Considering changing too hydro from soil

[BUDISGUD]

im currently using soil as my medium but considering turning my future ventures into hydroponic grows,wich hydroponic system would you guys say is the BEST yielder,im looking too build my own so any advice on building the said system would be appreciated ....are their diagrams here in the forums as i dont seem too be able too find them ?

 

[andy52]

i too made the switch.i chose dwc as it is the easiest to me.also you have one plant in one container.this way,as each plant matures at different stages,you can give individualized care to each ones needs.as you know each plant grows at different rates and need different levels of nutes.thus DWC.is easy and cheap.all ya need is 5 gal buckets,airstone,pump,hydroton,distilled or RO water.ph and tds meter,nutes of course

 

[4u2sm0ke]

Dont Go.......:rofl:

 

[BUDISGUD]

thanks andy i know you have got that way pretty tied down and will consider that option,is 5 gal buckets pretty much the max size i should use,do you have a link anywere that gives me the instructions on how too set up this way please (il b doing 4/6 plants) also what nutes you use,i havnt had experience with 3 part nutes yet but im sure its pretty easy once you gain the know how ,cheers mate

 

[andy52]

hey Bud,i do not off hand know the links.but its simple.you have a 5 gal.bucket(black preferably),a lid cut out to fit your net pot.i use the round weighted air stones,with tubing.hydroton.all you need.
i use the general hydroponics line of nutes.i have been using the lucas formula,with micro and bloom.no grow. i have also been using the complete 3 parts on some plants,just to see if there was any difference.on my future grows i will use the full 3 parts.i also use floralicious in flower.
i feel this is the way to go to get the feel of hydro,you can always change to whatever system you choose,after you get the gist of hydro.

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

thanks andy i know you have got that way pretty tied down and will consider that option,is 5 gal buckets pretty much the max size i should use,do you have a link anywere that gives me the instructions on how too set up this way please (il b doing 4/6 plants) also what nutes you use,i havnt had experience with 3 part nutes yet but im sure its pretty easy once you gain the know how ,cheers mate

How much space do you have? You can also go with 3 gal buckets, although you will really have to watch your water/nute levels when the girls get big--they can uptake a half gal a day or so.

I use 5 gal buckets also. As Andy said, it is the easiest and cheapest. It is also way cleaner.

 

[BUDISGUD]

i have enough space for 4.. 5gallon pots,does anyone have a diagram how too set up a DWC if i were too use 4 buckets,size pump etc .....many thanks

 

[andy52]

before i bought an industrial pump,i used a 100 gal. aquarium pump to run 5 buckets.the air pumps are relatively cheap.buy a divider for however many buckets you want to run.i use a 12 line livider and cut the one off that i am not using.i have a 650 gph pump

 

[BUDISGUD]

is your system a bubbler,i was also looking at the flood and drain systems also,they seem pretty good too...less maintenance than the bubbler as they have larger resovoirs and more ph stability
heres a link too the site that sells the different systems

http://www.hydroponicist.com/index.html

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

I use a separate air pump for each bucket. My favorite is the Million Air MA600. I have found the Million Air pumps to be dependable and the 600 puts out a lot of air. It is a dual outlet, has a rheostat and is fairly quiet. I have a large commercial air pump that has a manifold to run 12 air lines, but it is just too noisy (my grow room is off my master bedroom), so I am not using it.

 

[andy52]

i did not check the site,as you can pretty much build anything they sell,for alot cheaper.i'm strictly dwc.one airstone per bucket.

 

[ozzydiodude]

:watchplant: :farm: I have started a DWC (14 x 20 inches 7 gal water) the growth rate is at least 20% greater than soil. I have 6 ladies in soil and 6 in DWC all are clones for the same mother.The DWC are healther with double the branches. When the roots reach the water you can see the ladies grow. I do not know if this is the normal, But I sure hope so.

:48: :tokie: :48:

:headbang2: :bong1:

 

[BUDISGUD]

from what im reading aeroponics needs the most work as the sprayers in the buckets tend too clog up alot,especially if your in an hard water area,i think i may try the drip system or flood and drain method......still not decided lol

 

[ozzydiodude]

andy52 , You seem to be the DWC guru how many ladies would be max in 5 Gal buckets?

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

It doesn't get much simpler than this...

A 5 gal bucket and lid, 6" net pot, hydrotron, air pump, air stones, and air tubing.

 

[WeedHopper]

Also,,if ya use DWC and dont like it,,you have the stuff ya need to go to Drip System(have to add a water pump)I would leave the air stone.:hubba: OR just do both. Add a water pump and drippers to your DWC and Drip feed too. I know someone that is doing this. Yes Im High again. sorry:bong:

 

[BUDISGUD]

It doesn't get much simpler than this...

A 5 gal bucket and lid, 6" net pot, hydrotron, air pump, air stones, and air tubing.

how far up the bucket is your desired nutrient level,is this the same as a bubbler ?

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

how far up the bucket is your desired nutrient level,is this the same as a bubbler ?

Depends on the root growth. When the plants are small and just getting good roots going, I keep the nute level above the bottom of the pot. As the roots grow into the solution, I lower the level of the water below the bottom of the pots. This air pump keeps the water well oxygenated.

 

[BUDISGUD]

how much of the root should be allowed too rest in the solution if at all...thanks
also what is the best medium too place my clones in before i place into net pot ..rockwool?

 

[BUDISGUD]

well iv bought an 8 pod (11 ltr buckets) wilma drip irrigation system £40 from a friend wich is pretty good as they retail for around £100......so i guess il be a drip irragation specialist after a get through a crop lol,never dreamed id be a biologist
is anybody using this method ?