Epicurus

the bucket system looks pretty cool, I'm gonna HAVE to try that one...one idea on the float valve somebody mentioned, you could have a large res and keep the floater in there, and have that res feed the other buckets - a pvc/vinyl/whatever pipe near the bottom of the buckets and res could keep the water at the same level in the buckets as it is in the res, just set the res level to what you want in the buckets, and you're good to go...
E

Doobious

Really quick, Epicurus, did you get a chance to try out this set up? If so, please post your results.

Moreover, I am going to start this little experiment. However, being the semi-newbie that I am, I will try it with Tomatos first.

I will also keep a log of all expenses, products, and height and healthiness my plants experience. Once I'm satisfied with my results, I will try some of the green, green, bud.

Talk to everyone later,
doob

PS - Epicurus, it's been a long time. I'm not sure if you remember me, but I grew 5 plants in a Phototron about 6 months ago (posting pictures all the time on marijuana.com)... FYI, they turned out great...

Epicurus

nope, haven't had the chance to try it out yet, I'm in the middle of packing up to move out of state (wife wants to go to school there, and I got a kick-ass new job)...when I get settled though, I'm going to devote my entire basement to different hydro/aero setups, I'll be sure to keep good records on everything and let ya'll know what works the best (I too will be growing tomatoes, because the wife won't let me grow bud...though I'll be in Washington and she'll probably let me grow some medical stash [the law has pretty strict limits though])...

Doobious

I am about to start my setup. I've bought everything except for the nutes and lights. This is what I have so far:

1. 5 Gallon bucket (w/ lid) and wrapped with Pipe tape as suggested to keep light out.

2. Maxim Air-Pump (2500cc dual outlet) from http://www.pets.com w/ necessary tubbing and air stones

3. Grow rocks, perfect starts, and net pots all from http://www.futuregarden.com

4. As far as the lights are conserned, I'm probably going to save the money and go with a couple high wattage Floros. When I get more money, I'll go with the HID lighting. FutureGarden.com sells a switchable ballast that you can put either a HPS or MH for like $300.00... I'm probably going to go with that later on down the road.

5. Oh yeah, I'm getting an Olympus C3030 Zoom digital camera soon... I'll post pictures of my experiences...

late
doob

cork

Optic,
you said you use powdered nutrients that dissolve in water. Are you talking about such nutrients as miracle grow, or peters fertilizers. Let me know, I have been trying to find out if you can use these nutrients in hydro setups for a long time, but no one will answer.

Epicurus

cork, yes, you can use mirical grow and such in hydro systems, but they don't generally contain the trace nutes that most plants need to thrive/survive...I've actually been growing ivy plants in a hydro setup using only shultz liquid ferts for almost a year w/ no real problems, but I'd suggest getting hydro nutes or at least some trace nutes to supliment a dirt fert w/...

lilbuddie

Updates guys!!!!

opt[i]c, Doobius, FlynHammer ....

What's the scoop??

How's it working out for you guys???

What medium did you use for the net pots?

LB

lilbuddie

<<double post >>

LB

[This message has been edited by lilbuddie (edited August 18, 2000).]

Doobious

lilbuddie,

I really haven't done much. I visited Lowe's today to scope out some Floros (I just don't have the cash for the HPS right now) and I'm waiting for the hydro ferts from General Hydroponics before I start. Other then that everything is going great. I have a five gallon bucket ready for usage, the lid is cut out to the 6" net pot size with a small hole for the Maxima air pump line to go in... I'm guessing by the beginning of next week I should be growing something.

I know I'm gonna let some of you down, but I'm not gonna be growing bud the first time around. I want to get a good feel for how everything functions with each other before I use a valuable seed... I'm def. startin' with tomatoes... once I feel comfortable then the Northern Lights #5 (pure) will be sproutin' in the DWC...

doob

FlynHammer

Sorry, I was on Vacation, before i left i tried to start in rockwool I have 2 4"x4" cubes no holes i tried putting 5 seeds in each so i could get down to 5 females after sexing BUT out of 10 only 3 sprouted so i scrapped it waited till i got back yesterday and just started again I will post regularly and if my wife aka "THE BOSS" lets me i will get a dig camera to show you all. well till I get results...... FH

I know its not the best but i am usng lava rocks as my medium it was the easiest to find.

[This message has been edited by FlynHammer (edited August 18, 2000).]