SNEAKPEEK-experiment15...rockwool trays/perlite medium/drip.

[latewood]

Here is a sneakpeek of new project...I was in hydro store the other day and saw these trays...They are designed to hold rockwool slabs(I believe), and they had the large FOXFARM perlite...those of You that know me...well I got this idea...

If I fill the trays with large perlite and add a drip system...I might have some nice lightweight, in-expensive, Clone production Units...

Here's a look...Let me know what you think...Keep in mind, I just set this up to get it running...It may/probably will change, somewhat.lw:smokin:

latewood Reviewed by latewood on 02-27-2006. SNEAKPEEK-experiment15...rockwool trays/perlite medium/drip. Here is a sneakpeek of new project...I was in hydro store the other day and saw these trays...They are designed to hold rockwool slabs(I believe), and they had the large FOXFARM perlite...those of You that know me...well I got this idea... If I fill the trays with large perlite and add a drip system...I might have some nice lightweight, in-expensive, Clone production Units...:) :) :) Here's a look...Let me know what you think...Keep in mind, I just set this up to get it running...It Rating: 5

[britewire]

Why not use a pump for a little stream of nutrient-water from one side to the other? You could just grow plants on there instead of clone production only?

[latewood]

that is basically what I did...each tray has a troth on both sides. I put drippers at the far end away from the drains and pump solution to each tray that way...not each plant, just a dripstream.

These clones are all rooted and I am planning on finishing them right where they are at. I just meant that I wasn't growing from seed this way...I clone in my aero-sprinkler unit, then I transplanted 11 rooted clones into these trays. Isn't that what you are suggesting? thanks lw

[Garden Knowm]

COOL!!!!!
LATE... I always thought I would be crafty when I got older... but I am still the same goof ball..
but you are CRAFTY!!!!!!!!!!!

How are the plants gonna stand strong?
DID i miss something?
I think that the plants will fall over eventually if your only medium is perlite...

I look forward to seeing more!!!!!

LOVE

[latewood]

thanks GK...We will see. If necessary, I can hang them I can't wait, either.lw:smokin:

I have an old baby crib bottom spring...I'va been looking at that for awhile, to use as a Screen...I think it will work...Wahdaya think?

[elcheapo]

Looks like there is enough depth there to prevent them from falling over, even in perlite. Probably depends on how tall you plan to grow them. If you scrog or sog then it shouldn't be an issue. Although the roots will take over those trays within no time I rekon. By the way I'm a big fan of perlite. Its a great medium. I'm nearing the end of my first hydro test grow using it and I can't say enough good things about it. I have been logging my progress and will post a thread when/if it finishes successfully.
I know you are a very experienced hydroponics grower but have you used perlite before?

[latewood]

I think there is enough depth also, because I am tranplanting rooted clones...
therefore, in my experience/judgement I will be OK. IF they get top-heavy*...
...(Well, that wouldn't suck, or be the 1st time)...see above reply to Knowmy*

As far as perlite...I use it to mix with my soil or soilless potted plants...
I have always used hydroton, and I LOVE hydroton...perfect for most hydro...
I knew these trays would take every bit of hydroton, I had already...As I mentioned at top...I saw trays...light bulbs!!!...I was looking at a giant $35.
bag of hydroton and there was a giant FOXFARM Large perlite for $25...

I have read a few pieces on cloning in perlite, and these particles are much bigger than other perlite I have encountered, not to mention, all the Commercial/Hydro Tomato Grower's that I know...Use the beige hydro buckets filled with perlite, very successfully. So I thought I would try it...Thanks for response and Q's...lw

[turtle420]

I want to open up a hydro store, right in the corner of latewood's street.

Latwood, you just can't resist, can you? lol !

Looking good... I think it's GREAT the experimentation... different ways of doing the same things. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: !!!

[latewood]

It's working!!!More than I can say for my capacitors...Hortilux down

[britewire]

I can imagine that a plant from seed is a better idea on perlite, cause of the pen root. Clones don´t have a pen root, they have a normal root that doesn´t go that deep...