Growing in only absorbent polymer crystals?

[medivax]

I was wondering if it would be possible or if any one has tried to grow in absorbent polymer crystals only or with a perlite mix in it for aeration?

I am sure this can be done and might work well just want to know if anyone has done it with success. Our am I just wasting my time looking at this option.

[Jouryokujin]

I was wondering the same thing, but I've never tried it because I always figured root rot would set in more easily or the cost would be too high.

[Weedhound]

Are you talking about something like perlite or vermeculite? Those both are accepted mediums in hydroponics....although I don't think they are used too commonly because they seem to be "messy" to work with....that's only what I've heard....never tried it. :stoned:

[lmdesade]

No, he's talking about the crystals used to hold water in miracle grow and other soils. They like to call them moisture crystals. You can use them. IT's been done. IT's just like using perlite or a vermiculite/mix. They are silicone based I believe. I might be wrong about that though. You could use them but you would have easier and a less expensive time by using perlite or the mix. You can look for the HEMPY Buckets to help you...
right here...

Derailed - Hempy bucket stylee - UKCultivator (http://www.ukcultivator.biz/showthread.php?t=9188)

[xcrispi]

Try it just for me !!!
I have like 2 bloody pounds of those things around here somewhere .

Re-Hydrate a bunch in plain PH correct water , and add an airstone/pump in the bottom like DWC . You'll prob. have to chg./flush the crystals when you switch from veg. to bloom because of the plants nute needs changing . But I wouldn't be the least bit suprised if they grow like mad . We have like 5 - 6 ft. tall bamboo growing in polymer crystals in our livingroom .

Peace
Crispi :stoned:

[Opie Yutts]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. I would be afraid it would be a little like rockwool though, in that it holds too much moisture. I would prpbably want to mix it with some perlite, or I think mold or rot would be a problem.

Also I think it would be darn expensive, unless you're like xcrispi, or order in huge amounts.

[partypooper]

Hey, i want to work with waterpolymers this year, im gonna do some serious guirrillagrow, but i only want to water them if possible 1's a month, and i must suspect no rain as i live in dessertlike area.
i,m gonna use clones of a blueberry today i got 2 tomatoeplants and im gonne put them on my balcony 1 with waterabsorbantpolymers mixed up in and around 10 liters of soil, the other soil with a watercontaining gelbag on top ( a terracotapot on top for dehydrationprotection against sunn) i will both once water thouroughly and see what happens. tomatoes and maria are pretty equal so i know how long they hold on without dying of thirst. im thinking of getting a third plant just for comparence, i will report in a month time how it all went.
im gonne put them in a almost unreachable place and use some camounets for extra protection, this will also hinder flying insects, should all be pretty easy.

:jointsmile: