Alright, since it's not a DTW, which is what I currently do in order to ensure least build-up, what levels would you be feeding at? <1.5EC? Well below that? Or do you deal with that another way?
Thanks!
I am handwatering til run-off. Only timers being used currently are for lights and fans. Upon initial examination, though, it appears that the TB system won't "overwater", i.e. water to the point of significant run-off (that lovely 20% number we coco growers love to work with).
Nice call Seamaiden with the 15-20% runoff. In a drain to waste, this is essential!
Why didn't I think of that ;)
T
I have used blutmats for years mainly in coco or roots organic mix I always just used JUST water to maintain the root zones moister then once maybe every week I would manually fertilize the plants. this saves a ton of money vs the drain to waste method.
There is no need to drain to waste the biggest problem espicaly in hot conditions is the water leaves the medium too quickly and salt builds up. Using blutmats the right way will counter this effect.
I have had had 1 blutmat take care of a 60 gallon pot out doors in the cali sun no problems.
Also plants on blutmats grow just as quick as hand watering its all about knowing when to water and how wet to keep it.
just my 02cents
Essential for what?
No runoff, No flush until w7!
Its a good rule of thumb for Noobs but defiantly NOT essential.
My problem with blumats is you have to adjust each one individually all the time and the cone drys out which messes them up and causes them to not operate properly and you can't really tell if the cones dried out without actually opening it up. Oh and they get stuck on which causes flooding and they didn't use standard 1/4 plumbing.
Waste of money I really regret making that purchase.
Not to be rude but you have been using them incorrectly then. They are very problem free for me and tons of other growers on the web. If your cone dried out your medium was to dry, as the plant medium will start to feed from the cone if to dry. I find your experience to be overall opposite of everyone that Ive seen use these and I would guarantee that you had them set incorrectly. It sucks that you are chalking them up as bad due to your misuse. And for the record you can run these with standard 1/4 tubing and a lot of growers use this so they can buy more tubing at the local hydro shop. All you actually need is the cone and the 3mm dripper line. EVERYTHING else can be purhcased at your local hydro.
As far as the drain to waste: You will see better results NOT watering to run off. But in order to do this and not worry about buildup you will need to run drip clean. Also you should not allow the medium to dry for above reason but also so your PPMs don't rise. I flush one time with no buildup!
Yes these are COMPLETELY ADJUSTABLE!!. So yes I find these better than handwatering because you can dial them in perfectly when to water with perfect results.
As far as the drain to waste: You will see better results NOT watering to run off. But in order to do this and not worry about buildup you will need to run drip clean. Also you should not allow the medium to dry for above reason but also so your PPMs don't rise. I flush one time with no buildup!
I have offered a reason as to why MOST hydroponic commercial farmers and 99% of drain to waste users have at least a 15-20% runoff ratio as well as basically every product involved with this set-up and coco. All you can say is that your method is better without proof.
You are having to flush with another product and often so I don't understand how this is more practical and cheaper. There is a reason why people tend to space feeding out in certain cultivation methods. Like our own bodies, the plant does better and like a more consistent feeding regimen. I would rather give the plant what it needs, consistency, then have to slush her all the time. Last time I checked, The plant does not like being flushed unless as last resort.
T
I will come back to this but the one thing I dont understand is who said anything about flushing the plants all the time. Maybe you need to check out what drip clean does. It does not flush plants. And this thread is about blumats. No other hydro setups. I am showing the way with BM and coco. You will find majority dont water to run off with BM. You are taking some of my facts and trying to apply it to other types of growing. Drip clean cost $20 a bottle and will last years in most cases. Could be the damn interweb but it seem like you are a little defensive. Not to be a dick again; But it looks like you are quick to shoot me down without knowing much of what I doing with BM in general.
Also IM not trying to prove my way of growing. I am proving that BM rock out though! I lost the need to try to prove anything in my garden years ago.
I understand what Drip clean, clearex, ect is. Yes I am being a tad defensive because there is mis-information being popularized in defense of systems I have run and basic facts within the industry. I have said nothing to prove what you are doing is wrong nor am I mixing up the systems. These things are not complex and function in VERY similar ways to other devices.
Consistency is what metabolic systems like. Runoff is what Most people in the industry run professionally and with drain to waste in coco. Also, everything I stated about hand watering IS fact and can be backed up.
your not at all being a dick and I respect the fact that you are cordial. Thanks for that!:friday:
As said, I really want to see your results and hope to further our conversations knowing that we both respect each other and can debate with logic for the better. No one is trying to put you down, just want to watch and help!
Peace
T
I totally understand about misinformation as it floats all around the web. I have to disagree about the comparison to clearex and drip clean. Clearex is a flushing agent that Im not to fond of. As it was explained to me drip clean prevents salt build up from even starting. It is meant to be ran for the full crop at amount of .4ml per gallon. I also feel BM are a one of kind system and not similar to any other system. There are some that are close but no cigar. Yes I do agree runoff is what most coco grower do... including myself when not using BM. But you wont find BM growers following suit!
Since Im not a picture poster anymore, here is a great thread on a 16k BM grow. https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=168101
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