Xlr8's Hydroponic Adventures & Photos From The Garden - 2012

[Xlr8]

Sorry that I'm a bit late to this part of the thread. I have really enjoyed what I have been reading and it REALLY hits home how different we can all grow and still get fantastic results. With Hydro you can get no better info anywhere then from X, Jandre and Bassman.

I have some tids bits and questions so I'll hit them one person at a time lol

Jandre......Why? is it a bad thing to run airstones in a sterile system? If one is using DM zone to keep the system sterile is that not what it is doing? I would think that Airstones or not the Zone would keep anything from growing within the system since thats what it's made to do. To date I have found no issue with the airstones while running the Zone,

I have run GLR in my tents on babies right out of the cloner. I'm still undecided on the matter. I think it all depends on how well the clones are developed before they go into the system. I will try the 24/0 on my next tent and see if I notice any difference in the health and growing development of the clones.

On the refilling of the res......... I refill with water every damn night. No nutes until res change. Currently they are taking between 3 and 4 gallons a day. If it's really hot they will take 5.

Xlr8......... I check my system every dang night. I have found that during the veg cycle I have to pretty much PH down my res every night. After the second week of flower things seem to calm down and I hardly have to adjust the PH at all but they drink the water like a bitch! Every single night I check and record the following.

Where PH started
What I adjusted PH to
PPM readings
EC readings
Res temp
RH reading inside tent
Outside tent temp
Inside tent temp
How much water used
Comments

This helps me track the grow and retrace if needed.
I think another reason my PH my fluctuate is because of my nute and feeding schedule. It's far different then what anyone else here is using. So far I like it and so do the plants.

Nothing wrong with airstones in the res if it's working good for you. For me, things are working great for me with no stones or circulation pumps: the plants are happy, the system is running cleaner and cooler than ever without them, and PH is more stable. I'm extremely happy with how well it's working, and plan on moving forward this way. Additional oxygenation just isnt necessary, and the nutrients get nicely recirculated each flood. But, there are many ways to skin a cat, and my way isn't necessarily the best way!

I spot check ppms throughout the week, same with PH. You are right - I guess I do have to check PH more in veg than bloom, but with improving light tightness and eliminating the circulation pump, PH just stays more consistent.

In flower, I add about a gallon a day during peak flower. But, I'm only growing 4 plants typically with it! I do plain water top offs nearly daily in bloom, too.

I think for you, another big difference for you is sheer numbers of plants, too. I keep an eye on RH and temps, but these are pretty consistent and dialed in for me now ( i have to make adjustments seasonally, but i think I've got that now). Took years to get things that way though!! I guess I monitor most, if not all, the same stuff, just more of a spot check thing for me on most things now.

At this stage, with your goals, I think you are doing great to track those things daily. Over time you'll find it easier to be lazy like me, lol.

In all seriousness, I really do like your checklist - it's a great guide and right on as far as the things to keep track of. +rep for sharing that.

 

[Xlr8]

And on the matter of clone roots .....lol
I have found that the longer the roots are on my clones the better they take off from the start. My roots usually touch the bottom of the basket when they are entered into the Flo n Gro net pots. Since I use the DIY EZ Cloner there is no rockwool to hold water/nutes for the plants. Since there are more and longer roots there is more surface area to keep the plants fed and happy. I have had plants side by side same clone from the same mom and the one with the longer roots always looks better and takes off faster. Just for shits and giggles I have taken out my old trays and domes and will start a grow using that and rockwool to see just what a difference there really is between the two.

Great point on the roots. My goal is always to get it in the Flo n Gro as soon as possible for convenience sake, but I'm sure you are right about longer roots. I worry about damaging them if I let them get too long before transplanting, but that is probably just me being paranoid.

 

[Xlr8]

Okay... lemme answer them in order here....
I have used air stones in my buckets, then I took them out. I have a fungus problem in this house I guess, because with the air stones in, I noticed that I had grey sludge around the tops and sides of my res when it came time to change nutes. It was on the hoses, sides and lid of the res, and sometimes floating on the surface of the solution I had left.

Without the air stones, this problem was almost completely solved.

What I was saying about 24/0 is that I see roots faster with lights on all that time, rather than on GLR. However, once I see roots, and new growth starts on top, GLR makes them explode with new growth.

Refilling with water is fine between nutrient changes. Bumping with NUTRIENT WATER is not. RO Water with a bit of Cal/Mag is fine, too.

Agreed on all points!

 

[Xlr8]

Tried some quick dried sample Super Lemon Haze buds last night. WOWZERS! Wife and I giggled like teenagers. The lemon candy flavor is pretty extreme, even with a quick dry. This should be pretty killer when finished, dried and cured. Similar flavor to Jack the Ripper, but more extreme. This SLH is sure frosty, too. Can't wait for the end result!

Chocolope leaves look ugly still from the burn I gave her, but the buds look great. I'm surprised to say that both the Chocolope and SLH look like they could be done at around 9 weeks, as should the Deadhead OG. I planned it that way, but really expected either Chocolope or SLH to throw a wrench into that by going longer. Choco might be done sooner, actually, but not much. I'm pleased as punch if I can get haze plants to finish in less then 10 weeks.

Made most of a small DIY flood/drain system today - should finish tomorrow. I used little 3 gallon rubbermaid totes. I'll post some pics when I'm done. I may try to keep hydro moms in it, and/or veg clones prior to putting into Flo n Gro. Looks like it'll work pretty cool in theory, hopefully plants will grow in it!

 

[Billy420]

Wow, so many useful replies in-so little time !!!!!-
Thank you guys very much, one-by-one, for all this help and answers !
I wish I could feel the same for some other forums ( in my country), who everyone looking at you with jealousy and irony !! (you know what i mean)
~

The water level I keep just touching the bottom of the net pots. Then as roots form and get longer I drop the water level a little bit (1/2" - 1" at a time) just to keep them searching for more. Once my water level is about 1/2 of the container I fill them back up to just below the net pot. For me the level change is easy because I have a reservoir drain back line that I can raise or lower to adjust the level in my growing chambers.

Exactly !! I'm gonna do it in the same way, heirloom !!
I was having a little fear, if the moisture could damage (rot) the root riot (I'm my case), cube !-
But obviously I was wrong !!!

The biggest reason to make sure the bubbler res is lightproof is that light a nutrient and O2 rich water bath is a very comfortable place for ALGAE. It will grow FERY fast if light gets in there and muck up the works quick. Plus light degrades nutrient solutions very quickly.

That was another lesson I learned (theoretically), during my thousands hours of reading, in the last months. !!!
Thank you jandre !!

What I do... I germinate seeds directly into Rapid Rooters (similar product is called Root Riot plugs). Once roots show out the sides and bottom of the Rooter plug, I put it into a small net-pot, buried in hydroton as in the pictures I have below. I fill the tubs up to about 1-1 1/2" below the netpots, so that the bubbling water is splashing gently on the bottom of the netpots. This helps "draw" the roots down to the oxygenated moisture. I top-water by hand the netpots until the roots are showing out the sides and bottom of the netpots. The key is that the splashing bubbles are keeping the bottom of the netpot moist, but it shouldn't need to be all the way to the netpot to do so. They really don't stay in these little tubs very long for me, as I try to time it so the Flo N Gro is ready for them once the netpots have roots showing through. But, if they needed to they could live for a while in the DWC tub.-

This is just awesome, because actually , root riot plugs is the only thing I can find in the hydro shop, in my town !!!
(along with rockwool ).
I ll follow this guide, step by step !!!

I top-water by hand the netpots until the roots are showing out the sides and bottom of the netpots.

That was the exact answer, I was looking for !!!!
It didnt make sence to me , how the roots can still get the water, even if the water touches the netpot's bottom, even if the moisture it's crazy inside, even if there are a ton of bubbles, as the roots are not long enough and actually , they don't "touch" the water !!!
Now this makes sence ...
Thank you for this my friend !!!!

Soak seed 48 hours in glass of water in the refrigerator (I believe this causes the "winter" that seeds respond to).
Ready your rockwool cubes by soaking 30sec in water adjusted to pH 5.5
Remove seeds from water glass and place into holes in the rockwool and close the holes over by pinching at the top around the hole.
Place in mini-greenhouse with dome and close vents. (This helps trap heat and moisture inside)
Place under 24/0 T5 fluoro lighting lowered to 1/4" above the dome. (This will heat the inside to 86F)
LEAVE THEM ALONE! Don't open, don't water, don't do anything but watch for seedlings to emerge.
When seedlings emerge in 3-7 days, open the vents 1/4 of the way and raise the light 1".
When seedlings are all emerged and standing over 1" tall, remove dome and leave it off.
Feed 1/4 strength nute of choice.
let sit in 1/4 strength nutes for 1/2 hour and then move to new home.

Thank you jandre for this excellent guide, on rockwool preparation/usage !!
I'm going to use root riot cubes, but this guide has been, Copied and pasted in my notes !!!

Xlr8......... I check my system every dang night. I have found that during the veg cycle I have to pretty much PH down my res every night. After the second week of flower things seem to calm down and I hardly have to adjust the PH at all but they drink the water like a bitch! Every single night I check and record the following.

Where PH started
What I adjusted PH to
PPM readings
EC readings
Res temp
RH reading inside tent
Outside tent temp
Inside tent temp
How much water used
Comments

This helps me track the grow and retrace if needed.

Hello Alaska !!
This is what I have planned in my mind, a sticky note, with all these check's you described, in front of my tent !!!-
I have a tension to forget things !!! This time Can't do it !!

About cloning , from what I see guys and understand here, the best (in theory) method seems to be 24/0 untill you see some good developed roots, then turn to GLR for exploding the growth!!!
...or even better -"what works best, for you"

Enjoy xlr8 the super lemon haze, sounds like a "dream weed" !!! Damn, I have to giggle with weed, since 80's !!!!
I'm so jealous !! Hahaha-
(...in a good way)

Thank you guys, for all your great answers !!!

 

[jandre2k3]

Thanks for sharing your rockwool seed starting process Jandre. +rep if I can!

Hey, thanks for that... you had said that you didn't use it, so I was just helping to fill in the gap, lol.

 

[Xlr8]

Hey, thanks for that... you had said that you didn't use it, so I was just helping to fill in the gap, lol.

Exactly why I wanted to give you reps - you filled that gap!

 

[Xlr8]

Exactly !! I'm gonna do it in the same way, heirloom !!
I was having a little fear, if the moisture could damage (rot) the root riot (I'm my case), cube !-
But obviously I was wrong !!!

I have to confess that I once DID have problems with the water/nutrient level being a little too close to the netpot and causing root rot issues, which is why I want to urge caution on this one. A lot of people raise the level to the bottom of the netpot, but I now prefer to keep 1-1 1/2 inches (3-4 cm) between the bottom and the nutrient solution. As long as the bubbles keep the bottom of the netpot even a little wet from splashing bubbles you are fine (still top water until roots are hitting nutrient solution). Too close, and it can pool in the bottom a little and cause problems. Not always, and many bring it right to that level with no problems, but I think a little space between is probably prudent, personally. I learned this one the hard way, so I can't help but urge caution here!

I want to note that Heirloom's idea is fine (having the nutrient level a bit higher until the roots get there). Just wanted to make sure you noted that he lowers it after roots reach the bottom.

Like Heirloom, I use a sight-tube on the outside with my ideal level marked, so that I can see at a glance where it's at.

Some strains, Super Lemon Haze for example, really don't like wet feet either. More so than any strain I've grown, she is happiest with her roots are dryer.

 

[Alaskan1]

Sounds like it'll be a little lonelier around your place now. Lots of plants though! I've been having a hard time getting on here reliably, too, but I'm sure we'll cross paths here once in a while. Sure hope the growing is going great and the dispensary is a success for you!

I think we just need to make the time. Would be cool if you, me and Jandre could do a 3 way chat like on MSN messenger or some software like that. I have growing thoughts and questions I'd like to throw out and see what your guys thoughts are without throwing it all out on a thread.

Yeah kinda lonely around here. Though our son and his family is about 6 houses away from us so he pops in as well as the grandson walks down here to keep us company.

 

[Alaskan1]

Wow, so many useful replies in-so little time !!!!!-
Thank you guys very much, one-by-one, for all this help and answers !
I wish I could feel the same for some other forums ( in my country), who everyone looking at you with jealousy and irony !! (you know what i mean)
~


Exactly !! I'm gonna do it in the same way, heirloom !!
I was having a little fear, if the moisture could damage (rot) the root riot (I'm my case), cube !-
But obviously I was wrong !!!



That was another lesson I learned (theoretically), during my thousands hours of reading, in the last months. !!!
Thank you jandre !!



This is just awesome, because actually , root riot plugs is the only thing I can find in the hydro shop, in my town !!!
(along with rockwool ).
I ll follow this guide, step by step !!!



That was the exact answer, I was looking for !!!!
It didnt make sence to me , how the roots can still get the water, even if the water touches the netpot's bottom, even if the moisture it's crazy inside, even if there are a ton of bubbles, as the roots are not long enough and actually , they don't "touch" the water !!!
Now this makes sence ...
Thank you for this my friend !!!!



Thank you jandre for this excellent guide, on rockwool preparation/usage !!
I'm going to use root riot cubes, but this guide has been, Copied and pasted in my notes !!!



Hello Alaska !!
This is what I have planned in my mind, a sticky note, with all these check's you described, in front of my tent !!!-
I have a tension to forget things !!! This time Can't do it !!

About cloning , from what I see guys and understand here, the best (in theory) method seems to be 24/0 untill you see some good developed roots, then turn to GLR for exploding the growth!!!
...or even better -"what works best, for you"

Enjoy xlr8 the super lemon haze, sounds like a "dream weed" !!! Damn, I have to giggle with weed, since 80's !!!!
I'm so jealous !! Hahaha-
(...in a good way)

Thank you guys, for all your great answers !!!

I guess I should have been a little more clear. While in my cloner I have all of them under a T5 light on a 24/0 light schedule. As soon as they go into the grow tent to begin the veg cycle they go to the GLR lighting schedule.

 

[Alaskan1]

Great point on the roots. My goal is always to get it in the Flo n Gro as soon as possible for convenience sake, but I'm sure you are right about longer roots. I worry about damaging them if I let them get too long before transplanting, but that is probably just me being paranoid.

I worry about it as well and as I have found out if your not VERY careful you can tear the roots off and your screwed. You have to pour the hydroton into the basket one cup at a time and though it's painstakingly long to do the roots do not get damaged.

 

[Alaskan1]

I have to confess that I once DID have problems with the water/nutrient level being a little too close to the netpot and causing root rot issues, which is why I want to urge caution on this one. A lot of people raise the level to the bottom of the netpot, but I now prefer to keep 1-1 1/2 inches (3-4 cm) between the bottom and the nutrient solution. As long as the bubbles keep the bottom of the netpot even a little wet from splashing bubbles you are fine (still top water until roots are hitting nutrient solution). Too close, and it can pool in the bottom a little and cause problems. Not always, and many bring it right to that level with no problems, but I think a little space between is probably prudent, personally. I learned this one the hard way, so I can't help but urge caution here!

I want to note that Heirloom's idea is fine (having the nutrient level a bit higher until the roots get there). Just wanted to make sure you noted that he lowers it after roots reach the bottom.

Like Heirloom, I use a sight-tube on the outside with my ideal level marked, so that I can see at a glance where it's at.

Some strains, Super Lemon Haze for example, really don't like wet feet either. More so than any strain I've grown, she is happiest with her roots are dryer.

Just so you know
I have done some experimenting with H202 in my EZ cloner. I have high temps in my cloner and I had what looked like the beginings of root rot so I threw in the correct amount of H202 and the roots whitened right back up and all the plants were happy again.

 

[Billy420]

I guess I should have been a little more clear. While in my cloner I have all of them under a T5 light on a 24/0 light schedule. As soon as they go into the grow tent to begin the veg cycle they go to the GLR lighting schedule.

That's what I was thinking !! 24/0 for the first days (14), then turn to GLR !
From what I've read, seems to work great.

I have done some experimenting with H202 in my EZ cloner. I have high temps in my cloner and I had what looked like the beginings of root rot so I threw in the correct amount of H202 and the roots whitened right back up and all the plants were happy again.

That's a nice idea !!! Never thought that I can add some H2O2 in the cloner, never heard anyone to do that, either !!
Im gonna follow this, if I see a start of a "black stem" !!
Thanks for the tip !

Alaska, you run your EZcloner with timer, don't you ?

 

[jandre2k3]

Great point on the roots. My goal is always to get it in the Flo n Gro as soon as possible for convenience sake, but I'm sure you are right about longer roots. I worry about damaging them if I let them get too long before transplanting, but that is probably just me being paranoid.

Just think, "AIN'T SKEERD!" and have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You've show us all you got the skills that keep you from having to pay the co-op's bills, so my question to you is this:




When are you going to show yourself you you have the skills that can do it?

 

[jandre2k3]

That's what I was thinking !! 24/0 for the first days (14), then turn to GLR !
From what I've read, seems to work great.



That's a nice idea !!! Never thought that I can add some H2O2 in the cloner, never heard anyone to do that, either !!
Im gonna follow this, if I see a start of a "black stem" !!
Thanks for the tip !

Alaska, you run your EZcloner with timer, don't you ?

I don't think that H2O2 will help a failed cutting from getting black stem... BUT, if you cut above the black, there's nothing that says you can't attempt it again!

 

[Mr Smith]

Sup dude,
I still am using my diy ebb gravity drain controller. Its the simplest tool, perfect for mums and super easy to maintain. I use it for raising seed stock for potential mums.
This pic is a great representation. I have two good mums to the left and a couple wannabe mums to the right. Good mother selection takes time.

I try to keep 2 to 4 mums at a time and rotate them out with new stock, always looking for miss perfect, something better, something easier, stronger, the list goes on. Nothing like a good change up.

 

[Alaskan1]

That's what I was thinking !! 24/0 for the first days (14), then turn to GLR !
From what I've read, seems to work great.



That's a nice idea !!! Never thought that I can add some H2O2 in the cloner, never heard anyone to do that, either !!
Im gonna follow this, if I see a start of a "black stem" !!
Thanks for the tip !

Alaska, you run your EZcloner with timer, don't you ?

I do not run a timer and at this point I don't see a need to. That could always change though lol. I may try a timer just for shits and giggles to see what happens.

Just think, "AIN'T SKEERD!" and have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You've show us all you got the skills that keep you from having to pay the co-op's bills, so my question to you is this:




When are you going to show yourself you you have the skills that can do it?

Damn straight and Jandre is right. You have the skills X, just look over your own journal.

I don't think that H2O2 will help a failed cutting from getting black stem... BUT, if you cut above the black, there's nothing that says you can't attempt it again!

Again, I agree with Jandre on this. I think if it's black it's too late. Just give it a snip and try ahain. You have nothing to loose from trying it. I use Clonex and superthrive in my cloner. The H202 was an addition I made myself. I got the clonex superthrive idea from reading one of Mr Smiths journals I believe.

 

[Mr Smith]

I don't use superthrive anymore. Had some go bad on me and fucked a couple grows. I keep it real simple. Cloning gel and cloning/rooting solution. Then its ph, temp/oxygen, and light. I clone alot so for me its Keeping It Simple Stupid KISS.

 

[Alaskan1]

I don't use superthrive anymore. Had some go bad on me and fucked a couple grows. I keep it real simple. Cloning gel and cloning/rooting solution. Then its ph, temp/oxygen, and light. I clone alot so for me its Keeping It Simple Stupid KISS.

What temp are you keeping your solution at?
I try and keep my PH at 5.5 as much as possible.
Two air stones in the res and the H202 help with oxygenation

 

[Xlr8]

Just so you know
I have done some experimenting with H202 in my EZ cloner. I have high temps in my cloner and I had what looked like the beginings of root rot so I threw in the correct amount of H202 and the roots whitened right back up and all the plants were happy again.

h2o2 is what saved my bacon when it happened, too. I think hydrogen peroxide is great stuff, especially for emergencies like that!

Thanks for adding that - good point.