Rockwool depth with ebb and flow and hydroton

[m3mikec]

Need advise on how far up the rockwool cube the water flow should be in my hydroton filled tray(ebb and flow). Should I sent the cubes so the water only reaches the bottom inch as it will wick up the cube?

New member and limited grows, have read allot so far and looking forward to the future here.

Cheers
Mike

 

[Farmer Jon]

Imo the hydroton should cover the cube or half way up the cube but the water level should only come to right below the cube (half in.) to avoid wicking anything up into the wool , the root system should be in the bottom of the tray and thats where you want the nutes.
If the tray was wool only than u would allow the solution to come about half way up the cube. With the addition of hydroton, or any medium the rockwool will stay wet if its touching solution and that can cause some nasty problems.
I find that hand watering from the top until the roots system has a good hold on the bottom of the tray and than switching to flooding works well, the rockwool on the top will dry up a bit but the ladies wont mind.
remember that a lot of the root matter on the top layer and in the wool will die and dry up a bit so once you start flooding the tray/table DO NOT go back to top feeding.
(dont forget to keep those res temps down 63-68*)
Happy growing,
FJ

 

[m3mikec]

Thanks FJ, that is very helpful. Should I keep the plastic cover around the cube as well or just pile the clay up around it?

What is the best way to keep the res from getting too warm?

 

[m3mikec]

Thanks FJ that is very helpful and makes allot of sense. I guess it would be OK to leave the plastic on the cubes as well?

What ways are there to keep res temps down when they want to go above those levels?

Thanks again..

 

[m3mikec]

Thanks FJ this is very helpful! I guess it would be ok to leave the plastic on the cubes as well?

What is a good way to keep res temps from getting too warm?

Thanks again

 

[theguapo]

there must be an ehco in here! you'll want to take the plastic off when roots start to emerge. some leave it on when the plants are small and some remove it. i've done both and it doesn't seem to matter. as stated the tops of the rockwool will dry a bit and that will encourage the roots to search for the moisture, going down!

 

[m3mikec]

Thanks theguapo, I appreciate the help.

When I replied to FJs add it did not show up, so I thought I was doing something wrong so I did it again. Thats why there is an echo haha.

Read a bit on the Forums regarding res temp control and that was useful. Just another item to pay attention to for the best results..

 

[Farmer Jon]

Heya M3,
I like to take the wrapper off of the cube myself but i dont believe it matters much.
As far as keeping the res temps in the right range, you can get a small water chiller for around 300 bucks ( 1/10 hp ) or if your trying to save some cash you can insulate your res and use frozen gallon jugs to lower nute temps.
Dont forget to keep the PH in a happy range for rockwool (5.5-5.8) and if you dont have some aerators in your res get some. High DO (dissolved oxygen) is a must.
FJ

 

[m3mikec]

10 4 FJ, some useful info as well - thanks.. Just finishing the cleaning on the clay rocks and equip from last grow. Be moving the Ladies from the drip tray to the flood tray this weekend and get them rooted there.

Thanks again guys