Quote Originally Posted by killa12345
I think you got it totally backward shake....the perlite retains water; the vermiculite works as the wick!
it's funny you say that because the soil plants that i add perlite to dry out faster than the ones i've amended with vermiculite. not to mention, my hempys don't need to be watered every 2-3 days. they can go longer in between.

"Materials such as diatomaceous earth, clay, vermiculite, hydrogel, and shredded bark will make soil hold more water. Gypsum releases nutrients and improves soil structure."

i'm not arguing with you killa. just something i came across. also, on that thread on IC with jrosek i think he says the same as i do. i know i've read it somewhere. perlite is added to aerate the soil and reduce compaction.

Quote Originally Posted by killa12345
I think 50/50 is not a good mixture at all....i think it would be to dense and not allow proper air flow and oxygen....just my opinion! I also dont think a PPM is neccasary if you kinda know the your feeding them is not to high! PH pen is a must....i would even try hempy's without a ph pen.....no drops...PH PEn ONLY......you want to be in that 5.8-6.0 range to allow all the nutrients to be availible to the plant!
yeah, like i said, i have no ideas on mixtures. 50/50 was merely a starting point.

you know the strains you are running, obviously. you have your own blend of nutes for christ sake. but if you are growing multiple strains, perhaps such as WH (which doesn't like too high of nutes) and other strains then a PPM meter will definitely come in handy. again, not arguing, but i wouldn't tell someone to start trying hempys without one, so that was my opinion! especially when one can be had for $20 or less, there is really no excuse not to have one. you can save that in your containers or elsewhere.

again, not trying to start anything. as you know you are one of the people i look up to around here!!!


-shake