DWC Bucket Size- Seedlings

[LiquidMagik]

After starting seedlings in Rapid Rooter, I can't transfer them to my 5 gallon buckets immediately can I? I seem to remember hearing you should start in a smaller bucket while the roots are small, then gradually move to your larger size. Would 3 gallons still be too big? Or should I just get an 8 gallon rubbermaid container with space for 4 net pots, and use this for seedlings, then transfer the net pots to the 5 gallon buckets? Thanks for the help.

LiquidMagik Reviewed by LiquidMagik on 06-15-2006. DWC Bucket Size- Seedlings After starting seedlings in Rapid Rooter, I can't transfer them to my 5 gallon buckets immediately can I? I seem to remember hearing you should start in a smaller bucket while the roots are small, then gradually move to your larger size. Would 3 gallons still be too big? Or should I just get an 8 gallon rubbermaid container with space for 4 net pots, and use this for seedlings, then transfer the net pots to the 5 gallon buckets? Thanks for the help. Rating: 5

[Bachelorpads]

I personally but them directly in the bucket as soon as i can. If the plants are very small, just make sure the water is actually high enough to get the roots, even if that means it is over the bottom of the net pot. But it doesn't hurt them at all.

Usually you are supposed to graduate to bigger container in dirt, it shouldn't matter in hydro as long as there is enough room for the roots.

Good luck

[LiquidMagik]

Awesome, thanks!

[gsxxer]

overgrow FAQ not lost! http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/G...c%20Topics.htm

[Zandor]

gsxxer....there is no need to keep posting that information. One is fine but more then that and it becomes spam for another site and that is not polite to our host here now is it?

[Zandor]

In hydroponics it's hard to transplant. The roots get tangled in the net pots and you kill them if you pull too hard. Once you have a good root structure started you can place them in the grow rocks and use the same net pot you will finish them in.

No need to move them like you do in dirt farming. 8" net pot is fine for start to finish once the roots are established.

[Aaron385]

8" netpots? I heard 3" was fine?? Whats the verdict?

[Zandor]

8" netpots? I heard 3" was fine?? Whats the verdict?

3" are you growing sog or another method that is a short small grow?

If not then your root ball will get bound in the veg cycle and the flower cycle will be stunted, that I guarantee.

A 3" net pot is good for about an 18" - 20" plant at finish at most.

[Aaron385]

no no.. I like um tall.

Ouch so what do I do, I have 3 soon to be mother plants in 3" net pots dangling roots into a 10 gal res.. I guess since they are mothers stunted growth wouldnt matter?? Where do I go from here?

I had no idea hydroponic plants could become root bound! I guess the plan is to leave the mothers in veg state in the current setup, take the clones and put them in 1.5" rockwool then 4x4 rockwool and then into ebb and flow trays for bloom.

If I did want to maximize the 8ft in height that I have to grow with how far apart should I put these plants in ebb and flow trays? I was thinking 1ft apart each. Their max height can get to probably 6ft without getting too close to the light.

[Bachelorpads]

I have grown trees in tiny little net pots (less the 3 inch) the key is to be ready for the net pot to break. Basically, the roots are going to get big enough to split the little holes of the net pot. As long as the net pot is "trapped" it should be fine. I just zip tie the net pot to the bucket lid and it works fine for the entire grow.

I just finished a plant that produced 12 O's in a 2 inch net pot actually.

As for hieght, I grow SCROG only. Efficiency is through the roof and I never have to tie them up, plus it keeps plant numbers way down. Check it out. If you go the way you are thinking I really don't have much advice. I have trouble getting the size right for plants done that way. Too much difference from one plant to the next. I am sure someone will have a good idea though.

Good luck