New Hydroponics System, Need you guys to tell me what I might be overlooking

[meandmine]

Ok. So, I want a hydro system where I can use a tupperware container, grow 8 plants at a time I have the BC 3 part system of nutrients. I also have some super thrive.

I plan on getting a 10 in deep tupperware container that is 3 feet long approximately.
Hydrotron media,
rockwool seed starters,
a 2 port air pump I already have one airpump I've been using in an unsuccessful attempt in the aerogarden.
3 12 or 14 in (the largest that will fit) in the container airstones,
and
getting 3 inch pots.

What am I missing? Is the container deep enough? Will the roots get tangled? Should I get a water pump too?

Do I need any other nutes besides the 3 part BC system? Their feeding schedule online says you need like 12 things, do you really? Or is the three part system enough?

I want to make a system that will work the first time. My aerogarden experiment has left me with 8 seeds, so if this doesn't produce, I have to reorder seeds and have nothing to show for my last order.

I plan on getting as many pieces and parts as I can from lowes, the rest from a hydro store that is a bit of a drive from here but isn't too far away. Please, be nice in your criticism but tell me every little place I could do better so I can make the best system possible. Please please help me out on this one. I want to start building soon. My birthday gift certificate from lowes should be in the mail tomorrow.

[SunnyD]

I'm no expert by any means. However, one thing I can offer is that when you buy your tupperware container, make sure it's light proof. You don't want bacteria and algae growing in your resevoir water. A layer of Duct Tape around the container should do the trick if it's not already dark enough.

I hope this helps if you hadn't thought of this already.

SunnyD

[meandmine]

The container is already dark blue so there should be no problem on this part. Can you think of anything else I'm missing? I'll give you rep if I can :)

[meandmine]

I should also note that my seeds are autoflowering white dwarf. I wasn't ready to deal with the control of strict light schedules and such and wanted to make life as easy as possible for myself. So the seeds are autoflowering. The lighting is cfl.

[SunnyD]

Thanks for the rep offer but I'm not too worried about "repping up". Posting on a forum doesn't present itself as a competition to me :). Also, I know nothing about autoflowering strains...

[meandmine]

You got rep anyway, so there :). Any other feedback you have is more than welcome. I really want to get this right on the first try. I'm not playing with bag seed and so far my aerogarden has killed two plants and tried to kill two more. I don't want to spend a bunch of money and repeat the disapointment.

[meandmine]

I also have a kit with ph measurement and ph up and down

[Supportradicalhabits]

Ok. So, I want a hydro system where I can use a tupperware container, grow 8 plants at a time I have the BC 3 part system of nutrients. I also have some super thrive.

I plan on getting a 10 in deep tupperware container that is 3 feet long approximately.
Hydrotron media,
rockwool seed starters,
a 2 port air pump I already have one airpump I've been using in an unsuccessful attempt in the aerogarden.
3 12 or 14 in (the largest that will fit) in the container airstones,
and
getting 3 inch pots.

What am I missing? Is the container deep enough? Will the roots get tangled? Should I get a water pump too?

Do I need any other nutes besides the 3 part BC system? Their feeding schedule online says you need like 12 things, do you really? Or is the three part system enough?

I want to make a system that will work the first time. My aerogarden experiment has left me with 8 seeds, so if this doesn't produce, I have to reorder seeds and have nothing to show for my last order.

I plan on getting as many pieces and parts as I can from lowes, the rest from a hydro store that is a bit of a drive from here but isn't too far away. Please, be nice in your criticism but tell me every little place I could do better so I can make the best system possible. Please please help me out on this one. I want to start building soon. My birthday gift certificate from lowes should be in the mail tomorrow.

DWC is pretty fun. you might want to get a pump to pump out your reservoir when it needs to be changed. I've read that people get good results with the BC 3 part nutrient system, but I use FF 6 part nutrient system and have been having great results. Im pretty sure that's everything your going to need as far as construction wise. Just do your research and make sure your careful with your ladies... take care of them and come harvest time they will take care of you.
Hope your 8 ladies make it bro :thumbsup:

[meandmine]

I'll be glad to make it till harvest time :) That would be a success at this point. I don't know the abbreviation of the nutes you use. What are they?

[Supportradicalhabits]

I'll be glad to make it till harvest time :) That would be a success at this point. I don't know the abbreviation of the nutes you use. What are they?

Fox Farm, I got a DWC bucket going right now. I'm a newb at growing but if you wanna scope it out for ideas feel free. Just click on the link in my signature and it will take you to the thread

[meandmine]

Does anyone else have any tips? I expect my gift certificate in the mail today or tomorrow and I'd like to be ready to start when it arrives. Happy Birthday To Me :)

[LOC NAR on probation]

Sounds like your ready. We run 10 gallon strilite tubs from wally world. but I think your tubs are deep enough for autoflower as they will not get very big roots. The PH will be what you want to look out for and take into consideration the color of the water and nutes together, it will throw your test color off just alittle but nothing you can't deal with. A meter is nice butonly when you can afford it. A TDS meter would help but you don't have to have it. Follow the mix on your nutes and watch for leaf tip burn.If they burn just back off the nutes or add more PH water to dilute.
As far as clf's get as many as you can as close as you can. The bigger the light the bigger the buds.

What kind of water ? I know people on here say you can use chlorine tap water but this is what happens to me. I can use just one gallon tap to 5 gallons R/O and my plants turn yellow and die. I tried all tap water and watched them fall over as the water hit the roots. Maybe your problem with the areogarden.

We have been using R/O water and cal-mag plus this time and things are looking great.

When you cut the holes in the tubs becareful and try it on some scrap to make the fit. Some use and tin can just the right size and heat it with a torch and we use a 2 and 7/8 hole saw for 3 inch netpots. You can get a 3 inch hole saw from lowes but some cheap netpots fall through the hole.

[cigarettes42]

You might want to consider buying a ph meter. I'm growing hydro now and I'm constantly adjusting ph. Thinking back when I had to rely on liquid testers makes my ph meter a valuable tool.

[SunnyD]

Digital pH Meter From Amazon:

Amazon.com: Large Display pH Pen: Industrial & Scientific (http://www.amazon.com/Sper-Scientific-Large-Display-Pen/dp/B001EUB734/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1245871238&sr=8-2)

Larger List From Ebay:

digital ph meter, great deals on Home Garden, Pet Supplies on eBay! (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=digital+ph+meter&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

[SunnyD]

Cigarettes42,

Just wanted to show some appreciation for your avatar. Love it

[meandmine]

We have been using R/O water and cal-mag plus this time and things are looking great.


I use tap water run through a brita pitcher and kept at luke warm overnight. Gets the calcium and other stuff out. When I've used tap water straight I've had crud on my aerogarden.

[meandmine]

You might want to consider buying a ph meter. I'm growing hydro now and I'm constantly adjusting ph. Thinking back when I had to rely on liquid testers makes my ph meter a valuable tool.

Definately something to consider when I have expendable income. Right now I'll have to settle for the cheaper stuf.

[meandmine]

Sounds like your ready. We run 10 gallon strilite tubs from wally world. but I think your tubs are deep enough for autoflower as they will not get very big roots. The PH will be what you want to look out for and take into consideration the color of the water and nutes together, it will throw your test color off just alittle but nothing you can't deal with.

I'm Using The BC series nutes. Can someone tell me whether this is a three part series or not? On the website they want you to use everything they make, but that doesn't seem right. I've seen several feeding schedules. Can I have some professional advice here?

[LOC NAR on probation]

These are the only ones you need.


B.C Hydroponic Nutrients are a power-packed trio for nurturing generous vegetative crops and extraordinary floral growth. B.C Boost, B.C Bloom and B.C Grow are complete, professionally formulated, highly concentrated fertilizing agents. Unlike other brands, which include micronutrients in only one part of the formula, both B.C Grow and B.C Bloom contain a full complement of micronutrients, which are bolstered by the added calcium and iron in B.C Boost.

B.C Hydroponic Nutrients bring a balance of nutrients in proper form, assuring matchless growth and maximum yield. As well, minimal pH drift is assured, eliminating the need for constant adjustments. Growers can also greatly reduce cleaning time and expenditure, as Technafloraâ??s B.C Hydroponic Nutrients allow only minimal salt build-up. This remarkable three-part fertilizer is easy to mix and control, with simple to follow mixing instructions printed on every label.

With B.C Hydroponic Nutrients there are no secrets and no guesswork is required to achieve exceptional hydroponic harvests.

Sounds just like GH nutes. You don't need all the add ons.

[LOC NAR on probation]

I use tap water run through a brita pitcher and kept at luke warm overnight. Gets the calcium and other stuff out. When I've used tap water straight I've had crud on my aerogarden.

Straight tap water may have done the Aero in. You will need a bigger filter or R/O system. The britta helps a little but you need much more clean water now.

There are 2 types of chlorine. One evaperates into gas and the 2 is a solid, so you can't get it all with just a small filter. Not to mention floride and salt that's put in to make it soft.

If you can find nice well water that would help. My bro has perfect well water. He is soo cheap he doesn't even add nutes for most of the veg time. He needs it during flower but by the time he sees white hairs he's smoking and can't understand why he can't finish. LOL

[SauceeMcGee]

If you want water with NO nutrients in it at all, buy RO water or a home filtration system. Home RO filtration systems are kind of expensive and very wasteful. You can buy a reliable home set up with a monthly maintanence charge, but if you can find bottled RO water in large quantities, go that route because home system installation usually requires a monthly mechanic to come and change filters and whatnot.

When using RO water, watch for pH as it is much more acidic than tap water

Here are some specs on RO water:

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters and Water Purification (http://www.home-water-purifiers-and-filters.com/reverse-osmosis-filter.php)

[meandmine]

does it matter that regular tap water did wonderfully when growing from their kits?

[Bongtok4u]

Just wondering what type of lighting are you using? I am starting out my first hydoponics system it is a bubbleonic. I think i too have everything set and ready but i feel like im missing somthing. Is yours in a grow hut or closet? do you have ventilation and fans? I have well water and was told its better than tap what kind of water are u using? I am going to use stealth hydro fire,grow and bloom nuterants and i am using 2 100 watt cfls and 2 led 54 watts blue & red lights. I have not planted yet because i not sure if im ready. I also have a pump in mine that constanly feeds my girls 24/7. Is that how your is set up?
mine holds six plants. my temp is 75 and 65% humidity. What do you keep yours at? I dont think i am missing anything any help would be great.
Good luck with the grow:hippy:

[LOC NAR on probation]

does it matter that regular tap water did wonderfully when growing from their kits?

If your tap water does good for you then use it. I guess it's one of those try and see things. Some do very well with tap water. Some have a salt build up and that's in part because of nutes too. You will know when you get close to finishing how the buildup effects your stuff.

[meandmine]

Just wondering what type of lighting are you using? I am starting out my first hydoponics system it is a bubbleonic.

Right now I'm using the lights that come with the aerogarden plus some cfl's on the side. My new system will use cfl and flourecents.

[Supportradicalhabits]

when doing dwc make sure that you water temps are below 72F degrees or else you might get some algae and harmful bacteria, warm water temps usually lead to pythium. read through the grow logs, i've read a few people that have used the BC three part system and had satisfactory results.

[Bongtok4u]

what is pythium? i never heard of it. Is that why my water is stinky after 3 days. how do you keep water cool?

[Supportradicalhabits]

what is pythium? i never heard of it. Is that why my water is stinky after 3 days. how do you keep water cool?

pythium is root rot and a good way to keep your temps cool are by:

1.) Monitoring them (when they start rising too high I usually grab a few frozen two liter bottles and put them up against the side walls of my bucket... usually drops the temp by like 2 degrees over a 8 hour period)

2.) If using HID lighting wrap your bucket up in foil tape, it will reflect quite a bit.

[SauceeMcGee]

Make sure your DWC container is completely lightproof as well. That will ensure no extensive algal blooms

[meandmine]

I got everything on the shopping list and a few things for outdoor growing and planting clones.

I'm going to clone a bush for around the back of the yard and around the front... privacy. We're going to put the system together tomorrow. We may put up another row of vines to add additional privacy. We're the private type. I really don't want the neighbors being able to see in our windows when we have the drapes half open. I know it will take a lot longer than just buying new plants, but we can't afford the other way. I'm going to be a busy girl.

[dopeedogg]

Does anyone else have any tips? I expect my gift certificate in the mail today or tomorrow and I'd like to be ready to start when it arrives. Happy Birthday To Me :)

Try waterfarms or power growers. They are self contained continuous recirculating systems. Basically set it and forget it, (minus changing solutions every 1 or 2 weeks.) They are roughly 12-15" tall and 10" wide. They hold 2.5 gallon of water in the reserve bucket. I have 4 of theese running independanlty. I am pretty new to growing, My current grow is only # 4. But for being a "newbie" it is very easy with theese. My last grow i had 4 plants, got about 9oz total dried/cured nuggz. I was using 125watt compact florescent (600watt equivalent) for a 2 week veg, then switched to 400watt hps for 8 weeks of flowering. I was using Gh 3 part flora nutes. I also added kool bloom in weeks 3-6. Very happy with this setup. I grew way more than i expected or even needed. Now my homies get free medicine too!

[meandmine]

I ended up building my own system. I don't want a system that only does one plant at a time, though I can definately see the benefits. My little system will hold six plants comfortably. We may make anorher one to put the males either to collect the pollen or to pollenate the female we put with them in another room in another closet.

[FoothillsFarmer]

I highly recommend a TDS meter along with the pH meter... you can pick one up on ebay for around $20... this will help you keep track of the nutrients your plant is/isn't using so you can make adjustments accordingly. As far as the multi-site tubs go, they're nice when you're running clones or a very uniform strain, but you'll find that each plant has different requirements when grown from seed and they'll all grow at different rates. This can make for an uneven canopy and can ultimately hurt your yield due to reduced light exposure (one plant towering over another). You should be fine with your auto flowering strain... those don't grow to be that large and they stay pretty uniform for the most part, you're just sacrificing quality for simplicity imho... Another thing that I haven't seen mentioned yet is resevoir temps... this is rather important although it is overlooked regularly. Ideally, you don't want your water going over 72 degrees, preferrably in the low to mid 60's. This strongly reduces the chance of certain bacteria growing in your resevoir and killing your plants. When I first made my tubs, my temperatures were in the high 70's- low 80's and I noticed a film developing on my lines as well as the inside of my container... I used Reflectix to insulate and lightproof my tubs and I have no more funk in my res while my temps stay around an ambient 70. I add a 22oz frozen water bottle once a day to my resevoir to bring the temps down to around 64. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. I run (3) dual site tubs perpetually at the moment, each tub holds 3 gallons of water and has (2) 5" air disks... but I'll definitely be moving to a 1 container/plant system as soon as this next run finishes.