polymer water crystals for hydro?

[SecondNut]

I've been reading up on these polymer water crystal things and saw where they can be used for a soilless system, kind of like hydro but without the pumps and "free standing" water. They are naturally resistant to fungus and mold. You don't need to aerate the water since the crystals retain the oxygen already in the water, and the roots simply draw what they need out of the crystals, including nutes which may be added to the water. One oz. of crystals will expand and absorb an entire gallon of water or more.

Has anybody experimented with this? I'm thinking of trying a system similar to a bubble bucket, but just the aluminum-tape-wrapped bucket (to keep light out, since the crystals are clear) with some kind of net pot setup in the lid to support the plant -- no pumps at all.

Unless I hear a good reason not to, I'm going to try this. I've even read that the crystals make an ideal germination bed, so I will go from seed to weed using only the crystals, with RO water and nutes as appropriate. I've got a shipment of seeds which should get here in the next couple of days (knock on wood vigorously). So in a few weeks, hopefully I'll have some decent pictures to post of the progress. :thumbsup:

Any comments or suggestions before I begin La Grande Experimente?

[Opie Yutts]

I've never heard of this, but I encourage all manner of experimentation. I don't see how to keep enough oxygen to the roots, if the crystals are saturated and everything in the medium is wet. Good luck, I hope it works wonders.

[Cyclonite]

Hmm I would add an airstone and see how it works as a medium...I think the roots will die without one.

[SecondNut]

Thanks for the comments. From what I have been able to find out, using water crystals as a soil-less medium has been successfully tried (with evidently outstanding results) on several kinds of household plants, such as lucky bamboo, ivy, and peace lilies. It's not recommended for succulents (which cannabis is not) or for plants that need direct sunlight. This last is because the polymer crystals begin to break down when exposed to UV light. However, I plan on having the medium completely sealed from light (as in a bubble bucket) so this won't be a problem.

As for the oxygen issue, it seems from literature that I've been able to find, that the water absorbed in the crystals retains it's oxygen and nutrients until transpired by root filaments which penetrate the gel membrane. Standing crystals don't stagnate and lose infused oxygen like standing water does (at least that's the claim). One piece of literature even specifically mentioned using water crystals for plants which are usually grown hydroponically (is that a word?)

So, I'm going to take their word for it and not use an aerator. I would like to do 3 simultaneous tests. One in a "standard" soil setup, one with the same soil but with water crystals added as a supplement, and one with water crystals only (quasi-hydroponic). Well see how it goes from there.

[Mrs. Greenjeans]

I'll be watching this thread.:)

[Opie Yutts]

I will be watching as well. Sounds real interesting. Keep fighting the good fight, and please send pictures.