I am about to use rockwool for the first time. Is there anything I need to know about it's use?
Tell me what you think I need to know, please!
Rockwool is an interesting medium. It has great water retention and the same aeration. Roots love it, when used properly.
I love RW and have had great success with it; funny thing is, I disobey virtually everything 2High suggested. LOL Guess that just goes to show how versatile it is. BTW, do what 2high said, that is down the line of 'standard' convention. I just do a good soaking in PH 5.0 nute solution for a couple minutes, then use them. I water up to 10x a day, my goal is to actually get the roots to grow in the tray that I cover with a layer of mini blocks (what I call my shallow water culture). I set the PH of the res. at 5.0, and let it drift up to around 6 over the period of 7-10 days, then either drop the PH back down to 5.0 by adding more nutes, or change the res. My system was not designed or thought out, I sort of developed it over time with assorted success and failures, but I like it and have had good luck. YMMV, but if you follow 2High's suggestions, you should have a good starting point, then you can start f'n with it.
I love RW and have had great success with it; funny thing is, I disobey virtually everything 2High suggested. LOL Guess that just goes to show how versatile it is. BTW, do what 2high said, that is down the line of 'standard' convention. I just do a good soaking in PH 5.0 nute solution for a couple minutes, then use them. I water up to 10x a day, my goal is to actually get the roots to grow in the tray that I cover with a layer of mini blocks (what I call my shallow water culture). I set the PH of the res. at 5.0, and let it drift up to around 6 over the period of 7-10 days, then either drop the PH back down to 5.0 by adding more nutes, or change the res. My system was not designed or thought out, I sort of developed it over time with assorted success and failures, but I like it and have had good luck. YMMV, but if you follow 2High's suggestions, you should have a good starting point, then you can start f'n with it.
Grodan website states that you only need to soak in pH 5.5 water for a half hour then flush with 5.8-6.2 nutes before use. It's pretty simple. That's what I do. I recirculate and feedback is clear that pH does not rise so it is effective. I also currently water 5x per day in flower open drip style and they are loving it. Start with 2 or 3 until they have roots well established, then go to 5, usually at start of 12/12. More water, more oxygen, more stable pH and ppm, less effected by heat.
10x a day.... that's awesome lol. Is your media volume a bit undersized to allow for that, greenhouse cucumber/tomato style?
Can someone help me size some tanks? I'm switching from coco to rockwool and have space for around 1700 plants in 8" rockwool cubes on drip irrigation and need an estimate for how much h2o per day is plant will use so I make sure I get big enough tanks. Thanks in advance!
I personally see no need for anything bigger than a 6x6 or a 4x4 on top a 6x6 for capillary action to “suck” or wick the top cube dry for more frequent feedings. Old school demanded 20-30% runoff, a dry out period and huge rhizo, but today rootbounding and air pruning with a wet media without runnoff (to keep the residual salts from binding or stacking salts) is the new wave... just food for thought.
Back to your question: I would start with 1 watering at 30-40 oz a day until plants are sucking it up pretty quickly, then double that with a second feeding 6 hours later throughout. if their drying up faster than than that, add a 3rd interval.. and a fourth.. Keep your EC low and try not to run off too much. If you see a drop in PH, Flush..
Can someone help me size some tanks? I'm switching from coco to rockwool and have space for around 1700 plants in 8" rockwool cubes on drip irrigation and need an estimate for how much h2o per day is plant will use so I make sure I get big enough tanks. Thanks in advance!
I follow Grodan's advice from the videos on their site and I've never had any problems. It's very simple and straightforward. I believe they say on their site that you not suppose to squeeze or try to excessively drain the water out after you ph correct them. It really is very easy to do it right; just follow their advice. They know how to use their product.