Been growing hydroponically for about 8 years now, and tried HPA, LPA, Drip, F & D. There are things about each that I like and things that I think can be improved, and have experimented in that pursuit. One thing they all had/have in common is air pump/stones in the rezes. This means CO2 is being sucked in causing pH to rise on a daily basis. My quest includes eliminating air pumps that run 24/7 as well as increasing DO.
To that end, I bought a O2Grow 2020 3 grows ago, but ran into self inflected wounds that prevented me from trying it. Even if it works, IMHO, I think the rez should be circulated periodically as well. I made several DIY set ups but was over complicating it attempting to incorporate a waterfall above the water line. Recently, it occurred to me there is a better simpler way. And so, I developed a method that I can use in SWC as well as any other size rez. Pics in my next post as this photo upload system only provides for 5 photos
My grow space has heat issues, notably open beam ceilings which are fine in the 'winter' but it's hot and humid here 8+ months a year: my grow space is a hot house due to the radiant heat. Running AC is an option, but mine is at least 28 years old and very inefficient adding >$200 a month to my non ac month bills! It's been in the mid 80s all 'winter', with a couple cool days here and there.
I first started out using organic nutes, but the heat made them a bad idea. I tred a variety of nutes, including Emerald Harvest full line, but have gone back to the simplicity and excellent results using Hydroponic Research V + B. One important benefit is that until bloom additives are incorporated (which are dark), the rezes are crystal clear, making it easy to see what's what.
First the problems with each from my experience;
HPA can be amazing but only when the ambient temps are maintained below ~ 80*s. When I first started apparently it was cooler months, and it worked well until flower, then crashed. The ambient heat caused the RH inside the root chamber to jump killing the very delicate root hairs. When the parameters were good, the roots were amazing, looking like big balls of cotton candy.
Drip Next I tried top feed drip using Air Pots, but instead of soil mix, I used lava rock and Hydro Halo drip rings. The ring hole kept clogging, so I drilled them out, but they still clogged. Turned out algae was building up inside the rings, which required regular cleaning. Im guessing the nutrient solution was not completely draining after each feeding, and that combined with the room heat caused the algae. It wasn't the LED light which was well above the rings. Issues aside, I had excellent results with this (see images)
Flood & Drain I then tried F & D, but fought mosquitoes throughout that grow. Since mosquitoes easily find their way into my house and seek out standing water, I had to put lids on the plant totes as well as the rez, but they were already established. The mosquito larvae was entrenched in the plant totes. One benefit of the lids is less evaporation. Issues aside, I had excellent results with this (see images)
(to be continued)
Deep Water Culture/Shallow Water Culture
Low Pressure using large GPH pump + HPA Mist heads
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To that end, I bought a O2Grow 2020 3 grows ago, but ran into self inflected wounds that prevented me from trying it. Even if it works, IMHO, I think the rez should be circulated periodically as well. I made several DIY set ups but was over complicating it attempting to incorporate a waterfall above the water line. Recently, it occurred to me there is a better simpler way. And so, I developed a method that I can use in SWC as well as any other size rez. Pics in my next post as this photo upload system only provides for 5 photos
My grow space has heat issues, notably open beam ceilings which are fine in the 'winter' but it's hot and humid here 8+ months a year: my grow space is a hot house due to the radiant heat. Running AC is an option, but mine is at least 28 years old and very inefficient adding >$200 a month to my non ac month bills! It's been in the mid 80s all 'winter', with a couple cool days here and there.
I first started out using organic nutes, but the heat made them a bad idea. I tred a variety of nutes, including Emerald Harvest full line, but have gone back to the simplicity and excellent results using Hydroponic Research V + B. One important benefit is that until bloom additives are incorporated (which are dark), the rezes are crystal clear, making it easy to see what's what.
First the problems with each from my experience;
HPA can be amazing but only when the ambient temps are maintained below ~ 80*s. When I first started apparently it was cooler months, and it worked well until flower, then crashed. The ambient heat caused the RH inside the root chamber to jump killing the very delicate root hairs. When the parameters were good, the roots were amazing, looking like big balls of cotton candy.
Drip Next I tried top feed drip using Air Pots, but instead of soil mix, I used lava rock and Hydro Halo drip rings. The ring hole kept clogging, so I drilled them out, but they still clogged. Turned out algae was building up inside the rings, which required regular cleaning. Im guessing the nutrient solution was not completely draining after each feeding, and that combined with the room heat caused the algae. It wasn't the LED light which was well above the rings. Issues aside, I had excellent results with this (see images)
Flood & Drain I then tried F & D, but fought mosquitoes throughout that grow. Since mosquitoes easily find their way into my house and seek out standing water, I had to put lids on the plant totes as well as the rez, but they were already established. The mosquito larvae was entrenched in the plant totes. One benefit of the lids is less evaporation. Issues aside, I had excellent results with this (see images)
(to be continued)
Deep Water Culture/Shallow Water Culture
Low Pressure using large GPH pump + HPA Mist heads
View attachment 514794
View attachment 514795 View attachment 514796
View attachment 514797 View attachment 514798
Getting onboard with you PF, and cheering for your success! 
