epicseeds
Member
I just got underway with my first attempt at an Ebb and Flow grow. Was hoping I could get some E&F vets in here to offer advice/critiques.
SETUP
I am running Jacks Hydro/Calnit/Epsom Salt (3-2-1) @ 1.2 EC and daily moderating PH between 5.5-6.2
I have noticed many top drip coco growers here have started to do multiple feedings with low runoff with low EC feedings - so I thought this philosophy would apply in my situation too.
Plants are looking healthy as can be and will be flipping in a day or two after I let them adjust to the pruning/lolipopping I did yesterday.
QUESTIONS
The reason I ask about flushing periodically is because I did a mini test run last grow where I pretty much just hand bottom fed 1.8EC nutes and by harvest there was moderate amount of salt buildup at the very top of the coco.
It did not seem to hurt the plants, in fact they looked just as good as my trees albeit smaller. This may have been because I was feeding at higher strengths and I would occasionally let the coco dry out on accident.
But ultimately I would like to avoid any salt buildup at the top layer of coco.
Any other tips any E&F vets can provide?
I am really digging the simplicity of this system and am willing to work to dial this all in and eventually expand in to a second table - maybe even giving rockwool a try.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I value any input, big or small you wonderful people care to share!
SETUP
- 4x4 table with 25 1Ltr pots 100% coco
- 1000w HPS
- 50Gal reservoir with bubble stones
- Pump has a high quality filter
- currently flooding 2x a day while lights
- each flood is 10 minutes and the water level reaches ~1.5in from bottom of pots
- so far pots seem to be at proper moisture levels including the top inch of coco
I am running Jacks Hydro/Calnit/Epsom Salt (3-2-1) @ 1.2 EC and daily moderating PH between 5.5-6.2
I have noticed many top drip coco growers here have started to do multiple feedings with low runoff with low EC feedings - so I thought this philosophy would apply in my situation too.
Plants are looking healthy as can be and will be flipping in a day or two after I let them adjust to the pruning/lolipopping I did yesterday.
QUESTIONS
- I suspect that once I get to mid flower the pots will be fully rooted and will need to start feeding 3x per day. Should I keep my EC moderately low like it is now (around 1.2 EC)? I obviously will be viewing to see what plants tell me but just trying to get a general idea.
- I am currently not "topping" the rez - why do people do this and what is the philosophy behind it? I have instead been changing the rez every 7 days. By the 7th day the rez is low with about ~7-10 gallons left.
- Would it be better to top the rez up each day and then PH the rez?
- What is the proper way to "flush" in an ebb and flow system? The way my pots are filled will not allow me to hand top feed/flush. Maybe once a week I should give it a few cycles of PHd water? Is flushing even necessary? Could DripClean help?
The reason I ask about flushing periodically is because I did a mini test run last grow where I pretty much just hand bottom fed 1.8EC nutes and by harvest there was moderate amount of salt buildup at the very top of the coco.
It did not seem to hurt the plants, in fact they looked just as good as my trees albeit smaller. This may have been because I was feeding at higher strengths and I would occasionally let the coco dry out on accident.
But ultimately I would like to avoid any salt buildup at the top layer of coco.
Any other tips any E&F vets can provide?
I am really digging the simplicity of this system and am willing to work to dial this all in and eventually expand in to a second table - maybe even giving rockwool a try.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I value any input, big or small you wonderful people care to share!
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