id suggest getting perlite and placing your cubes on it. maybe like a 6 inch layer. the roots will grow into this, and when its ready for thier home, the roots will come off easily. plus perlite is clean so getting a couple bits in your water shouldnt hurt.
im not a hydro guy, so there may be easier ways to do this. but ive had clones roots grow deep into perlite, and pop out just fine.
as for the black stuff, try placing something over the cube. such as perlite again, or even cut something like cardboard to fit over. it could be mold developing. block the light, it should stop. |