Agree on the backup pump. I had one fail on my Aeroflo, and it was panic stations. Ended up rushing out and buying a pond pump, but the fittings didn't match and I couldn't locate an adapter. McGyvered it, and it worked until I got a warranty replacement from GH. I run my pumps 7/24 - they use only about 100 watts of power. I've had timers fail, and it's one less thing to worry about. I've had two of these generic "hydroponic" timers fail, and am now using only Intermatic digital timers which haven't let me down yet.
FWIW - I put germinated seeds directly in hydroton and net pots in the Aeroflo. They pop within a day or two. Plant them one layer of rocks down.
Shooting for clones, but don't have anything on hand at this point. I've got moms growing in a Rainforest 318 from seed, as well as the seeds in the Aeroflo, planted at the same time. Plan to take cuttings from both to get some clones in motion, keeping track of everything, as some males may result, and the cuttings will need to go. Am using an aeorponic cloner here as well.
Also FWIW - the seedlings in the Rainforest are growing more rapidly than in the Aeroflo, to my surprise. They are a node or two ahead after three weeks, and much bigger. Such robust growth should provide with a good supply of clones hopefully.
Absolutely astonishing growth rates with aeroponics. I'll never go back to soil. |