Somebody Please Explain.....

[GodBud]

Thanks for the input folks. I purchased a HANNA HI991404 GroChek pH/EC/TDS/TEMP Monitor/Meter/Tester. I hope I dont regret it after what Latewood stated but it seems like a pretty good meter and it does it all. I spent about a bone forty on it. Comes with AC power adapter so no messing with batteries a feature I really liked. Also comes with all the calibrating solutions. What the hell I am just gonna roll with it. If it flakes on me and Hanna gives me the dickaround then I will try another brand as Latewood suggested. I called Advanced Nutrients and this dude answered. He was super cool and pretty much knew what I was talking about regarding what I was planning on growing and gave me lots of info. He was in BC Canada. One thing I do have a question about is Hydroton and net pots how in the hell do you keep that medium from falling into the res. I am going with cutting out holes in the lid and letting the roots just grow down into the solution.

Thanks brothas!

[bud luv]

In a perfect world you'd have an airstone in the res if the roots will be resting in it, as roots need oxygen and will theoretically "drown" under water.

That being said, it won't kill your plants and I've "seen" plants that had massive root masses under water at all times in a res without an airstone and the plants were fine.

If price isn't an issue put an airstone in each bucket if you want optimized results.

With regard to your question about the Hydroton going through the holes, most planter tops I've come across have small enough holes that the corn won't fall through; if the holes in your tops are too large, somebody sold you the wrong product. It's no big deal if a few corns fall through here and there, though.

[latewood]

After many grows...I came across a 3.5" holesaw...and I bought 3.75" netpots...they fit perfect into hole, tightly.

as far as hydroton...See above...netpots are designed to hold in inert medium's...peace