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Question and Answer Page 43

Subjects

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAVA ROCKS AND GROW ROCKS What type of system for peppers? Can strawberries be grown hydroponicly
cubic inches of root space I fear that I am over watering. 1" peices of 1"PCV thinwall pipe.
cuttings from a plant in flowering stage minimum amount of sunlight needed to grow tomato concerning cool white bulbs
leeching the system nft type of gardening does it matter what brand of light you get.
pepper plant was starting to wilt i thought the 11 plant garden was good for growing pot? using florescent lighting in the cutting/veg stages
Date:
09 Jun 2000
Time:
06:35:15

Comments

Re: Chemicals damaging PVC under lights

Plants will cook at 100F PET Bottle will start to soften at 150F Water will boil at 212F PVC will melt at about 265F

If all these things happen, call the fire department, cause you just burned your house down.

Date:
09 Jun 2000
Time:
08:42:24

Comments

WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAVA ROCKS AND GROW ROCKS, AND CAN I USE LAVA ROCKS IN YOUR 11 PLANT GARDEN. ALSO K-GRO HAS A WATER SOLUBLE TOMATO FEED CAN I USE THIS. THANKS, DAVE

Yes I am using lava rock with a tomato plant to see if it works. It has so far. Take a hammer and brake them into small pieces the size of small marbles. Throw away the real little pieces because they will clog your system.
Yes 1 teaspoon of K- GRO will work if you add 1/4 teaspoon of Epson salt and 1/4 tsp. Calcium Nitrate to every gallon of water.

Date:
10 Jun 2000
Time:
09:37:11

Comments

I have seen people instead in Miracle Grow and Dyna Gro products time and time again. Growing either in a soilliess mix or hydroponically requires a very well researched fertilizer solution that is proper for that environment. Dyna Gro levels of mineral makeup are off balanced. Europonic Nutrients or Ionic seem to be the elite outstanding products. Also Bcuzz stimulators has popped up in a lot of growing magazines. Keep you eyes out for more. Tell me what yal think!

- Educated Hydroponic Grower -

Date:
11 Jun 2000
Time:
09:36:52

Comments

hey ron,have you or any of the members had any dealings or experience with the "earthbox"? http://www.earthbox.com saw it on the net.good growings,george

no

Date:
11 Jun 2000
Time:
14:27:33

Comments

Will grow Oregon Spring tomatoes - 18" to 24" tall. How many cubic inches of root space will I need for each plant - pebbles and flood & drain. Moe.

For that small of a plant you could use the 2 liter system with the 16 oz solo cups.

Date:
11 Jun 2000
Time:
15:45:59

Comments

Okay, my tomato plant now has deep forest green lower leaves, and pale green/yellow-wilty top leaves. Any ideas?

Something wrong. Don't know what though. Try more food.

Date:
11 Jun 2000
Time:
16:25:59

Comments

Hi Ron, I,m growing tomatoes inside my sunroom, do i have to do anything special to help them grow? dave Todavidn@bigfoot.com

Don't let the room get to hot.

Date:
11 Jun 2000
Time:
17:37:50

Comments

Ron, I took cuttings from a plant that had been in the flowering stage for at least a week. The cuttings survived and have resumed vertical growth about two weeks after being taken. The problem is that even though they are receiving a light cycle of 20 on 4 off, the are have developed small flowers. Can you explain what is going on here and what any solutions to this problem may be? Thanks and great site!!!

You will have to leave them under 24 hour light for a couple weeks and they will revert back to veg. stage eventually. 

Date:
12 Jun 2000
Time:
04:46:55

Comments

Question about leeching the system

I've read that periodically the system should be flushed to avoid salt buildup in the growing media. My tank has developed some sort of scum on the top surface of the nutrient, so I am going to clean it thoroughly tomorrow when I change the solution.

I want to flush the system over night using plain water and then refresh the nutrient again the next morning. Do you think it will hurt the plants to give them straight water for about a 9 hour period overnight? I mean that I will disconnect the timer and just run the pump for the 9 hour period, or should I just pull every other pin on the timer and give them the 30 mins. off/on cycle?

Tailwheel

I pump nothing but fresh water through my systems for days sometimes to clean them. Regular watering cycle is fine. 

Date:
12 Jun 2000
Time:
12:32:41

Comments

Ron, I planted my 21 cup unit 3 weeks ago with a mix of tomato and pepper plants. Everything was going great until today when I noticed just 1 pepper plant was starting to wilt. I checked the roots and they were starting to brown and getting soft. All of the other plants are growing just fine, but I'm worried that what happened to this one plant will spread to the others. Any ideas? Thanks John

For some reason every once in awhile a plant will develop damping off and just die with the same plants next to it not effected at all. I always have plants to stick in it's place.

Date:
12 Jun 2000
Time:
12:40:04

Comments

I want to use the gallon bleach jug. What size pipe or fitting will fit the lid best? what is best method for sealing it up? Thanks, DC420 dc4200@hotmail.com

2 1/2 inch tee with a thinwall. insert then a gallon safety cap fits tight make the bottle removable. 

Date:
12 Jun 2000
Time:
22:54:31

Comments

Ron, What type of system would work for growing hot peppers? They thrive on direct sun, so would I need to cover the system or can the system be in direct sunlight exposed to the elements? Do you have a suggestion on how to grow Habanero peppers with hydroponics?

I am growing a few different kinds of peppers now including Habanero in my 16 plant garden.
I moved the garden in my pool greenhouse that has 70 % shade cloth but it still reaches 90 degrees in their.
I turn the pump on full time during the hot part of the day. I will post new pictures soon.

Date:
13 Jun 2000
Time:
11:36:37

Comments

Hi Ron,

Great Site, and special thanks for taking the time to help us wannabes...I have 2 questions if you would be so kind:

1. I use a 48 pin timer. This floods my system for 30 minutes, then drains for 30 minutes. Is there some way to shorten the flood cycle, or should I just extend the time between flood cycles. I fear that I am over watering.

You can clamp the hose from the pump a little or use a flow control valve so it take longer to fill but it will also take longer to drain because of the smaller hole. You can put an air stone in your tank to add more oxygen so it won't matter if you water longer.  

2. I have been considering trying to an aeroponics (misting) system, and was wondering if you knew of any nutrient metering system that would allow me to run the misters from a garden hose with nutrients adding into the spray continuously, eliminating the need for a tank. Thanks, Gerry

I got one that you screw onto an outside facet and then you put fertilizer pellets in so as you water they dissolve. But it was for dirt plants. The same setup for hydroponics is very elaborate and expensive because you have to deal with adding pH and nutrients into the water line precisely.     

Date:
13 Jun 2000
Time:
12:54:22

Comments

Hi again Ron,

I am using a 400W MH with a tempered glass shield, and the growth results are great. I can't afford an HPS also. Is it possible to add some kind of color filter or gel to the glass to get more red spectrum for flowering?
Thanks alot,
Gerry

I don't think so.

Date:
13 Jun 2000
Time:
13:36:35

Comments

What size tank and pump do you recommend for a 16 plant system and what about spacing in between plants (pepper plant)????

150 gph or more is ok. 18 gallon tank or any size that will fit under your stand. I would place them 12 inches apart if you have the room.

Date:
14 Jun 2000
Time:
03:47:42

Comments

Re: Tank & Pump for 16 plant system

I built the 16 plant system using Rons layout on this website. The cups are on 18 inch centers to give the plants plenty of room, although, next time, I'll use 12 inches centers cause I now believe that that is enough. My tank is a 23 gallon tub with a garbage can lid. I make a 10 gallon nutrient solution up and change it every week. The pump is a Rio 600 operating on a 2 foot head and it fills the cups in about 2 minutes. I figure the system uses about 4-1/2 gallons of nutrient per cycle. The timer is a 48 pin Intermatic set to run during daylight hours.

This is my first effort and I planted squash, eggplant, and bush cucumbers using plants I bought from Home Depot. The plants have been in the hydro system for 2 weeks now and at first suffered shock from washing the roots out and transferring them to the gro-rocks, but now they appear healthy and the new growth is fantastically green.

I would suggest that you read through this forum, cause there is a wealth of information here to help you have success. Use Rons site search engine to get quick answers to any questions. It's all here if you look for it.

Tailwheel

Yea

Date:
14 Jun 2000
Time:
08:00:32

Comments

my name is Casanova and I'm asking who can make my own hydroponic system by buying the products at a hardware store. can you help me . I need to know what are the supplies I need. thank you.

Date:
14 Jun 2000
Time:
11:19:58

Comments

Re: Supplies you need.

If you would actually take the time to check out the whole web-site you would see that there is more than enough information on supplies needed, so next time maybe look a little harder before you ask. http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/images/11Plant/11P4.jpg

There's all the supplies you will need to start your 11 plant garden.

Date:
14 Jun 2000
Time:
11:24:55

Comments

Ron, What is the best nutrient solution for marijuana? Im not sure if you would know, but it's worth asking.

Now how in the hell would I know something like that Officer. Why don't you go look for some perverts on the web and quit asking stupid questions. Or not.

Date:
14 Jun 2000
Time:
16:56:58

Comments

Hey Ron,

A question about lighting, in the very least how much sun light is needed to grow. let say tomato for example.

At least 4,500 Milliwatts per square meter is needed to grow say a tomato. 

Date:
15 Jun 2000
Time:
10:57:55

Comments

Hello, I use a 6 plant system, water pumps every 4 hrs for 30 min. Growing peppers. Plants doing well, tall. I get flowers but then they fall off. Help me please.

To much heat will do that among other things. Anybody else know why. I never had that problem.

Date:
15 Jun 2000
Time:
16:21:07

Comments

Hey Ron;

Perhaps I should rephrase the Question what is the minimum amount of sunlight needed to grow tomato plant, example 4hrs of direct 5 hours of direct.
Thanks

My guess would be at least 6 hrs. of direct sunlight and 6 or more hours of indirect sunlight. You can grow with less but your results won't be very good. 

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
05:01:53

Comments

WHICH TYPE OF PVC IS SAFE FOR NFT? I KNOW THERE ARE SOME TYPES THAT ARE NOT SAFE.

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
06:03:44

Comments

Re: Safe PVC

About the only difference in grades of PVC is the amount of plastisizer used for different applications. There are NO unsafe grades on the market for use in any application. PVC is actually one of the most environmentally friendly materials you could use for making anything.

Personally, I'm curious of where you got the information that there are unsafe grades used. Could you be more specific please?

Tailwheel

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
07:53:14

Comments

Hey Ron, Any plans or suggestions on aeroponics (Ein Gedi Method)??? 

Comming.

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
12:42:16

Comments

Hey Ron, Thanks for all of the great information you provide. I started to buy parts for the 11 plant garden, but changed my plans when I discovered that 1/2" PVC fit inside the 2 liter bottles. I started wondering if I could build an aeroponic version of the garden by putting sprinklers inside the bottles, instead of the ebb and flow design. I went back to the drawing board and designed 2 systems to fit inside a 5 gal paint bucket to see which works best. One system is a single plant version based on your design, and the other is my sprinkler based aero design. Since all other factors will be constant, I should know in a couple of months which works best. Building both was fun, and the sprinkler system was easier and cheaper (no timer needed, run it constantly.)

I am sending you the plans by email and would appreciate any opinions you have, and welcome your posting them so anyone else can offer their opinions.
Pax Man

OK

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
18:29:10

Comments

Jeez Ron, I've used transplanted nursery plants from Home Depot in my garden. The plants are just now recovering from the transplanting shock and are now setting blossoms. The plants are only about 1/4 inch in diameter main stem diameter, and about 2-3 inches tall. I don't think they are strong enough to support fruit yet.

Am I just being to used to planting things in the ground, or is this a phenome thing that I've never experienced.?

What is your experience in seemingly premature blossoming?

I have always had to tie up my hydroponic tomatoes and other heavy fruit plants so I wouldn't worry how big or the age of  the plant as long as it produces healthy fruit.

Date:
16 Jun 2000
Time:
23:42:08

Comments

Ron, Im setting up your 11 plant system in my closet approx: 3.6'/2'/5.5'h. So about 7.2 sq.ft. Im a first time grower and want to grow bud. Is a 400 watt lamp too much? Can I use an hps system through veg. and flowering? One last thing, how much to water and is the 11 plant system good for growing pot?

The 11 plant is to small for growing most any kind of plant. It is more for school science projects showing the principles of growing hydroponicly. 
400 W. is to much for that small of a space because of the heat.
You can use hps only but your plants will take longer to reach desired veg. height.

Date:
17 Jun 2000
Time:
11:07:23

Comments

RON!! I'm using the nft type of gardening in a homemade planter. its a 12"/12"/12" box with a 3' piece of 3"i.d. pvc run through. I run a 15 gph pump into both ends of the pvc constantly and the nutrient solution drains into the center. my questions are 1 when I turn my pump off all the water drains back into the tank.(syphon) do you know of any easy backflow controls? Can I run my pump only 15 min every hour? I also have a 8" bubble wand (no Im not bragging) directly in the pvc. will this give the roots enough o2 and keep the water from stagnating? Im currently growing sweet peppers and 2 birdhouse gourd plants I transplanted about a week ago and the peppers look great but the some of the leafs on the gourd plant are kind of wilting on the sides any ideas, comments? Im using hydro farms liquid all purpose 7-7-7 THANKS RON U DA MAN!!!!!!!!!!

You didn't mention what if any type of medium you are using. Submersible pumps are designed to drain back through the pump when they shut off. 
You can water every so often if you are using a medium to hold a little moister between waterings. If you aren't using a medium then you do have to run the pump continuously and putting an air bubbler in your tank is one of the best things you can do. 
Maybe gourd plants don't like that much water.

Date:
18 Jun 2000
Time:
13:15:39

Comments

Hi Ron, but i thought the 11 plant garden was good for growing pot?

Remember:" the 2-liter garden was design for pot. High Times, October 1990 issue Pot For Pennies."

The reason the 11 plant isn't good for growing pot is not because it is made out of 2-liter bottles. It's because the bottles are only 6" apart. Not enough room for much of any kind of plant except maybe Bibb lettuce. 
My rule is 8" apart veg. garden. 12" apart for the bloom room. If you use only one room then I would go with 10" apart garden.
Small to large gardens all work the same. The only difference is the space between the bottles and with large gardens I don't use an over flow pipe to control water height. I use a certain number of minutes on a cycle timer to reach the desired water height. I am only talking about level 2-liter systems and not the drip from the top systems.

Date:
18 Jun 2000
Time:
14:25:05

Comments

Hi Ron, Great website man. I was hoping to build the 11 plant garden system. Im a newbee to the game. How can i expand the basic plans that you have to grow 2-3' tall cannabis plants? Can I possibly do it with the 11 plant system and 2 liters? Im on a budget and using a 250hps. in a small growing area. Please oh wise hydro guru shed some light on this and if i do need to upgrade the system do u have plans. rjlovar@yahoo.com (sal) Thanks Man love your site!!!!

Read answer above.

Date:
18 Jun 2000
Time:
20:52:19

Comments

Can strawberries be grown hydroponicly... what are likely problems that I will encounter... I have tried but not with too much success... seem that lighting is a big problem (getting it right) and heat from lights also seems to be a problem... any suggests would help...Signed just a Beginner. P. Nash (Canada)

I have tried also under natural sunlight but have never gotten enough fruit to be worth while but I am determined to try till I can. I will get back to you if I have any luck.

Date:
19 Jun 2000
Time:
04:02:27

Comments

Can you please explain why salt is necessary in hydroponic nutrients, or is it just a byproduct?

I know it has to be flushed from your medium and system periodically so I would say it's a byproduct but I don't know what  I'm talking about.

Date:
19 Jun 2000
Time:
04:57:50

Comments

Hey, Ron; I have a two month old bud plant, grown in a soil mixture. Originally, I used Mirical Grow, until it went into shock from all the Nitrogen. After flushing with water, and the switching over to Formula One, the growth has been fantastic, and the plant is fully recovered. But now, it's pot-bound, and difficult to feed. I would like to take this plant hydro, but I'm concerned the removal of soil, etc. could shock it to death. Also, so make matters more difficult, the plant is mature enough to flower if I cut back on the lights. Current nutrient is 1000 ppm, at 6.0 pH, with 400w hps at 17 hrs. / day. Do you think I should go hydro with this? Don't know yet, but this could be a female, and prime for clones. Don't want to kill it!

I wouldn't take it hydro. To mature. Use larger pot for more root room. And I would raise the pH to 6.5 for dirt.

Date:
19 Jun 2000
Time:
09:38:24

Comments

I Have started to build the 11 plant garden as seen on the other page. However I have come across a problem and need some help to solve it.

One of the last steps in the process is to glue some 2L pop bottle caps into some 1" peices of 1"PCV thinwall pipe. The problem that I have run into is that the bottle caps don't fit! This is a serious problem and must be solved before I can continue with the production of the garden.

Any insight on the problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mr. Tomatoe

That is the problem most members have because the can't buy thinwall PVC pipe where they live. So I will sell 11 - 1" thinwall pieces for 50 cents plus $1.00 shipping. Click here.

Date:
19 Jun 2000
Time:
14:15:55

Comments

Hey Ron,

In the 9 plant garden can you make the bottles 10" apart from each other? If you can can I gro tomatoes or anything to maturity? Is this a suitable setup for most plants? If I space the cut 2 liter bottles 10" apart using the 16 oz solo cups?

Yes

Date:
19 Jun 2000
Time:
14:42:21

Comments

Hydro, This is an update. I posted a question for you a couple of months ago concerning cool white bulbs (page 31 of comments and questions). I harvested my plants about two weeks ago. The tallest one was close to 4.5ft. The smoke was fantastic, (smelled like Pinesol/honeydue mellon and tasted like Juicy Fruit chewing gum, light green, tons of crystals, sticky-icky CREEPER)but the yield was very small (less than 2 dried oz. off of 9 plants). Cool white bulbs work great for cuttings as well as the growth cycle. They DO NOT work well for the flowering cycle. Do not waste your money on fluorescent lighting for flowering, be smart, buy a HPS (don't learn the hard way). I now have a 400W HPS. I will update you after the next harvest. Thanks B

Also growing them 4.5 ft. high you are growing a lot of stem which would be ok if you were growing hemp.

Date:
20 Jun 2000
Time:
05:03:45

Comments

EC MEASURES THE TOTAL CONTENT OF SALTS IN A SOLUTION, THERE IS SOME WAY I CAN CALCULATE THE EXACT AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER USED ONLY BY THE EC MEASUREMENT?

JUAN

VAINILLA@UIO.SATNET.NET

 

Date:
20 Jun 2000
Time:
08:50:34

Comments

What exactly is Hydroponic???

Growing plants without soil.

Date:
20 Jun 2000
Time:
13:32:11

Comments

Hey Ron,

There are many brands of lighting Hydro farm, Grow max etc.. does it really matter what brand of light you get. are they the same

Some put out a few more lumens but they charge a little more for them. As for the kind of light they give off no it doesn't matter. I am talking about MH or HPS lights.

Date:
20 Jun 2000
Time:
16:04:08

Comments

Hey Ron Ive been reading that people have good success using florescent lighting in the cutting/veg stages. would it make sense to only use hsp during flowering or will that reduce weight? OB1

As long as you don't try and grow them to big. I have heard of some growers using only florescent for veg. then HPS for flowering.

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