First grow

Hello everyone. Ive finally decided to take the big step and start growing. Ive got my 150w HPS light on the way, as well as my seeds (growing Auto Hindu Kush) , I also have some liquid karma and cal-mag plus coming. Since this is my first grow all I really hope for are the plants to make it to harvest. Ive also decided on a ebb and flow system with 2 big tubberwear bins.

Now I know there is limitless information out there and I am still doing my research, but alot of the stuff is spread out and I was just hoping for a few pointers. First, for my first grow will just liquid karma and cal-mag plus be sufficient? I read liquid karma is good for all stages of growth, but im definatly willing to get more nutrients although I dont want to go too overboard on my first grow. I plan on buying RO water, I read some suggest to mix it half with tap water... Im still working on getting a ph tester and ppm tester..

Ive already set up my system ( pics at bottom), I havnt added any drainage yet still working on it... As it is I have one bin serving as my res. under the other, I had a old pump that just overflows the water from the bottom of it to the top, so i just cut a whole in the side of the top bin so the water could overflow into the top bin. This is just the best I came up with with materials from around the house, I may just invest in a better pump, ill see how it goes... Now as far as drainage, I plan on putting my pump on a timer. Iim just going to poke a few small wholes in the bottom of the bin so that the water will drain out slowly ( but still remain full when pump is on).. How high should my overflow tube be? If anyone sees any problems with my system im open to some constructive critism.

So then it comes down to getting my plants into the system.. Ive read a few different things but i think im going to use hydroton and rockwool, is there anything better/easier? How much space should I leave below the plants in the top bin? The pump is about 6-8 inches from the bottom, is that enough space?

And one other thing, how often should I change my res. water?


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Go to the hydroponics forum. Check out the stickys and all posts by Weedhound, StinkyAttic and other senior members...:thumbsup:

you are going to need nutes besides Karma and Cal-mag. I use GH 3 part and recommend Latewood's Legacy receipe, real simple and to the point. I believe LW receipe is sticky in hydro, if not just do search here on site and you will find it. I also use RW and Hydrotron. Before using make sure both get soaked in PH'd water and as for changing res I do weekly, a bi-weekly flush wont hurt as you will get some salt build-up from the RW but nothing really to worry about. Google E&F systems and you will find some very good pics and such of system setup and basic operating principals.