What's a good growing medium for hydroponic growing?
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What's a good growing medium for hydroponic growing?
Any help?
Hydroton is my favorite. Although there is a discussion going on about it right now.
mix of vermiculite and perlite. otherwise rockwool with hydroton
vermiculite and perlite is a "Soiless mix" kinda of different approach.
If we are going to consider that there is a SCALE from soilless mixes all the way to EXXXXTREME hydroponics (aero), I'd say it goes something like this:
-Simple organic soilless mixes based on peat
-Simple organic soilless mixes based on coco fibre
-Simple inert mixes based on fine particulates (perlite, vermiculite, washed silica sand)
-Simple inert mixes based on coarse particulates (hydroton and other clay pebbles, washed granite stone)
-Fibre media (rockwool, long-fibre coir, fibreglass insulation)
-Minimal media hydroponics (NFT, DWC where only the stem is supported)
-Aeroponics using collar supports or baskets with little or no media at all
I think hydroton is the dog's bollocks. Remember to wash ALL media first with water at pH 6.
The main two as I see it are vermiculite/perlite mix and hydroton. Each have different applications, I vastly prefer hydroton.
I see more people using hydroton than anything. I myself am
doing my first grow with rockwool and hydroton.
My 2 cents:
I hate hydroton. Other than the prep involved, it sucks on several levels. It is not for beginners or people who like things simple. It holds waaay to much moisture IMHO. You'll likely be battling rot and mold.
I hate perlite/vermiculite mixes. I recently planted 20+ seeds, about half in a mixture of 50/50 perlite/vermiculite. The other half in seedling soil, with about 10% perlite added. All except 2 in the soilless medium died from damping off, or some similar fungus-type invisible moldy shit. All the soil plants are thriving extremely well, and have been from the beginning. Identical conditions, with plenty of ventilation and applications of antifungal. The only possible difference is that I had to water the mix about twice as often as the soil.
I love expanded clay pellets. A popular brand is Hydroton. They should be rinsed before use to get most the red out, but other than that I've never had to maintain them or PH balance them. To wash the red out simply tear a small hole in the bottom of the bag, and run a hose or faucet through the top of the bag until the red stops coming out. I bought a bunch several years ago and have never had to buy hydro medium again. I wash it in the kitchen sink after each grow. It takes about an hour to thoroughly wash 12 6" net pots full. I put a couple handfuls in a plastic strainer and swish it around while running water over it. Any vegetative matter seems to want to cling to the sides. I inspect them to be sure, as I slowly pour them out of the strainer. Clay pellets seem to hold the perfect amount of moisture for my needs.
I hope that helps a little.
so do you just hate the hydroton brand? i've been using the b'cuzz roxx and have had no troubles. i didn't think there was really a difference in clay pellets. interesting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie Yutts
skeet.
Opie, did you mean you hate rockwool? I hate rockwool. It's definitely something for experienced growers who are willing to put in the time to do a correct drip-to-waste.
lol i think he meant rockwool..
Good lord, I'm either a stoner or an idiot, or possibly both. I meant to say that I hate rockwool. sorry.Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie Yutts
PS. I use hydroton brand, and don't know if there is much difference between brands. Many grow stores will only stock Hydroton, at least in my area. I suspect that they're all pretty much the same, but there are many differences in clay. Hmmm...
You see, the deal is I think I have trouble even saying the word "rockwool". Maybe I need professional help.
I'm with you on all that. I've always just used Hydroton because I figure for one thing they're pretty much all the same, and for another there's gotta be a good reason that Hydroton is the biggest name. Besides, you can always find it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Opie Yutts
And I do not like rockwool. way more trouble than its worth imho