water consumption

[newgroweroldsmoker]

ok guys, haven't started my grow yet and i have a question, i am new to hydro though (new to whatever anyway)....the tank of my system has a capacity of 95lt,around 23 gallons, the NFT tray from above has dimension of 4x3ft and can grow to maturity up to 24 small plants.....what consumption of nutrient mix (water+nutes) should i expect my plants to show (i mean what would be their maximum consumption rate if everything works out fine)?
somewhere in a thread in this forum i've read about some plants drinking 2 lt each a day (i think it's a DWC though but the fact remains)....
also, just for safety reasons, how often should i change the nutrient mix?

[Zandor]

Nutrients change every 7-10 day's. They will drink more if the temperature is above 80f for any extended period of time. Above 85f they can drink as much as a 1/2 gallon a day or more. Average is about a liter a day for hydroponics. Watch the Ph and keep it between 5.2 and 6.0 and you should be safe.

[newgroweroldsmoker]

if i manage to make them drink 1/2 a gallon a day will this mean a high yield in the end?

[Zandor]

Well you canâ??t force a plant to drink. That would be over watering. All you can do is to provide the proper Ph and nutrients and the plant will do the rest. Higher yields are achieved with enhanced CO², proper temperature control and plenty of light.

[fhydro]

Hello,
i'm facing a stretching problem. My AK47 is 2 weeks into flo, and after at least 1 week of stretching, i'm wondering if i will have enough room to finish them. What do you think? Has someone grown AK47, i'm sure yes. Other question, on the 8 plants in that room, 1 ak does not drink the same as her neighbours. In fact, she drinks the half. And the buds seem to be late also. The root system is not as big also. Is it normal? Can i do something ? Question for Zandor or bubbler users who know : before changing the nutes, i check EC and PH of the previous mix. This morning, one was EC 3.6!!! The water i give them is EC 1.8 not more. It means that they don't drink all the nutes, and that i could give them less (i use GH flora series ans it's not cheap)? PH is stable, 6.0. What would you do ? Thanks
Fhydro

[Zandor]

When you take an EC or TDS reading after the plants have uses up some nutrients they also put back others it will read different. It does not mean you can use fewer nutrients. That's why you change the water/ nutrient solution every 7 to 10 days. by day 15 the water/nutrient solution can become toxic to the plants. So it's better the error on the side of caution and play it safe.

You may need to bend the tops over and tie them down to make room. On average most strains grow about 12" to 18" during the flower stage.

[fhydro]

Now my lighting is at the highest level. The buds are starting forming. I bended the highest flowers and i think i will have enough room to finish these tall ladies.
Fhydro

[newgroweroldsmoker]

Looking good man, i am anxious to start my second grow!



NGOS:)