coco or hydro....that is the question

[jamar001]

I am setting up another dwc/top drip tub for my 3rd attempt........trying to decide between filling my 3" net pots with coco coir or hydroton.......anyone want to share there opinions, and as far as the hydroton goes, most everyone seems to have the medium grade, but has anyone tried the fine grade......any pros cons to one of these 3 options over the other would be appreciated.

[LOC NAR on probation]

I have seen coco used but not in a drip. I would think it would stay too wet or hard to adjust the timing on the drip.

I would go hydrotron and the fine is so small sometimes it falls through the net pots. Must be why most use medium size but it's all the same. We are back to running 24/7 drip and doing well.

[jamar001]

Not sure just how fine "fine" is, was thinking pea gravel vs "medium" marble size. Most of the net pots i have seen on the net are slotted with larger openings, ....never really know what you are getting until it arrives at your door. The 5" ones obtained from my local aquarium shop are tighter mesh for holding back fines and I wish i could find some mesh 3" pots....but already ordered the slotted version....currently have been using a mix of perlite and a red "clay" chipped aggregate media for planted aquariums, not expanded, but comes from georgia not germany......seems to have been doing well except for more fines = more dust........was hoping to upgrade media and improve results. i have to come up with something my media mix prolly wont stay in those slotted cups. Maybe try out some locally available lava rock as well.

[jamar001]

ok so i bit the bullet and ordered online no less, not from ebay but from someones direct sight who also has ebay store. Thought shipping would be cheaper becasue the are in adjoining state but nonetheless same cost to ship as from cali.............also looking for best price on nutes. I have researched enough to know i want the gh3part.

[the image reaper]

coco sucks, ok I said it :D ... use hydroton, or, better yet, 'Hygromite', if ya can find it locally, shipping costs will KILL ya :wtf: ... wash thoroughly, set in water for day or two, to stabilize pH, etc... happy gardening :smokin:

[jamar001]

and steering me clear of the coco, i hear its great, maybe just not for our use. I was considering the hygromite, just couldnt find much info about it. As for shipping, these days, seems i can ship cross country or across the county for the same cost, 10-20 bucks, and hell, when it comes to hooking myself up, money ain't no object........yet anyway. I have no local stores to shop at so will be paying upwards of $25 to ship 3gallons of nutes. Im not sure i need that much but its way cheaper than quarts in the end. I hope to be able to eventually "reap" the rewards, then i will be a reaper too.