[bloyd]

Originally Posted by datal4b

worse case scenario have to re-do it, i guess i was a little confused by everyone referring to perlite as "chunky" and "extra large" but from what ive taken away from the latest posts is that smaller grade is actually how you achieve the correct afp at a 50/50 blend. i wish i had remembered about the afp test prior to mixing up. thanks to bloyd got it fresh in the noggin now

Sorry to leave you hanging here. Your perlite has 1/2 inch particle size according to specs. The xlp that d9 recommends is 1/4 to 1/2 inch particle size. The xlp from supreme is only available in the northwest, but all perlite suppliers should have an equivalent. In the Midwest I use a super coarse perlite with the same specs. You don't want regular coarse perlite, that shit will clog tailpieces fast.

To lower your AFP you could simply cut in more turface. Another thing to consider will be that your capillary rise may be lower with the larger perlite. To combat this you may need to run a smaller air gap. Do capillary rise test to confirm. Your current watering tech seems excessive but I've never put such small plants with little root mass directly into 7 gallon pan. The reflectix mulch will keep top of media moist in between pulses and eventually allow roots to fully encompass the feed pan.

I've run mixtures of coco, 8822, turface, rice hulls, and perlite in the ppk with success. All will work some take more prep work and have greater potential for clogs. When you get the "nutrient rich fog" via proper AFP, air gap, feed, the growth is phenomenal and takes hard work to stay on top of.

I would suggest re reading again and again the something wicked thread and filter posts by av8or. This will give you posts from just d9 and av8or. A masters level class for huge plant growing. Those that copy it verbatim and understand the system have huge success.

[datal4b]

what's up bloyd

in the meantime i built the small setup



screened mvp in the tailpiece also. 35-40% on all samples taken. still not optimal as i know tailpiece clogs were becoming an issue. got it built at least.

thanks for making that clarification for me. im trying to source some super coarse right now. im for sure re-doing the 7gals. no reason to run an entire cycle without everything being perfect... kind of seems like a waste...it's all good though and i really appreciate the tips centered toward my particular issues

[datal4b]

having a re-read of something wicked also, that's a good technique to filter them

[datal4b]

by the way i got reflectix on the 7gals now too. the plants are definitely slowly growing but im thinking its this early on, might as well just remix them man. next run i will veg in the 2.5qts properly first

[datal4b]

ok i found a manufacturer here with different grades am i looking for the horticultural grade or chunky??

[datal4b]

hey also man, i just got off the phone with a mfg here that was telling me about how their perlite only has a particle size of about 1/8 to 1/4 but that the ore they mine their perlite from is unique and produces super strong perlite that doesn't break down like your typical horti grade. she said she'd give me a 25lb bag for free to try out. thinking if it doesn't break down that it might be kick ass for capillary rise and make the medium super distributed well. maybe give it a go in some 2.5 quarts. she said they keep competition perlite on hand that you can crush side by side with theirs and see the difference

[datal4b]

things seem to be goin alright. decided not to remix the media. giving some co2 now at 800ppm







wish me luck

[Thirdtime]

Looking good, how long til you flower?

[datal4b]

shootin for monsters and nothing less so could be 4-6 more weeks i imagine

[Desert Hydro]

those are gonna blow up real soon