Thinking of switching to hydro. Questions.

[WickedMichelle]

As I get closer to finishing this grow, I am faced with having to get new soil for the next grow. It takes me 2, 1.5 cubic ft bags to fill 4, 5 gallon pots. I think that comes out to around 180 pounds or something. I did the conversions last time I made this trip, it's a heavy load for me to haul from the hardware store and up 2 flights of steps.

Thinking that hydro may be a better solution. However aside from not having to haul soil I am not familiar with growing in water.sure how all of this works. I am looking at this since it's on sale atm...

Vivosun 5 Gallon DWC Hydroponic System Kit

Unlock the secret to a consistently abundant harvest with this complete kit optimized for maximum plant growth and health.

vivosun.com

My question is, would I fill these with the same nutrient solution I would use when I mix for watering? For example, if I mix 2.5 micro, 2.5 grow and 2.5 bloom per gallon of water, would that be the same with hydro?

Also, when changing nutrient ratios for the various stages, do I drain the buckets and add all fresh nutrient water with the new mixture?

So far I have had 2.5 successful grows. (the .5 is because I am still 5 weeks from harvest) Not sure about rocking the boat with something new and unfamiliar.

Any advice?

 

[TheGoldenRoad]

I bought that same set up and that’s why I don’t grow hydro. You will need a stronger air pump and real air stones versus the ones it’s sent with.

 

[TheGoldenRoad]

This is what happened to the buckets actually Reservoir is on the right.

 

[WickedMichelle]

View attachment 2429454

This is what happened to the buckets actually Reservoir is on the right.

So they make nice plant stands then?

I watched some videos. I thought hydro would be easier... self watering and all..... but it seems there is a lot of measurements that need to be made so.... I will stick with soil. I follow the nutrient formula and I get good plants. I don;t worry about Ph, PPM or whatever.... just mix and water and watch them grow.

So, I decided to rig a drip system. Bought a pump, 3.5 gal bucket with a lid and some drip lines. I have a wifi power surge strip that has timers, I use it for my lights.... it will work for turning on the drip as well. I looked at kits they had for sale however no kit had everything I wanted. I needed pieces from 5 different kits to make what I wanted. Although what I purchased was a kit in a sense, it was more than I wanted to spend but cheaper than buying separate. Even with all the pieces I will never use. LOL.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[HerbalEdu]

but it seems there is a lot of measurements that need to be made so.... I will stick with soil. I follow the nutrient formula and I get good plants. I don;t worry about Ph, PPM or whatever.... just mix and water and watch them grow.

me also

i may eventually switch to hydro when i get too old to carry the 50L soil bags from the growshop

 

[WickedMichelle]

i may eventually switch to hydro when i get too old to carry the 50L soil bags from the growshop

I am already there.

 

[HerbalEdu]

I am already there.

i m not that far either

but could also order the soil bag.

hydro could bring a few other issues like some waste with part of the solution depending the hydro method, and also solution temperature in summer.

 

[WickedMichelle]

hydro could bring a few other issues like some waste with part of the solution depending the hydro method, and also solution temperature in summer.

Water temp was one of the concerns I have. The tent can get warm with the lights. I have had days when I am in the 80's. Some nights can get cool and into the 60's.

I'm getting lazy in my old age. At least for the tedious things in life. I think having to change all the hydro pots every 10 days would get to me quickly. Especially when they get bigger and have to be moved out of the tent to do so. Then if they are in a net, well that just adds to the work.

I almost had hydro.... I over watered one day and there was a lot of standing water in the drip tray. I had roots growing into it. I call that redneck hydro