DWC Bucket Size- Seedlings

[LiquidMagik]

After starting seedlings in Rapid Rooter, I can't transfer them to my 5 gallon buckets immediately can I? I seem to remember hearing you should start in a smaller bucket while the roots are small, then gradually move to your larger size. Would 3 gallons still be too big? Or should I just get an 8 gallon rubbermaid container with space for 4 net pots, and use this for seedlings, then transfer the net pots to the 5 gallon buckets? Thanks for the help.

[Bachelorpads]

I personally but them directly in the bucket as soon as i can. If the plants are very small, just make sure the water is actually high enough to get the roots, even if that means it is over the bottom of the net pot. But it doesn't hurt them at all.

Usually you are supposed to graduate to bigger container in dirt, it shouldn't matter in hydro as long as there is enough room for the roots.

Good luck

[LiquidMagik]

Awesome, thanks!

[gsxxer]

overgrow FAQ not lost! http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/GrowFAQ%20Basic%20Topics.htm

[Zandor]

gsxxer....there is no need to keep posting that information. One is fine but more then that and it becomes spam for another site and that is not polite to our host here now is it?

[Zandor]

In hydroponics it's hard to transplant. The roots get tangled in the net pots and you kill them if you pull too hard. Once you have a good root structure started you can place them in the grow rocks and use the same net pot you will finish them in.

No need to move them like you do in dirt farming. 8" net pot is fine for start to finish once the roots are established.

[Aaron385]

8" netpots? I heard 3" was fine?? Whats the verdict?

[Zandor]

8" netpots? I heard 3" was fine?? Whats the verdict?

3" are you growing sog or another method that is a short small grow?

If not then your root ball will get bound in the veg cycle and the flower cycle will be stunted, that I guarantee.

A 3" net pot is good for about an 18" - 20" plant at finish at most.

[Aaron385]

no no.. I like um tall.

Ouch so what do I do, I have 3 soon to be mother plants in 3" net pots dangling roots into a 10 gal res.. I guess since they are mothers stunted growth wouldnt matter?? Where do I go from here?

I had no idea hydroponic plants could become root bound! I guess the plan is to leave the mothers in veg state in the current setup, take the clones and put them in 1.5" rockwool then 4x4 rockwool and then into ebb and flow trays for bloom.

If I did want to maximize the 8ft in height that I have to grow with how far apart should I put these plants in ebb and flow trays? I was thinking 1ft apart each. Their max height can get to probably 6ft without getting too close to the light.

[Bachelorpads]

I have grown trees in tiny little net pots (less the 3 inch) the key is to be ready for the net pot to break. Basically, the roots are going to get big enough to split the little holes of the net pot. As long as the net pot is "trapped" it should be fine. I just zip tie the net pot to the bucket lid and it works fine for the entire grow.

I just finished a plant that produced 12 O's in a 2 inch net pot actually.

As for hieght, I grow SCROG only. Efficiency is through the roof and I never have to tie them up, plus it keeps plant numbers way down. Check it out. If you go the way you are thinking I really don't have much advice. I have trouble getting the size right for plants done that way. Too much difference from one plant to the next. I am sure someone will have a good idea though.

Good luck

[Zandor]

You can crop mothers to keep the short. I keep my mothers in dirt 5 gallon buckets. Mothers in hydro grow to quick and can take up alot of room. Dirt give them a little more of a buffer.

I have grow SOG for a very long time my self.

As for rootbound yes. In hydroponics we worry more about the root ball size then the length of feeder roots.

If you want to keep mothers in hydro then how about a 3 gallon dwc bucket system? Very easy to build and maintain one control bucket can feed many mothers as they all are in the same cycle.

[Aaron385]

Actually I like the dirt idea.. I keep screwing up the hydro setup. Not sure whats up this time but my older leafs are loosing color.. looks like a nute problem but I leeched and put fresh nutes in yesterday and it is still getting worse.. possibly at a faster rate. I switched lighting from 24/0 to 18/6 in hopes that it will help. They are at 3 weeks now.

I think I would enjoy not having to deal with the hydro system for mother plants and just keep them in soil. I think after I take a series of clones I will throw a couple in dirt and use them as new mothers.

Im trying to get full automation on ph, CO2, and ventilation. Just got yet another DOA CO2 meter! I hate having to buy things more than once.. this will be the third attempt!

for DWC you keep the water level below the net pots right? It sounds like DWC and ebb and flow enjoy similar properties.. Im thinking of a hybrid system.. hmm.. will keep thinking on it.

[gsxxer]

sorry zandor i was not trying to offend anyone...just trying to spread around information people could use, i thought thats what these sites were about, helping people, not competition...ill erase all my "spams" and try to be more polite :)

[Zandor]

sorry zandor i was not trying to offend anyone...just trying to spread around information people could use, i thought thats what these sites were about, helping people, not competition...ill erase all my "spams" and try to be more polite :)

We are the ones (members) who helps others. The owners just give us a place for us to get together.

Thanks for understanding :thumbsup:

[Zandor]

for DWC you keep the water level below the net pots right? It sounds like DWC and ebb and flow enjoy similar properties.. Im thinking of a hybrid system.. hmm.. will keep thinking on it.

You you only need to keep the bottom 1/4 to 1/3 of the bucket to hold water. Just make sure you have plenty of air stones making lots of bubbles. :dance: