(NFT) Nutrient Flow Technique..?

Does anyone know anything or has tried this technique?

NFT:

NFT is a system that uses a "film" of nutrient solution . . . which flows continuously over the bottom of the channel containing the plants. The fertile fluid is constantly recirculated, and can be used (with periodic enrichment) for several weeks.

American researchers at the Long Island Horticultural Research Laboratory of Cornell University have been working with NFT since 1975 . . . and they claim the technique's versatility is enormous! For example, unlike other forms of hydroponics, NFT can be used with or without a growing medium (the latter method eliminates the otherwise necessary beds of heavy-and hard to sterilizegravel) . . . it can be set up with either horizontal or vertical growing beds . . . it's practical both indoors and out . . . and it's economical to use and basic in design.

An NFT system is a snap to assemble, too. All that's needed are [1] a growing bed of some sort, [2] two containers (plastic wastebaskets or dishpans are perfect for this job, but avoid unlined metal containers) . . . the first to supply the nutrient-by gravity feed-to the growing bed and the second to act as a receiving basin to collect the fluid after it has trickled past the roots, and [3] a pump, connecting pipes or tubing, and some screw clips to be used as control valves.

The fertilizer solution is contained in the elevated nutrient tank, from which it travels-by way of plastic or rubber hose-to the growing bed. The rate of nutrient flow is easily controlled by a screw clip on the tubing. The liquid passes through the growing bed (which is at a minimum 2 or 3% tilt) and then drains into the receiving (or catchment) tank . . . picking up oxygen as it spills into the receptacle. The fluid completes the cycle when a pump in the lower tank-cued by the tripping of a float switch in the upper container-kicks in and sends the nutrient on its way upward.

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I used a similar method for a year and reverted to plain old soilless mix. With NFT assuming probably 6 plants on single reservoir system, if it goes south you're going to lose all 6 plants. Root rot is a huge problem if your room gets warm, particularly the res. It also can spread fast and taking out everything. Power out, no watering..

On the plus side a system can produce very well.

I went back to soilless mix and haven't had a problem since. With NFT I lost a few.. Way too risky for me.

Thanks Farmer, I am curious as to what Soiless Tecnique you are using? I am currently using a DWC setup. I jus want something a lil easier to maintain. I am thinking of a 6 pot drip system setup, using 5gal buckets, hooked into a main res. Im thinkin 20-25 gal res as a catch and a pump to provide the "Drip" over the plants. Basically an (RDS), re-circulating drip system.

Pics coming today. I am flushing today to start these ladies on FoxFarms "BeastieBloomz" as a stand alone. I have been in flower since Jan. 1 and projected Harvest around March 3. I am going to be using "BeastiBloomz" as a stand alone for the last 2 1/2 weeks, then straight ph'd for the last week and a half for flushing.

I basically use standard commercial sized gardening pots using a peat based soilless mix, in my case Pro Earth #2; have also used Sunshine mix #4 and had fine results with it too. For nutes, I like Advanced. Basically keep ti pretty simple now.

Grow in soil and you can dispense with 3/4 of your nutes and pH becomes a relatively minor issue. It is very forgiving. I use FoxFarm Ocean Forest. I don't need to nute at all during veg although I do provide a few additives for enhancement. In flower I nute 4 or 5 times @ progressively higher does up to maximum of 10ml / gallon. I've left my girls for a week without water without issue. It's so low maintenance that can go days without looking in on them. Well I could except I'm like a mother hen...

I agree.. I love soil. Its so much easier to maintain. I am doing this for my girl and I. I figure if this isnt producing, I am going to convince her to convert to soil! Lol..

Everyone thinks you'll have a larger harvest with hydro too.. I found it to be pretty much the same for NFT or soilless mix. For nutes, I still use several different products (root/bloom enhancers), but at specific times and always low amounts. For me a gallon of a/b mix (2 gallons) will last me about 6-7 months. I generally mix mine in the 600-800 ppm ranges. I could go longer not watching mine, though in full flower they can suck up some water. :jointsmile:

I've had a 1 liter each of Botanicare Grow and Bloom for more than a year and I still have 1/2 of the Grow and 1/4 of the Bloom. I use a few other products to enhance the beneficial soil fungi and bacteria and I've pissed around with free Bloombastic samples, though I'm not convinced that molasses isn't just as good. Check your reps Farmer Rich. I think PR is trying to get in touch.

HIGHTIMES.COM > Subcool’s Super Soil Step-by-Step

When made properly this soil has enough nutrients available to get an entire plant from veg to flower with only water, carbohydrates, and love. :) You layer your pots with 1/2 to 3/4(depending on the strain) of the super soil and then use a standard base soil for the rest(example is roots organics) and your good to grow. About 4 weeks into flower top dress the pots with about 2-3 inches of super soil for the heavy feeding plants. 100% organic with hydro style growth.

it takes the science out of growing....but sometimes people like the science. Thats where hydroponics comes in.