RR, using coco and perlite, doesn't it get out the bottom of your pots and into your drain/reservoir? If so, doesn't it cause pump problems? What about roots growing out your pots' drainage holes? How do you prevent light exposure to the roots? I figured coco or promix would be easier, but I wanted to avoid the mess(I'm sloppy) and any potential pump/drainage problems. Thanks for all the help folks.
I always have this issue with new hydroton. No reason to stop using it.
It is going to keep jumping for a couple weeks. I sometimes drop it down to 4, and a few days later it is back at 6. But eventually it will stabilize. Your plants will be fine
And as far as the dust ruining your pumps, I do not agree. I have not grown for 11 years but have been growing for several years, with various ops ranging from 4kw to 35kw, all using hydroton. I have had pumps fail but can not say it was due to the dust. Actually my expensive pond master pumps failed, but my cheaper eco-plus pumps have been very reliable
RR, does a 2 gallon smart pot give you enough room for a good sized root system? I'm going to try finish this grow with the hydroton, but if it gives me PH problems throughout, I'll switch to the smartpots and coco. I'm hoping that Marshall's right. It's almost been 2 weeks since I last added any hydroton, so hopefully the PH drift slows down/stops over the next week.
While I have 2 experienced table growers(Marshall and R.Ryder), any advice on good potent SOG strains that are relatively easy to grow? I'm doing Lifesaver by BOG seeds now, and I'm expecting some Golden Skunk clones soon, but more suggestions never hurt.