. The hail does improve root growth as well, since the roots not only grow around it, but through it as well.

 

[Xlr8]

I have round buckets. I like using the STG storm. They are perfect fit inserts for the cap ebb n gro. I still use the clay pellets but mostly on other projects. When I was heavily using the multi buckets STG wasn't around and I remember going to the hydro store to pick up 5 50pnd bags because they were on sale. I had to stop by the hardware store to pick up contractor trash bags to cover them because I felt uncomfortable carring in the naked bags. I hurt my back that day. Now I only get one bag at a time and the inserts are in brown boxes and are super light.

I know! I remember calculating the amount of hydroton I wanted for this AFTER I bought it and thinking... Oh, shit - that's a lot of hydroton. I kept rechecking my math 'cuz I couldn't believe how much it takes. It was much easier and required smaller bags when I grew DWC in 5" netpots!

You guys are going to get me talked into those STG cubes pretty quickly at this rate. I keep thinking about how long it took to rinse the hydroton and how bad it killed my back to lug all that around! Ugh.

 

[Xlr8]

Dealing with the 'ton. Yea its a hassle, but its virtually 100% reusable. I still do want to try some hail, though. I dont know the pricing but if its cheap enough ill definitely go for it. I remember Mr. Krip shared a video on that. The hail does improve root growth as well, since the roots not only grow around it, but through it as well.

Have you ever had any issues reusing hydroton? How have you cleaned it? I used so little of it in DWC, that I've always just used new hydroton each grow. It would be nice to reuse some of this so I'm not just dumping all this hydroton. (For a lot of reasons!)

 

[4twenty4all]

Have you ever had any issues reusing hydroton? How have you cleaned it? I used so little of it in DWC, that I've always just used new hydroton each grow. It would be nice to reuse some of this so I'm not just dumping all this hydroton. (For a lot of reasons!)

Hey Xlr8, I've reused hydroton before and I soak it in about a 3ml/gal overnight and I didn't have any issues. Some may suggest more or less, but that is what I used.

 

[Xlr8]

Hey Xlr8, I've reused hydroton before and I soak it in about a 30ml/gal overnight and I didn't have any issues. Some may suggest more or less, but that is what I used.

Wait, what do you soak it in? Bleach, h2o2, other? I appreciate you weighing in 4twenty4all. I was thinking of using some industrial strength h2o2 diluted in water, soaking overnight, rinse, reuse....

 

[4twenty4all]

Wait, what do you soak it in? Bleach, h2o2, other? I appreciate you weighing in 4twenty4all. I was thinking of using some industrial strength h2o2 diluted in water, soaking overnight, rinse, reuse....

WAIT!!!!!!! I meant 3ml/gal of liquid bleach (not the splashless kind! It creats bubbles) Yes, bleach. Bleach is safe to add .5ml/gal as long as you let it set for 15min for drinking water. I used it at a well location and it worked well. So, 3ml/gal for hydroton is safe as long as you rinse it well. But, the water will dilute it enough to where it will not affect the plant.

Sorry about the mistype, I fixed it.

 

[Xlr8]

WAIT!!!!!!! I meant 3ml/gal of liquid bleach (not the splashless kind! It creats bubbles) Yes, bleach. Bleach is safe to add .5ml/gal as long as you let it set for 15min for drinking water. I used it at a well location and it worked well. So, 3ml/gal for hydroton is safe as long as you rinse it well. But, the water will dilute it enough to where it will not affect the plant.

Sorry about the mistype, I fixed it.

Cool beans. I'm not afraid to use bleach - I clean my reservoirs weekly with bleach, and I use it to clean pretty much everything else I use. It's like my new best friend since I started hydro! I'm guessing h2o2 would sterilize too, but I'd rather use bleach anyway. I didn't think it would be a problem, but the strength to use it at was a little uncertain for me, since they absorb moisture and can hold it for a while. Good tip on avoiding splashless. Thanks again!

 

[Bassman59]

Heya Propa -

Yes, I love those under-current style RDWC systems, and Mr. Smith made a nice one. I still want to make one of those, too, as it seems like the perfect DWC solution in many respects. I'd probably try it next grow (been saving up kitty litter buckets) if I didn't think a chiller would be a practical necessity in my space, and those damned things are pricey!

Aside from all the medium needed for the Flo N Gro (or any Ebb and Flo system), though, I absolutely LOVE this thing.

The bottom line is - the plants are thriving, and no need for a chiller the way I have it configured. But dealing with the 'ton as you called it... sucks, no doubt!

dang where were all you guys when I posted the question asking about hail or hydroton?

Xlr8, I ended up buying a 1/10 hp chiller as you may be aware for my grow. My temps were running too high and 1 gal ice jugs were a pain. I paid $300 for mine and totally satisfied. I'm confident too that if I went to 4 tubs it would do the job just fine.

 

[Xlr8]

dang where were all you guys when I posted the question asking about hail or hydroton?

Xlr8, I ended up buying a 1/10 hp chiller as you may be aware for my grow. My temps were running too high and 1 gal ice jugs were a pain. I paid $300 for mine and totally satisfied. I'm confident too that if I went to 4 tubs it would do the job just fine.

Hi Bassman -

Thanks for sharing that. Sounds consistent with what I've seen. That's all I'd need, but as much as I want to make one of those "Under Current" style RDWC systems, I'm not able to drop the extra $300 right now. Especially as well as the Flo N Gro is working - other than using a lot of medium, it's a really effective system.

Also, Mr. Smith is doing a DIY "Under Current" grow almost exactly how I wanted to do it, which should be a fantastic way for me to compare and contrast the Flo N Gro to what he's doing. I'm a bit jealous that he beat me too it, but thrilled that someone with his growing chops is journaling and testing. I really want to build one of these eventually though!

Looks like your plants are really coming along for you. Sorry I haven't posted there a lot recently, but I have been following. Thanks again for weighing in with the chiller info - I'll definitely pick your brain more on it if/when I decide to pick one up eventually.

 

[Bassman59]

Hey, xlr8, kudos to Stevehman on the chiller. He PM'd me some info and even drew a map for me on how to set it up. I bought a different brand since my local hydro store gave me one for about the same cost in the end. But boy am I happy I did it! So much less hassle.

btw, just updated with pics on day 8 flower. Doing great I think!