First grow Rockwool/Drip system/400w hps

[laydee]

First grow Rockwool/Drip System/400w hps Hi all,

I have a few questions about growing hydroponically. I have a few seeds I've ordered online recommended source. I've taken a few and used the paper towel method on top of cable box w/ mixed 50/50 success. When the root tip begin to show I transplanted them in pre-soaked ph balanced 1 1/2 inch rockwool starter cubes. I placed cubes on a heating pad on medium heat. I then watered rockwool twice a day with tap water that set for 24hrs. I watered twice day because pad dries out rockwool very quickly. Dunno, if this is problem? Well, I waiting for two weeks and nothing happened. I than decided to open the rockwool to see what was going on. Nothing had happened. The tip was exactly the length it was when I planted. I didn't use nutrients. Was told not to used until strouted. I have DNF A & B Grow and liquid worm fertilizer. I'll also be using a drip system. I guess my question is does my germination steps sound correct? Should I place rockwool in drip system w/ diluated nutrients after transplant or should I wait for them to sprout? Also should the lights (400w hps) be on after transplanting or wait for sprout? Any help is appreciated. Sorry for long post. Thanks in advance.



Boyfriend is laughing at me he doesn't think I can do it! That sucks help...​

 

[ShuttyMcShutShut]

I wouldnt use tap water.....it contains chlorine(in very small doses) but the plant can detect it and could even kill it. Use bottled water. Some folks use tap water thats PHed, but they also let it sit for 3 days prior to using it to let the chlorine become innactive. You should probably start using a flouro light thats on for 24/7 and is like 2" above the seed until you see growth. Most people will do this for the first couple of weeks, then switch to 18/6, then after a little while of that, switch to HPS on 18/6. As for nutrients.....you really only want to use PHed tap water until the plant is 8-12" tall(generally 3-4 weeks). I know its easy to want to jump to nutes...but take it from me and a zillion other people on here who have been through the same ordeal....patience is key.also....you want to keep those flouro's about 2-4" from the top of the plant to avoid stretch...
Just use the search on MP to look at others grows using keywords for your questions....you can learn far more than any one person would tell you.
Good luck and be patient.

 

[Jamez]

Hi laydee
This happened to me once too, but just not with rockwool. I'm not sure what caused it but it could have been that the tip dried out. Sometimes If you leave it a couple more days in the paper towel until the sprout is like an inch long, I have had better results.