DGP
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I don't know a lot about the micro-biology of plants but in my simple minded ways I think it is a water quality issue. If and I mean If you keep things maintained really well so the water stays at or below 68 and you don't let light or organic matter get in the water and the water continues along in the grow not smelling bad or like an aquarium past due for water changes well then it may work well.
One question I have is about salt buildup over the grow cycle. I guess it does come down to whether the plants somehow use exactly what you give em but are there situations where you would end up with a potential salt buildup and toxicity?
I use a chiller and keep my water as pristine as possible sometimes adding some food grade H202 but just out of a fear of creating some kind of problem I still change my water every week or a week and half. I stick my nose in the reservoir everyday and take a big whiff to see if there are any nasties trying to take over. However, I am using Jack's and I just decided it wasn't worth it to worry about the cost of nutes vs. potential issues. Now I admit this lacks science and is somewhat like not walking under ladders or avoiding letting black cats cross your path. However, If I saw some science on it I would maybe be convinced to stop changing water in my system.
It helps to see HiesenBubble showing pictures of his success with no water changes and it is an interesting question. I have also gotten quite "Zen" about figuring out exactly how much food my girls need but taking careful disciplined data everyday and logging it to see what amounts of water they are consuming and what changes if any in PPM occur. Taking data and observing the results in the leaf color and growth behavior has really taught me a lot lately. This is a fine fiddly business (as the Britt's say) and it isn't as easy as it would appear:) .
Dee
One question I have is about salt buildup over the grow cycle. I guess it does come down to whether the plants somehow use exactly what you give em but are there situations where you would end up with a potential salt buildup and toxicity?
I use a chiller and keep my water as pristine as possible sometimes adding some food grade H202 but just out of a fear of creating some kind of problem I still change my water every week or a week and half. I stick my nose in the reservoir everyday and take a big whiff to see if there are any nasties trying to take over. However, I am using Jack's and I just decided it wasn't worth it to worry about the cost of nutes vs. potential issues. Now I admit this lacks science and is somewhat like not walking under ladders or avoiding letting black cats cross your path. However, If I saw some science on it I would maybe be convinced to stop changing water in my system.
It helps to see HiesenBubble showing pictures of his success with no water changes and it is an interesting question. I have also gotten quite "Zen" about figuring out exactly how much food my girls need but taking careful disciplined data everyday and logging it to see what amounts of water they are consuming and what changes if any in PPM occur. Taking data and observing the results in the leaf color and growth behavior has really taught me a lot lately. This is a fine fiddly business (as the Britt's say) and it isn't as easy as it would appear:) .
Dee