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 jomamameister
Stranger
Registered: 07/25/11
Posts: 8
Last seen: 13 years, 5 months
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 Re: DWC buckets DOs and DONTs.  [Re: Stoneth]
#574696 - 07/26/11 09:03 AM (13 years, 8 months ago) |
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i would like to add something about DWC, other than I love it- it is never necessary to use the grow rocks or a net basket-period. combined they are a heavy, expensive PITA.
Why not, you may ask? It is so simple. i use 5 gal buckets or even 18 gal tubs from anywhere and make sure the tops are impervious to light--if not you will have algae growth eventually. I cut a 2" hole in the top for each plant and a 1/4" hole for airstone tubing, maybe even two 6-12" airstones depending on how many gallons of water being used. once the plant has gotten roots a couple of inches long by growing in potting soil, i wash off the grow media (i know you can't get it all off-doesn't matter), wrap the stem with some fiberfil from walmart sewing dept., and place in the hole--and be sure to bring your initial water level very close to those roots. the fiberfil gives some support to a very light plant and will keep it inplace when you place in the hole. after the plant has grown taller i push it over on its side where it reorients growing--i know there will be a slight interruption in the growth hormones, but it equalizes very quickly. by pushing the plant over i avoid the need for a grow pot of any sort and the plant is supported by lying on top of the grow chamber. eventually you may have to string up the plants, but usually that would be done anyway once it gets big enough. for the most part, the mass of the roots-- and they do get massive in DWC, will offset the top mass of plant material to help keep it upright.
Caveat--you have to be careful not to overfill your buckets once your plants have become well-established, because they develop 3 distinct root types in hydro, and one type is an air root needed for oxygen derived from the air. significant experiments have been conducted in hydro growing and it is amazing what they have learned and passed on to us.
jomamameister
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