Hydrophonics check list

[bazza76]

Right I am a first time grower and am looking to start my own Hydrophonic grow.

So far I have the following:

• Aerogrow Plus machine
• Low rider seeds (feminised)
• Replacements bulbs
• I have some nutrients that came with the aerogrow (not sure if I should be using them though?)

What I plan to get:

• A decent fan for my wardrobe
• Some ducting for the fan

Was just wondering if any of you guys could have an insight as to what else would be advisable to get for optimum growing hydroponically in a small wardrobe.
what nutrients the plants will need, precautions to take etc....
Would really appreciate some input on this one lads. Will provide pics and that as I go along of course and provide updates.

bazza76 Reviewed by bazza76 on 04-28-2010. Hydrophonics check list Right I am a first time grower and am looking to start my own Hydrophonic grow. So far I have the following: Aerogrow Plus machine Low rider seeds (feminised) Replacements bulbs I have some nutrients that came with the aerogrow (not sure if I should be using them though?) Rating: 5

[tinytoon]

there is a section on these boards that talks about building your area be it a room or closet. Doing Hydro is simple, the part that takes learning is growing inside. #1 problem with growing inside is heat. As long as you have a way to get rid of the heat that lights put out and can bring fresh air in for the plants then you already have about 75% of the battle won. As far as Nutes for your grow I am a user of GH products. I started using GH 3-Part and am now starting with additives. Start out slowly and you will have more enjoyment than if you have 20 bottles of crap your pouring into your rez without a clue wtf any of it does but the guy at the hydro store said "Oh you got to have this!!". 90% of the population of this forum just fell on the floor laughing because they know it is true. :wtf: Best thing to do is start reading all stickies in the forums that pertain to you. After your done reading them then read everything else :thumbsup: All I'm saying is do a lil research and take things 1 step at a time and when you do start your grow DON'T rush it. Most plants dont know they have a 7 week flower time, it might be 6 or it could be 10. All grows are a lil different so be flexible. The most important thing you need on your shopping list is a good, reliable, waterproof PH meter.

Hope this gets you rollin a lil and I'm sure others will chime in too!

[bazza76]

thanks for the input mate.
Have found something to start reading. a PDF book on growing cannabis using hydroponics.
Do you happen to know of any good reliable waterproof PH meter that I could use?
Someone told me before I could need an air pump too.

[tinytoon]

Yes an air pump with a couple of nice sized airstones for the rez is a must. For the meter I think most people use either a Hanna or I think the other is Milwakee.

[khyberkitsune]

I don't use digital pH meters, you have to keep buying calibration solutions and stuff and then of course if the probes get to corroded you've just lost a meter. GH has a liquid pH testing kit that's cheap and does the trick just fine.

[LOC NAR on probation]

The only reason for using a digital meter is because the tint of the nutrient solution throws off the color test and then your not sure of anything.

For first timers don't buy exspensive and things need to be checked for calibration weekly. To check without using calbratio solution just keep checking your base water it should never change. My R/O water is 7.0 never changes so I can tell if my meter is off.

pH METER (Hand Held) Milwaukee pH600

Some of the best deals are not in the hydrostore.

[khyberkitsune]

"The only reason for using a digital meter is because the tint of the nutrient solution throws off the color test and then your not sure of anything."

Lemon juice, nice and yellow, doesn't interfere with the drops turning the entire solution blood red to show it's highly acidic.

Also, don't use the stupid clear testing tube they give with the drops. Use a white-backed teaspoon.

I'm +/-.2 on my pH with drops versus using a meter. Meters are useless except for PPM, EC, and CO2. Even pH strips work just fine if made in a proper factory.