[Andyo]

Originally Posted by highonmt

No but I like to. It limits initial ph swings in your system imo. I have done it both ways. To each his own.
HM

lots of idiots out there dont even realise ph in the hydroton 2 hours after a flood is different to the rez

and they chop the plant in a wet pot so have trouble removing root

lack of observation

herds of fools.A

[Cleetus]

I use gold label also but only buy the xxl which helps support the plant while in the net pod. To clean I have a pre drilled bucket with holes I drilled. I dump the hydroton into the 5g bucket with the drilled holes and clean off with a hose and nozzle at full strength with hot water. Then I put in net pods and clean again and again. Yes they are a pain in the arse to clean but they do work well for me. Hope this helps

[gtg341w]

Originally Posted by Keep goin

Once you get by the initial cleaning...and possibly the first round with the hydroton. I don't think you will find anything easier in terms of reuse and longevity. Last time I bought a bag was so long ago...years, not sure how many, but MANY! In full disclosure I have not done gravel (seems like it would weigh a TON), nor have I checked out lava rocks.

I also had my reservations about Hydroton but after reading several threads on here and hearing about how it gets better after a few runs I have decided to stick with it. Also I haven't seen any PH issues. You can boil or bake Htdroton to clean off salts and root matter.

[LostTribe]

It certainly can be washed off grab a couple 5 gallon buckets and drill 1/4 inch holes all over the bottoms then just drench it and drench it. You can even fill one of those buckets and put them in another bucket without holes drilled and soak for a day or two then rinse off. I do it after each harvest. Also use peroxide.

Hydroton is my medium of choice has been for over a decade and will be for another decade. Plus its reusable.

[Andyo]

Originally Posted by EL1M1N80R

I'm using GL and I amhaving nothing but problems with PH soaring.

I have washed up numerous times and it's still dirty.

Soaking it for day 2 in a water and vinegar solution, with a water pump for agitation.

Looking on the forums for advice.

I had this in uk hard water area off the scale ph rise
water from chalk aquifers.

Also certain nutes will add to this as they use up nitrogen
N03 / NH4
Ca(NO3)2 = calcium nitrate will raise ph as nitrogen used
NH4NO3 = ammonium nitrate will lower ph as nitrogen used

So best is rain or RO water with a nutrient formula calculated to buffer ph rise via NH4NO3

need measure ph last few drips run off from hydroton at 1 hr and 2 hr after flood/drain.A

[NmLs37]

So I've been growing for years now with a Flo-Gro 500, EBB&Flow style, which I like pretty much. I tried NFT but didn't liked it that much, and also tried DWC but got root rot as I couldn't maintain cool water temperature. (And yes I used Hydroguard, but still).

Problem is that I live in a pretty warm area, at least during summer, so it's a bit hard for me to maintain cool water. That's what I'm fearing with Aero.

I don't really have this problem with EBB&Flow, as clay pebbles let the roots have enough oxygen anyway and are not fully sitting in water.

But I would really like to try LP Aero, do you think it would worth it making the change ? I'm I gonna have trouble with my water temps ? (Usually it's between 20°C and 25°C more or less). Or should I stick with my old good Flogro 500 ?

[NmLs37]

Whoops, wrong thread, sorry...

[EL1M1N80R]

Originally Posted by NmLs37

So I've been growing for years now with a Flo-Gro 500, EBB&Flow style, which I like pretty much. I tried NFT but didn't liked it that much, and also tried DWC but got root rot as I couldn't maintain cool water temperature. (And yes I used Hydroguard, but still).

Problem is that I live in a pretty warm area, at least during summer, so it's a bit hard for me to maintain cool water. That's what I'm fearing with Aero.

I don't really have this problem with EBB&Flow, as clay pebbles let the roots have enough oxygen anyway and are not fully sitting in water.

But I would really like to try LP Aero, do you think it would worth it making the change ? I'm I gonna have trouble with my water temps ? (Usually it's between 20°C and 25°C more or less). Or should I stick with my old good Flogro 500 ?

what is LP aero?