Root Rot Strikes Again

So I started 5 plants in a 50 gallon DWC bin for mt 4th flower a week ago. I got an 18W industrial air pump and 4 4' flexible air lines and figured I was set to grow some massive buds. Such was not the case. After 2 days, the roots started rotting and the plants were sagging hard and a couple were drooping so hard that the stems gave out. I freaked out and went and got 5 gallon buckets and threw them in there, think they just needed more direct air to the roots. I also added 1 tbsp of 3% H2O2 which I think made things worse because I checked on them after an hour and they looked like they were dead. I then dumped the buckets and decided to flush with pHed water and hope for the best.

Now, 4 days later, the plants are still drooping but are at least standing up. They seem to be somewhat stable, but since they are still droopy I don't think I'm out of the woods yet.

What should my next move be? I noticed this morning that they are starting to grow new roots, but will the new roots also rot since there are still some rotted roots in there or does it not matter as long as they get enough O2? Would it be a bad move to lop off the rotten part of the roots to get rid of the rotten parts? I just don't really know what to do and I don't want to have wasted 3 weeks growing these clones for nothing. I have been trying to get the slime off the roots and separate them so its not a huge mass but the old roots don't seem to be getting better.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Deja you're just plain a root rot magnet. There HAS to be something.....somewhere....in your system that is repeating. In other words you are growing LOVELY plants and then they crash. EVERY time. And I've been paying attention.....you've tried VERY hard, worked at EVERYTHING you've been asked to do....bought whatever you've been told to buy and done whatever was suggested. I'm honestly not sure I've seen anyone work harder to correct a problem than you have.

That's why I'm so sorry we haven't been able to pin the issue down for you.

Are you using a zyme product/and or your peroxide? Can you get a photo? Have you tried thoroughly bleaching all your equipment between grows including all tubing etc?

How old is your zyme product or other nute solution? Could they have been contimated in some way?

Can you keep a written log.....even a line or two a day may help us figure it out.

I remember when I had my worst power plant issue.....and telling my hydro man that it only took 2 days for the plant to crash. He told me that if it went down that fast it HAD to be a disease process if you could cover the overnute/ph issue (and they had been ok....)

I also asked him what to treat root rot with......let me call him again because he gave me the name of the stuff.....brb

It's called Root Exelurateor and he said if you were using H202 and it wasn't working to use this instead and it's the best there is for root rot.

Root Excelurator Stimulator 300 Mls, House & Garden - £30.49 : Norfolk Lights Hydroponics Center, UK Shop

We have to track down EXACTLY where the rotting start is being introduced to the system. That's why a log may help too.

Thanks for the help as always Weedhound. I honestly think that I have what I need down. Last flower, it was a matter of not enough room for the roots which led to the switch to DWC, then I just didn't have enough air/air stones.

This time, I think the diffuser tubes didn't cover enough area and there were some dead spots where the roots chose to hang out. That is why I decided to put them in individual buckets. They seem to like it a lot better in there because there's nowhere that the air doesn't hit so the roots cnt float into a dead spot.

I will check to see if my local shop has that excelurator stuff. How long do you think I should wait to introduce nutes again and should I get rid of the rotted roots or just leave them be?

I think my problems are just a matter of not enough air. I am using hygrozyme because they don't have cannazyme where I am. I looked into the Voodoo juice that rhizome told me about but the stuff is like $200! I used a new bin and new everything this time so I don't think anything is contaminated. I think it was just not enough air, but now I am left wondering what to do next to save my young ladies if possible. If I can't save them or if you think it wouldn't be worth it, I am just going to flower my 4' tall x 2' wide mother plant that has been growing for about 3.5 months now! :)

Hey there,
Hygrozyme is the best. Every ten days. Are your containers black? Too hot? What is the water temp? Voodoo juice is really good for growing monster root systems, but hygrozyme every 10 days makes for nice water. Pirahna and tarntula work well too. If you are using H2O2 throw a couple pennies in the bottom, copper is anti-microbial. Good luck.

Deja if you're pretty sure lack of 02 is the answer then good. If you can get the root stuff I would....my hydro guy swears its the best bar none.

Never heard about the penny theory so can't recommend it myself and would worry about possible copper toxicity.

Cannazym is the best to prevent root rot....all conditions given being the same and Root Exeluater (however the heck it's spelled) is best to TREAT root rot.

Stay on top with the H202.....it'll be the only thing killing the pathogens.

What number ppm were you/are you at?

Ps....If you DO buy the root excel....then stop using the H202....can't use them together. ;)

All plants are starting to show nice white roots but above ground they still look really shitty. I put 1/2 tsp of 3% H2O2 in tonight. They are currently running on straight water that started at 350 PPM but is now around 450. Containers are completely blacked out and temps are around 72. Thanks for all the help guys and gals.

Well, I fucked up. I forgot to close the curtain between my veg and flower rooms before I went to bed so they got 2 extra hours of light by the time I realized it. They are looking pretty bad anyways, so I think I'm just gonna call this one a scratch and start over and make sure I have a buttload of air running in the bucket. Thanks anyways all!

Sorry to hear that Deja.......I'm going to go buy some of that root stuff because i'm REALLY struggling with one plant as well and I don't seem to be touching the problem. I KNOW it's got enough air and nutes and I've flushed several times.........sigh.

Let me know how your new one goes....good luck. :)

Have you tried Hygrozyme WH? I love that stuff, Try it you won't be disappointed! Plus it has a really long shelf life. I have pennies in the bottom of all the DWC cells and the plants look really nice. Something an old timer taught me back when in the greenhouses.

Actually PlantHead I like Cannazym myself.....but once root rot has taken hold H202 is better. Still scares me about the pennies though......saw a chihuahua almost die once after it swallowed a penny and got poisoned.....Not that a chihuahua and a marijuana plant are the same thing, lol.