My first DWC system...

[New2Dro]

Hello all!!!

I ordered a DWC system online about a week ago, and according to online tracking. It should be here TOMORROW! :D I haven't purchased a lighting system yet, only because Iâ??ve been trying to decided if I should go with LED's or HPS. Electricity consumption is a big concern! And I also haven't purchased any nutes yet; don't know which to go with? As much as I can grasp every other terminology related to growing cannabis. The numbers on nutes make no sense to me. (?-??-?) Also, Iâ??ll be using bag seedsâ?¦ (If anyone knows a CHEAP place for seeds, let me know) Keep in mind, Iâ??m on a rather low budget for a while, but suggestions are welcomed and greatly appreciated and if all goes well this thread will turn into my first grow journal!!! :smokin:

Oh, I attached a pic of the system...

[gainesvillegreen]

Where to begin... You really need to read the boards. Asking a few questions to get a few answers is no substitution for grasping the idea at hand: cultivation. Without at least a moderate understanding of what you're planning to do, you will be relying on people walking you through everything.

I will offer a few things though:


Iâ??ve been trying to decided if I should go with LED's or HPS. Electricity consumption is a big concern

If energy and cost are big concerns, you should look into CFL lighting. They produce little heat, are relatively cheap, and you can use as many/few as you want to determine energy consumption.


And I also haven't purchased any nutes yet; don't know which to go with?

There are more possibilities than you could imagine. If you are asking these questions, than you need to do more reading. If you're not a highly-inclined individual, I would recommend a one-part nutrient so you don't have to mix different parts. I would tell you to use General Hydroponics Flora Series (a three-part). You can follow the directions on the product, or use Latewood's or Lucas' formulas from these boards.

[New2Dro]

First off, let me say thanks for the reply. But make no mistake; Iâ??m not an idiot by a long shoot. I have read enough to make my ears bleed, not just on this particular message board. I honestly would have no problem mixing different parts, and I honestly think Iâ??ve already answered that question for my self. I'm just looking for an experienced suggestion, as to which inexpensive brand that will give me the best "bang for my buck!" and not clog my air stone.

Thanks for the CFL tip though... I'm definitely going to look into it! But I think Iâ??ve found a deal I canâ??t beat on a 400 Watt HPS so TO HELL WITH THE LIGHT BILL, LMAO!

[Orzy]

I can't really tell from the pic, but is that the whole dwc kit? Is it a bubbling bucket? Like with no pumps/resevoirs?

I ask because I'm wanting to build a similar dwc setup. I feel like it's the simplest(cheapest too) way of delving into the world of hydroponics. This way you don't have to mess with anything but an air pump and some air stones.

Whichever fert you decide make sure you get measuring devices. You'll also need a ppm meter and a ph meter, along with ph up/down.

I've heard using General Hydroponics 3 part micro/veg/bloom is pretty easy. Never used it myself, though.

Good luck.

edit: definitely keep a log too, with hydro there is too much to keep track of without writing it down. Notebooks are like 79cents and in the long run it will help a lot.

[gainesvillegreen]

First off, let me say thanks for the reply. But make no mistake; Iâ??m not an idiot by a long shoot. I have read enough to make my ears bleed, not just on this particular message board. I honestly would have no problem mixing different parts, and I honestly think Iâ??ve already answered that question for my self. I'm just looking for an experienced suggestion, as to which inexpensive brand that will give me the best "bang for my buck!" and not clog my air stone.

Thanks for the CFL tip though... I'm definitely going to look into it! But I think Iâ??ve found a deal I canâ??t beat on a 400 Watt HPS so TO HELL WITH THE LIGHT BILL, LMAO!

I certainly didn't think you to be an idiot, and I'm glad to hear that you've read a lot.

As for all the knowledge I have on nutrients, I have found that with a few exceptions, most nutrient lines will yield the same. Providing that you tune your system in properly, any decent line should suffice. I would certainly recommend the General Hydroponics, as I said. The Flora 3-part is cheap and effective, a winning combo in my eyes. There are Lucas' and Latewood's GH nute programs that are proven winners, so you don't even have to manipulate much on your end.

As for the 400w HPS, all I can say is: hells yah!!! If you have the space and money for that light, get it. If you have enough for the 600w, get it (the 600w is the most efficient size, so you get more lumen output per watt). Make sure you have enough exhaust for your growroom, those lights put out some serious heat.

[New2Dro]

I can't really tell from the pic, but is that the whole dwc kit? Is it a bubbling bucket? Like with no pumps/resevoirs?

I ask because I'm wanting to build a similar dwc setup. I feel like it's the simplest(cheapest too) way of delving into the world of hydroponics. This way you don't have to mess with anything but an air pump and some air stones.

Whichever fert you decide make sure you get measuring devices. You'll also need a ppm meter and a ph meter, along with ph up/down.

I've heard using General Hydroponics 3 part micro/veg/bloom is pretty easy. Never used it myself, though.

Good luck.

edit: definitely keep a log too, with hydro there is too much to keep track of without writing it down. Notebooks are like 79cents and in the long run it will help a lot.

Hello Orzy!

Yeah, that's the whole DWC system. From what Iâ??ve read hear and on other sites, Iâ??d say YES! It is a bubbling bucket! It doesn't have separate reservoirs, but it does have an air pump and air stone. I Plan to add a drainage valve for easy water changes though.;)

I drove around on Saturday attempting to buy parts and build my own, but I would still have had to buy at least; Net Pots, Rockwool Cubes, and Hydroton Grow Rocks online. Which means I'd also have to pay S&H. It worked out to be more expensive that way. As these item aren't sold at the local hardware stores in my area, I LOOKED!!!!

The entire system I ordered cost me less than $50 including S&H online. Of course Iâ??ll have to order more supplies in the future. But I don't think I made a bad 1st Time investment at all...

Good luck to you, what ever you choose... KIT:thumbsup:

[New2Dro]

Thanks Gainesvillegreen,

I'd been considering the Flora Series... It's pretty chesp evey where i've looked...

[Orzy]

Yeah, I spent a couple years in north Georgia and don't recall ever seeing a hydroponics shop anywhere.

I'm probably gonna do bubbling buckets with those 5 or 2 1/2 gal buckets they sell at hardware stores. Figure 3 of those and a 400w hps should be sufficient to sustain my needs.

That's not a bad deal though, $50 for that whole kit. Keep us updated on how everything work outs.

Check out Mandala Seeds (http://www.mandalaseeds.com/) for cheap seeds. I've seen grow logs of satori and hashberry and they were both great looking plants. But it's probably not a bad idea to go with bagseed for your first time with a new system.

[socialistpete]

Rea this about GH 3-part:
http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponics/93676-proven-nutrients-all-you-need-gh-3-part-calmag.html

Heres where I buy my shit online:
High Tech Garden Supply (http://www.htgsupply.com/about.asp)

And I don't know if you looked into LED's at all but there super expensive.

[New2Dro]

Rea this about GH 3-part:
http://boards.cannabis.com/hydroponics/93676-proven-nutrients-all-you-need-gh-3-part-calmag.html

Heres where I buy my shit online:
High Tech Garden Supply (http://www.htgsupply.com/about.asp)

And I don't know if you looked into LED's at all but there super expensive.

The panels i've been considering aren't very expensive at all on ebay about $40 usd! Here are some pics from maspino1 he's already using them...

[New2Dro]

Thanks Orzy, i fell in love with Mrs. Hashberry last year when she was featured in HT!!! Gonna go with her next time around...

It came yesterday a planed, and today i'll begin germination. I had germed several seeds last friday. But my girl's retarded a$$ slung the cup in the trash thinking that one of my hommies had just stuck some napkins in a cup of water and not thrown it away. :(

Oh and I ordered the GH Flora Kit 3 Pack, got it commin over night! :D

[New2Dro]

Okay, so I finally have time to check in...

Like I said, I had a hard time germinating these Lilâ?? Ladies cause the Mrs, kept messing' them up!!!!! They popped about 4 days before I took these pics. I know they look like there stretching, but that because I just rigged the light into the correct position over them. The leave were actually growing :wtf:side-ways:wtf: 2 hours ago, but they shoot straight up. Not long after I fixed the light!!!! :jointsmile:

I know there young, but tell me what you think!
Oh and sorry for the pic quality, I took them on my sidekick.

[MEKONE]

Hey there New2Dro,I just caught you post and wanted to jump in here right quick.First off I think you made a really good first time investment for $50.00 bucks,ya' can't go wrong.One thing I would suggest is adding a few more airstones to it.I've grown in a 5 gallon DWC and have used 2-3 airstones with much success.The more bubbles the better.As for the nutrients go with the GH Flora series,they are a good product.The only thing is start off light because they are somewhat strong.You can also add some Superthrive in with it also.In addition to that look into hydrogen peroxide,it adds a extra o2 molicule to the nutrient solution.As for the lights if you haven't gotten the LED's or the HPS,look into T5 flourecents.I currently have a grow under them and they REALLY kick ass.I know there has been alot of hype about LED's lately,but a good set of the T5's are worth the price.My suggestion would be the Hydrofarm T5 set.You can link multipule sets together and they burn really cool,you can put them practicly ontop of your plants.Other than that your plants look good,Good luck :thumbsup: and keep us posted.Which seed company did you end up ordering from?

[1stinline]

i know that set up it work dont it