?on how constant of a drip?

[Grow_4_us]

I set up a drip system and it didn't work out well.Think root rot ruined it.When removeing the hydroton it had a clearish slime down around ther area where the roots used to be.So I was wandering how constant of a drip and if any one knows what I did wrong.The ph was constantly going up so I was adjusting alot.Oh and I also used a little bit of blackstrap.

Any ideals of what might of caused it?

Grow_4_us Reviewed by Grow_4_us on 08-18-2007. ?on how constant of a drip? I set up a drip system and it didn't work out well.Think root rot ruined it.When removeing the hydroton it had a clearish slime down around ther area where the roots used to be.So I was wandering how constant of a drip and if any one knows what I did wrong.The ph was constantly going up so I was adjusting alot.Oh and I also used a little bit of blackstrap. Any ideals of what might of caused it? Rating: 5

[Grow_4_us]

Come on now I know somebody gots to know how constant of a drip its supose to be?slow drip two seconds in between or a small steady pour?
Anyone?

[bongerstonerd00d]

Well, I have not yet tried a drip setup, but it is on the drawing board for this fall/winter season. My medium is going to be a combo of Coco and Hydroton.

But, from what I have read most do around 15 minutes per hour when lights are ON. I've also read that too little beats too much (causes root rot). As plants mature they may need more I am going to assume. I guess it would also depend on the flow rate of your drippers.

As with ANY hydro application pH is your primary concern. Meaning being able to get to what you want it to be(5.5-5.8 plant age dependent), and most importantly maintaining that level. If pH too high, root rot is a real problem in many cases and you get that beautiful slime you so elequolently described. Root rot will cause pH flucuations also.


Do you know what the pH was of your nute solution last grow? If so, what ? High rez temps will cause root rot, too. Did you have the tops of your containers covered to prevent light from hitting the roots ?

You can also add H202 to your rez to keep roots healthy, but only if everything else is on the money. Personally I use Flora Shield and my roots are very happy. But, my pH is correct and stable, and my rez temps are in check, too. (68-72 degrees)

On the blackstrap I can see that causing probs in hydro. Molasses at room temp is like a thick goo comming out of the container. So, if rez temp is 68-72 degrees I cant imagine it being real easy to keep mixed in solution. But, what do I know, I never used it before. Thats just my guess.

Weedhound grows with drip, I think Rhizome does, too. They'll be around, you just need to be patient.



b0nger

[Grow_4_us]

The ph kept going up to like 7.4+.I was atempting to keep it at 6.4-6.6.I got the ph test that you take a sample of water and add a drip og solution ,shake and it changes color.I'm regerminating in soil now till I get the drip system more down.Also Im thinking about usuing bat guano but not sure wich brand,they also got an type with phosforus(not sure of spelling).Thinkthis is a yes for soil or no?

[bongerstonerd00d]

Well, 6.4-6.6 was way too high for hydro, too. Sounds as if all your problems were pH related. pH MUST be 5.5-5.8/9 (plant age dependent) in hydro. Here is a link for you should you want to give hydro another shot.
http://boards.cannabis.com/attachmen...0&d=1121829312

Before you do hydro again, do yourself a favor and read for about a month here. Go through all the threads and read, read, and then read more. You did not have the basics down, and winging it with hydro normally produces the exact results you achieved. I am not trying to be a smartass, just telling you that you need to be much better informed before you try again.

The kind of test kit you have will work, but if you want to get serious invest 120-150 bucks in a TDS/pH meter. It is an invaluable tool to have when growing hydro. Some say you do not need, I say bullshit, you need it.

Your best hydro growers know their pH, how to control it, how to maintain it, and what strength (TDS) of nutes they are feeding their plants. They are not guessing rez change to rez change.

When you fire up your hydro system again, we'll try to help, but you gotta get a little closer to gettin things dialed in than you were in your first attempt. You'll love hydro, but it takes time, research, and hells of tiral and error. The results are amazing once you get it figured out.

As for your soil question and bat guano, I aint got a clue. I have never grown in dirt (unless my veggie garden). So, I cant answer. Maybe try posting in the Indoor Section or something.

Best of luck with your soil grow,


b0nger

[Grow_4_us]

Iv'e already done a lot of reading through the forums because I wanted to make sure I did it simulary right..Iv'e noticed people who gets suspected as noobs gets told that often(that to read more).As for the ph setteing I was following what I read other posts.I'll try lowering it to 5-5.5 and see how it works out.
Thanks alot for your help.I will keep reading as to there are always something dsome one might of missed.

[bongerstonerd00d]

You must have been reading about soil grows, because 6.4-6.6 pH is perfect for that. Hydro is a totally different animal. As I said previously, it's one of the most important variables you must learn to control when growing in water. Keep reading, the light will come on and then you can ask questions and try again. Dont get discouraged, everyone makes hells of mistakes on their first few attempts, but it will come.

And if anyone did suggest you to keep your pH in the 6.4-6.6 range for hydro, they were incorrect. Your plants can uptake very little, if any nutes when pH is that high. Here is a chart for you to reference when you try again. Remember, a pH of 6.5 is 10 times higher than a pH of 5.5, not 1 point.

http://boards.cannabis.com/attachmen...0&d=1121829312

It shows you the proper pH for both hydro and soil.

I start with 5.5-5.6, and once in flower I go up~ .1 point about every 3 weeks ending at~ 5.9-6.0. For the strains I grow, that seems to be optimal. Your strains may very well be a little different, but not by much.

Remember:
pH correct and stable.
no light on roots or getting in rez.
rez temps no higher than 72-74.
Start light on nutes and work up, makes life much easier, and avoids stress to plants.
Give them ROOM to grow. Dont try to grow 12 plants that are crowding each other, 4 plants with room to grow will equal same yield/watt +/- very little.
Address any problems you have yesterday, hydro is not real forgiving.
Keep NOTES, detailed !
Learn to keep mother(s) and clone.
If possible get a real pH/TDS meter/tester.
Also, get a R.O. system.
Purchase Cal Mag and Superthrive, learn what they do and how/when to use them.

Keep reading and asking questions. There any many knowledgeable growers here who can help you get things on track.

No matter how you decide to grow, best of luck:thumbsup:



b0nger

[Opie Yutts]

SOIL: 6.8
HYDRO: 5.5

A little off from those would be OK.

It may take a little experimenting to find the right water schedule. Everyones set up is different. Just remember the key: Keep the roots as dry as possible without stressing the plant. If your roots are rotting, then obviously they are too moist. I use clay pellets and water for 30 seconds every 10 minutes, but am thinking of trying every 15 minutes.