psychexplorer
New member
Let me preface this by stating that I've always been an aero enthusiast, for both reasons of performance, efficiency, and simplicity. My previous aero setups have been homebuilt with the relatively common EZ Cloner sprayers on a PVC frame inside of heavy duty PE tubs. The design revolves around sprayer assemblies fed by external pumps in external reservoirs, receiving gravity assisted drainage from the tubs back to the reservoirs.
I am in the planning stages of a new grow.
For reasons related to plant count, I will be forced to deviate from my usual SOG style into a SCROG setup featuring larger plants, and thus, larger root masses.
This will translate into roughly one sixth the number of plants per unit area. Consequently, the root masses will be larger, longer, and possess a lower ratio of surface area to volume.
Each plant can be surrounded with the appropriate mix of 180 and 360 degree sprayers, rather than the usual interleaved placement.
My question condenses to this: has anyone run a similar setup successfully, or am I setting myself up for trouble by using an aero technique on substantially larger root masses?
I don't believe there will be a problem with this, so long as the drain remains unclogged.
Still, though, theory is no match for experience. My experience with smaller plant aero SOGs is excellent. Has anyone had similar success from aero SCROGs?
As far as mitigating root length, I'm actively considering using deeper than usual plastic tubs.
Supporting the added weight of each plant will be no concern.
The other options are large DWC or drip-fed hydroton. Both have their drawbacks in both performance and maintenance. I'd rather stick with the aero, if possible, to preserve the finest control over nutrient delivery and root oxygenation.
I am in the planning stages of a new grow.
For reasons related to plant count, I will be forced to deviate from my usual SOG style into a SCROG setup featuring larger plants, and thus, larger root masses.
This will translate into roughly one sixth the number of plants per unit area. Consequently, the root masses will be larger, longer, and possess a lower ratio of surface area to volume.
Each plant can be surrounded with the appropriate mix of 180 and 360 degree sprayers, rather than the usual interleaved placement.
My question condenses to this: has anyone run a similar setup successfully, or am I setting myself up for trouble by using an aero technique on substantially larger root masses?
I don't believe there will be a problem with this, so long as the drain remains unclogged.
Still, though, theory is no match for experience. My experience with smaller plant aero SOGs is excellent. Has anyone had similar success from aero SCROGs?
As far as mitigating root length, I'm actively considering using deeper than usual plastic tubs.
Supporting the added weight of each plant will be no concern.
The other options are large DWC or drip-fed hydroton. Both have their drawbacks in both performance and maintenance. I'd rather stick with the aero, if possible, to preserve the finest control over nutrient delivery and root oxygenation.
It's tough to think about ALL the possibilities and variables in the grow. Sometimes its about trial and error.. You don't have to go BIG the first round.. Do 1 or 2 for a trial run and see how it goes.
