Which Hydroponic Grow Method?

[farmari]

Tom maybe you would like ebb/flow or PPKs. Since you want something more complicated than hempy.

I've tried coco hempy buckets side by side with coco PPKs (same light, res, etc) and the PPK growth rate was much faster. Maybe the hempys were watered too often though.
With PPKs it's recommended to use calcinated clay or diatomacous earth. I've used coco and it can work great but it can be risky as the tailpieces can clog and some have problems with nute deficiencies with coco in general.

For a 4x4 single plant in hydro you don't need anything bigger than 5 gallons for a plant container. A 2 gallon bucket is enough for a +1lb plant.

 

[PetFlora]

My hybrid method lends itself to one- two large plants

See my signature thread links for last complete grow

Here is a pic of current clones in a 2 x 4 space, but their mother alone dominated that space. I modified a few things in hopes the 2 clones will not fight for light

Clearly, you don't have to use the magnets, but the flooming is an awesome way to keep the rez nutes fresh

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[TerpeneTom]

Thanks Farmari,

Certain aspects of PPK interest me, although I still have a lot of research to do.

Thanks for commenting, PetFlora. I have seen a lot of your work, experiments, and hypothesis; it is all very impressive.

I don't entirely understand your current method though? Could you elaborate?

Thanks!

 

[PetFlora]

I have documented why and how in my threads, so no need to repeat myself here. Basically, I have experimented with taking standard hydro methods and amplifying them, much like adding a turbo or super charger.

If interested read through my last and current thread

Thanks Farmari,

Certain aspects of PPK interest me, although I still have a lot of research to do.

Thanks for commenting, PetFlora. I have seen a lot of your work, experiments, and hypothesis; it is all very impressive.

I don't entirely understand your current method though? Could you elaborate?

Thanks!

 

[HellaFella420]

......would like to employ a method other than DWC, as to expose the roots to more oxygen.

I can't think of a better way to get roots more oxygen then DWC!!


And, no.....you don't want to grow with aeroponics... I have NEVER seen anyone have epic success with them, only endless headaches, gripes, and derelict systems collecting dust in storage areas....

 

[PetFlora]

I played with HPA for the better part of 2 years. I could only achieve the desired results when the ambient temps and RH cooperated, which is to say RARELY, where I live.

However, I took away certain aspects that have proven helpful in developing my hybrid high performance hydro system

I can't think of a better way to get roots more oxygen then DWC!!


And, no.....you don't want to grow with aeroponics... I have NEVER seen anyone have epic success with them, only endless headaches, gripes, and derelict systems collecting dust in storage areas....

 

[wantaknow]

ebb and flow

ebb and flow

I like my ebb and flo ,and it would be overkill fir one plant ,but it would be hassle free growing,get a ro system ,its a must have,get a controller bucket on flea bay

 

[HellaFella420]

RO water its the biggest snakeoil sale Ive seen perpetrated by the supply industry.

Lets sell you a product to TAKE the Ca+ out of your water, then lets sell them a nice expensive Ca additive so they can put it back in!

 

[PetFlora]

I sold RO to homeowners over 20 years ago. Knowing about water is a priority for me. I wouldn't be without my RO, until something else comes along to replace it. I am curious to know what scientific research you base your statement on?

Now, there are, like in every other item we can buy, crap products: if that is your experience, quality ROs are available but they cost > $1000.

Mine is $2000+, but over 10 years old. A few parts wore out and had to be replaced- normal wear and tear. Amortized rate ~ $200 per year, including replacement filters. Minor cost of doing business, PLUS, I cook and drink with it, after I restructure it (think neutralizing a static charge). Most people buying bottled water pay many times more, and get less

Being in control of every nutrient I feed my girls plays an integral role in the quality meds I harvest. Overkill, Snakeoil? Not in my experience

RO water its the biggest snakeoil sale Ive seen perpetrated by the supply industry.

Lets sell you a product to TAKE the Ca+ out of your water, then lets sell them a nice expensive Ca additive so they can put it back in!

 

[oldergrower]

Amen Pet, I only use ro also. My well water is 600+ ppm. Sorry for the thread hijack. OG

 

[HellaFella420]

Sorry brah, not a scientist here... Just going on 10years of doing this, never used an RO, never had a problem...

There is a place for it, if you have crappy well water or are drinking from a stream....they can sometimes be necessary. City water or a decent aquifer, and your just wasting your $

 

[TerpeneTom]

Now, I have for the last few days read over the most recent "big plant ppk" thread, and have determined that i will somewhat mimic d9, but on a smaller scale. Although i will not hang my light vertically and will instead employ SCROG techniques with a Mars 8 reflector within my 4x4x7 tent.

So, i will have 2 plants within a mix of turface/coco in a tiered 2 bucket system which will be intermittently flooded by an external reservoir and controller.

This is what i am thinking.... Still a lot of reading required if i wish to make this a reality

 

[noobs1988]

what about the RDWC set ups? Thinking about doing 9 5 gallon buckets and a 30 gallon control bucket for about 50 gallons total. Going to flower under 1400w hps in a 5x4 ft area.

Was going to go with ebb and flow but idk, just glad this thread was started bc ive been wondering the same question too. Which hydrop set up is better... Ill be checking in.

 

[farmari]

RDWC is great when it works but sometimes you'll end up with poor growth or even dead plants either because a pump fails or root rot or no apparent reason. A number of growers who have had significant RDWC setups have switched away to more reliable methods.

Though if a possible crop failure isn't a big deal (just growing for fun, to give yourself a big personal stash for instance) then RDWC can be a simple and fun way to grow. Sometimes a RDWC grow with +80F (+25C) water temps and poor GPH can give really good results, even. It can be a coin toss sometimes.

 

[noobs1988]

Which methods are more reliable methods?

 

[bad gas]

With the PPK system, if a pump dies, you have time to fix. The wick will keep plants watered.

Max disolved oxygen in water is about 8%. With the PPK, you're giving the roots 20% oxygen frequently.

You can leave your grow for a few days and come home to perfectly healthy plants.

Boring. Have a nice day. bg

 

[Dropped Cat]

Hey TT, all these methods produce stellar results, I do coco hempy in 32 oz containers,
in a 18" x 24" x 28" box.

You've got lost of great info right here. All the methods have caveats, its you who decides
what will get the trigger pulled.

Take your time deciding, we'll wait for your decision.

 

[farmari]

Hey Tom, check out Alien Dawg's kiddie pools in the vert forum. Might be perfect for you.

If I was using a 4x4 tent I'd do the same thing you're thinking of honestly, a PPK tray. Generally PPK is indeed basically ebb and flow combined with a wick.

Also I'd recommend upping the 600 to 1000 if your environment can handle it well.

But whatever you do please make a grow thread! Would be great to see more PPK grows especially.

 

[TerpeneTom]

Thanks everyone

I will implement another 150W LED for true spectral diversity and absolute canopy coverage, which also means utilizing a scrog and the purchase of a Mars 8 hood.

I just purchased a C02 Meter and C02 Controller for the switch to flower for EXPLOSIVE growth and HEAVY flower development. I'll turn off my extractor fan (HID light is connected to an independent fan expelling all heat) and achieve temperature within the desired window (~85, and lower RH).

I've also been looking into UnderCurrent now : /. Attempting to understand which method will most effectively complement my microclimate, residential R/O limitations, electricity, occasional power outages, limited intellectual capacity.....etc etc etc. Ahhhhh ;P

Woah, i'm rambling; so excited!

 

[noobs1988]

what co2 meter and controller did you go with.. and ive never heard of PPK and ive been reading on overgrow and Icmag for over 10 years. Let the research begin... im currently trying to decided which method im going to go with in my 5ft by 4ft closet. with 1400w. thinking about doing a RDWC setup with 9 5 gallon buckets with a 30gallon reservoir/ control tub.