Is this OK to start out as a Super Noob?

[Brewmaniac]

Just getting my Medical Cannabis ID in Michigan and after reading so much my head's spinning(no it's not the weed).
This looks like an inexpensive hydro system, is it a decent way to start?
General Hydroponics Eco Grower Max
Eco Grower Max General Hydroponics - eBay (item 230263967590 end time Aug-14-09 10:45:45 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230263967590&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT)

With 250 HPS lights in an open top enclosure(3'x3'), in a heated garage.

[SauceeMcGee]

Hey man, if you want to go hydro, search online and on this forum for DIY DWC buckets. Preferrably though, if you are a newb, try growing one very simple plant in soil so you can get the hang of growing before you step up to hydro.

When working in hydro, you need to be able to make quick diagnoses, sometimes without our help, and know WHAT to do WHEN.

Soil, in many ways, is much more forgiving than hydro.

Get yourself a nice light, do some reading on the significance of pH, different nutrient solutions, different soils, light schedules, strains, etc.

If you are HELL BENT on doing a hydro grow, don't try to tackly 5 plants at once with this monster of a machine. Research on this site and try googling "Hempy Buckets". Simply put, these are an amazing way to grow with a soilless medium.

Good luck man. Do some research and save your money for some NICE lights,

SMG

[tinytoon]

Hmm I would have to disagree and say Hydro for me has been pretty much simple and straight forward. I would say that a 5 gal DWC bucket would prob be the easiest and least expensive to start with though. 5 gallon bucket, netpot lid, an air pump with stone, possibly some hydrotron (not a DWC expert, I run Ebb & Flow) and your growing. Most critical thing in Hydro is water (of course), so monitoring PH levels is the key. Believe it or not in a pinch a regular aquarium PH test kit works, i used one for almost a year before I got my meter. Any ? I'll try to help as I can :jointsmile:

[martyrprojekt]

Not my suggestion for a first grow. I learned soil first and then I am now learning hydro. These pre-made systems all seem to have flaws from the research I did before I went looking for my supplies.

My advice. Build your own system...This way you know how it works. How to fix it, and how to make a new one. Easiest systems on earth to assemble and make are drip hydro systems. All the parts are available in your local hardware store or Home Depot!

Then look around craigslist to find lights and other expensive gear. You will save hundreds, if not thousands by going used. Or price shop new on the internet and ask your local hydro shop for the internet pricing.

My Veg room:

8 tube T5 light NEW; $150.00
Drip system parts and tubing: $70
4- 3x4 Trays used: $40
20 gallon res used: $20
2x2 tray used: $20
4 bulb T5 light used: $40

12 t5 bulbs new: $125
-----------------------------------------
Nutes: $90
Cal Mag: $30
-----------------------------------------
Milk crates for tables: FREE (I stole these!!!)


Flower Room:

Grow tent 7x7x7: $150
(2) 1000 watt HPS lights w/ ballast used: $300
(4) 3x4 trays used: $40
(2) 1000 watt blue spectrum bulbs: $150

I already owned my fans...so I didn't need those...But, buy these new is my advice.

$1,225 is what I spent for everything...imagine what you could do with this setup.The forums will help you out. Make friends and ask questions. Document your grow!

---------------------------------

Happy Growing :hippy:

-Martyr Projekt

---------------------------------

[crabbyback]

Hey man, if you want to go hydro, search online and on this forum for DIY DWC buckets. Preferrably though, if you are a newb, try growing one very simple plant in soil so you can get the hang of growing before you step up to hydro.

When working in hydro, you need to be able to make quick diagnoses, sometimes without our help, and know WHAT to do WHEN.

Soil, in many ways, is much more forgiving than hydro.

Get yourself a nice light, do some reading on the significance of pH, different nutrient solutions, different soils, light schedules, strains, etc.

If you are HELL BENT on doing a hydro grow, don't try to tackly 5 plants at once with this monster of a machine. Research on this site and try googling "Hempy Buckets". Simply put, these are an amazing way to grow with a soilless medium.

Good luck man. Do some research and save your money for some NICE lights,

SMG
:postgood:

Hempy buckets are a great way to learn hydro. Very forgiving and fairly easy to fix mistakes.

[LOC NAR on probation]

Here's a link to what we started with. they have bubblers too just as cheap. Once we saw these we can make them for 25 bucks. Cheaper for the bubbler and then you need light. Remember the bigger the light the bigger the buds. I would have to say hydro was much easier and quicker to fix if you can find the problem. Many times in soil it's tooooo late by the time you find your problem.10 Gallon Drip System (http://www.landmsales.com/6_plant_drip.htm)