Help with first hydro set up

[El Diablo Verde]

Hey guys. I've recently discovered a local hydro shop and hjave been thinking more and more about settting up my next grow hydroponically. Only problem is I've never done it before. I was looking for some tips/tricks for setting up a grow in relitively small space for around $500-$600. I was also looking for recommendations of strains that excel in hydrog grows. Thanks

[Eggman]

My setup was about 60 bucks without the timer. It's 140 with the timer. Just grow some 15 dollar seeds to start with. After your first harvest, see if you can afford more. I think everything excels in a hydro setting. tips and tricks.. I can't think of any really. But if you're stumped, let us know and we'll help. That's what we're here for.

You can grow 4 amazing plants from a 10 gallon bucket. My aero setup goes through about 5 - 10 gallons of water a week, depending on the stage of the plants. That's why I use 2 resiviours for my setup. Reverse osmosis water here is 39 cents a gallon. I used to have it delivered, but it was 12 bucks per 5 gallons. That's got way too expensive.

[doug1627]

i just bought a 6-site aeroponic kit for 150$ plus another 50$ in supplies such as grow media, ph kit, etc. it is very small and could fit in a coat closet. you can find my same grow system all over the internet just search for it, i personally bought mine at the local gardening store with cash.

[Useless]

Diablo -

I know I am new to the board here but have been growing hydro for a long, long time now, and have experience with just about every type of hydro system you can think of. Would be glad to help you gather some info and ideas so you can make an informed decision.
The top 2 questions when setting up rooms -
1) How big is the space? (LxWxH)

2)Are you technically inclined or a mechanically challenged?

[Eduardo]

Hi.I have similar problems, could any of you guys take a look at my thread:
http://www.marijuanapassion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16550

Sorry for nagging, but I'm slightly impatient.Thanks

[lax4wm]

Useless - If I take a pic or a couple of my grow setup would you verify efficiency and what not? it's two 5 gallon single plant DWC's. 20 Gallon air pump on a t-valve with tubing connected to two a single 5 inch air stone in each tub. Hydroton, topped with perlite, 250 watts HPS, 5 inch net cups...gonna go grab the camera now.

[Useless]

The only way I know to evaluate air pump efficiency is watts per gallon.
You will want to run 1 watt of air pump power per gallon of solution in DWC.

[lax4wm]

Do you know of any problems of too much wattage?...I've noticed my bubbles are bigger than some other peoples and optimally it should be many but fine bubbles, i put it aside not worrying about it, i have 28 watts for 10 gals.

When I asked for help i didn't mean the wattage necessarily just my overall setup...I'm going to include a few pictures here and once i get my clones i'll post it all in a grow journal.

What do ya think?:)

[gangalama]

wicked setup

[the widowmaker]

I'd say to pick an easier method like drip or flood and drain until you get used to ph and ppm levels. Aero and dwc can be a little harsh for the unsuspecting.

[kasgrow]

Looks like a nice setup lax4wm.
Keep and eye on ph, the bc will help since it is buffered. Run your ppms lower than recomended for dwc, less is more. If you mix by measuring, mix it weak at first. Too much nutes will hurt the plant faster than not enough. In dwc your roots will be in the nute all of the time so you don't need as much.

[lax4wm]

Absolutely, I have lab grade ph and will keep that in mind. I plan on starting at about a 1/4 strength, I once read somewhere a growing veteran suggests when feeding mj "feed weakly, weekly". PPM is my second to last concern I have no PPM reader, I plan on using measuring tools and mixing it one gallon at a time. I have laboratory grade ph strips that I use. I wish there was more info specific to the 'THC Bomb' strain. Thanks for the advice, I am going to have to be really careful with this grow.