HYDRO Getting the most of my crops?

[Growersam418]

Hello growers! First of all, I must say that I am grateful for being a part of such an awesome community! Im really glad I came across this website while doing some research on deep water culture, I found an encyclopedia for growers!

That being said, Im a newbie to the hydroponics I already grown weed In the past but all this is really new to me! (it was bunk closet weed grown with a cheapo sodium lamp don’t judge me I was 15 or so) So I figured out the best way (in my opinion) to do so is by building a Recirculating DWC.

I’m actually building a 4-plants setup in a 96x48x80” tent.
considering a 10ton 3x5 dabpress (any advice on rosin making, temps, pressure for different materials, recommended bags, folding methods is appreciated)

Please consider that I’m not a pro grower any advice/tip is most appreciated.

I did my homework I know where I want to go and what I want to do. Im just confused right now by all the amount of information I recently assimilated and I’m seeking advice of the more experienced

• Any advice on wich lights I could consider? (LED or MH/HPS)(wattage vs power/heat)
• Im considering doing a “main lining training” is this something I should avoid for a first time in Hydroponics?
• Is bubble hash or dry ice hash better for doing hash rosin?

Im considering doing extracts with my harvests, any tips on what should I do to GET THE MOST OF MY HARVEST? (Ex: pressing the buds into rosin themselves and process the trim into bubble/dry ice hash and then press this also, or should I just process all the buds and trim into bubble/dry ice hash rosin?)
I read somewhere that there is some sort of algorithm for how much pressure is needed is this a legit algorithm;

"Optimal Pressure = Pounds(lbs) / Plate surface area(square inch)"
ex: A 10-ton press = 20,000 lbs. If you have a 3"x5" plate = 15 square inch.
Hence, 20,000/15 = 1,333 PSI


I want that light colored creamy rosin you know what I mean ahaha im not much of a flower smoker so I really prefer extracts

I want to thank everyone on this forum for being such a resourceful community and I look forward on reading your thoughts and tips! Im pretty hyped and I’m slowly getting everything set up, I want some big yields hehe

peace everyone!

Growersam418
_______________________________
Links/References:
Main Lining: https://www.growweedeasy.com/mainlining-nugbuckets
Rosin Press: https://www.dabpress.com/products/3x...19756415778889
Bubble Hash: https://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-bubble-hash
Dry Ice Hash: https://www.growweedeasy.com/dry-ice-hash
Pressure ''Algorithm'': https://www.trimleaf.com/blogs/guide...s-buying-guide
Interesting knowledge about washing hash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z8PJvOPx8M
Exemple of what I want for the final product (*forward to 10min*): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrxEg9k5G4o

[dphipps1020]

First, welcome. I haven't personally looked into presses or any of that but I have done a little hydro growing. I personally was not having good results because I kept forgetting to check pH levels, nutrient levels were too low, etc. I basically started with a system like that and it worked great for me at first, then I started slacking. I ended up switching to amended soil and I don't think I'll be switching again. I love that all I have to do is water and watch them grow. As far as LED vs HPS/MH, there's pros and cons for both. LEDs run cooler, save electricity and supposedly produces more potent buds. HPS/MH use a lot of electricity, and produce a lot of heat but are good for faster growth and bigger yields. I have tried both and I haven't figured out which I like best yet cause like I said I haven't had the best luck so far. I'm also running a grow with them side by side and just into week 4 of flower. I can say if I had better exhaust and didn't have to worry so much about the electric bill, I'd probably run the HPS light mostly. It really depends on what you can afford to do as well. I was actually looking at the 315W LEC lights but they're a bit pricey for me right now. If price isn't really an issue, may want to look into that too. I have a post with my grow if you're interested to see them side by side. Just so you can see what it looks like here's a picture too. The buds under the HPS light are fattening up faster and seem to have more trichomes, but it could just be the light that brings out the trichomes. Don't mind the little ones in the front 😂

[RFheavy]

I'll try to keep updated! Would love to see this tent when it gets filled out!

[Growersam418]

I found that guy named ottawa.rosin on instagram and he told me about these new quantum boards and he showed me what are his results (1.3 to 1.8 lbs of dried material for a 4plant harvest using a rdwc system)
I know for sure that my landlord doesn’t endorse cannabis because even though it’s legal they mostly prohibit the consumption of marijuana pretty much everywhere (you can’t smoke in public areas, neither in your appartement, so you basically can’t smoke anywhere legally unless you are the owner of your house) so yeah legalization sucked balls here....
I will need to do more research on these quantum boards I keep reading mixed comments about them

[RFheavy]

I love my quantum board! Aside from the price, I can't complain. But before I bought that light, I was looking into cree cobs. There were some cool looking designs out there and the price wasn't too bad. I haven't kept up with the light game so I don't know if cree cobs are any good now.

[RFheavy]

I'm actually into DWC and rosin! I just upgraded to a new press and platens and I will be looking to extract the nectar of the gods as soon as this grow is done drying. Are you familiar with reddit? They have a subreddit; r/rosin. The best way to learn from that place is to find someone that is documenting their journey. Just look at their post history, they'll have temps, times, pressure, curing, you name it.

[Growersam418]

Of course! Tomorrow, I will put up a complete list of what I’m looking to buy and tell me what you think!
Your setup looks fire, well made friend, looking forward on keeping contact with you as we have similar goals 🙏🏻

[RFheavy]

Sounds good! Stay motivated!

[Growersam418]

I actually did some searching on the subreddit /rosin and /flowerrosin and found out a lot of useful information about rosin techniques and some crazy stuff has been made, like the mechanical separation of thc-a crystals I was stunned man! That is a goldmine of information thanks for that! I even found a dude with master tips to give me and he is willing to give me any advice I may need! Ottawa.rosin on instagram go give him a follow! Tell him Growersam418 sent you ahaha I was definitely searching for too specific terms I should have kept it stupid simple right

[Growersam418]

Oh motivated I am sir! I looked on the subreddit you have told me and damn that is everything I needed within minutes I had found several people detailing their process! I can't thank you enough for this I was lurking the web searching the answers, I guess I may have been too specific on my search because I could have simply search for "Rosin" and probably that subred would have popped first result!

Okay so RFheavy For now I'm just getting started, I already got:
-5x 5Gal Black buckets (4 plants & 1 res)
-Tubing and fittings to setup the DWC

That's it! I'm still at an early stage for now but like I said previously, I did some research and I came up with an Idea of what I will need, though, I still dont know wich type of light I will use CMH, MH/HPS or LED. I am going on a full grow in a single tent I'm still wondering If I use auto seeds or normal feminized seeds I'm looking to get massive quality yields here so I dont really know wich way to go on for now I need further advice on that as well but anyway, here is my complete shopping list for the moment:

Tent: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/dp/B07VWN...5087261&sr=8-6

Fan(s) 6" : https://www.ebay.ca/itm/VIVOSUN-4-6-...e52c4ceffdf1b7

Carbon Filter : https://www.ebay.ca/itm/4-5-6-8-10-1....c100009.m1982

Foiled Flexible Duct: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/VIVOSUN-4-6-...O0r7zZLCd0o6Qw

Water pump: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/VicTsing-...upplies&sr=1-3

Air Pump: https://www.amazon.ca/Hydrofarm-AAPA...40137967&psc=1

Cooling probe for the reservoir: https://premiumaquatics.com/products...er-supply.html

(I skipped a lot of basic stuff like training clips, timers etc.. you get it)

Now for the rosin part, I am considering getting this press:
https://www.dabpress.com/products/3x...19756415778889

combined with this hand pump:
https://www.dabpress.com/products/da...12395302912073


For washing the hash: https://www.bubblebagdude.co/product...-bags-all-mesh

Im considering doing Dry sift with my trims, using dry ice, then pressing the drysift itself into hash rosin, I will look deeper into the subreddit for that part...

I think that sums everything pretty much, tell me what do you think! I am open to any advice!

Peace friend !

[RFheavy]

Looks good so far. You can buy the bubble bags for $20-$30 and buy a seperate bucket for under $10. Dab press is a pretty reputable brand for rosin presses. You will definitely be getting decent returns per grams spent once you figure out the technique. For dry ice hash, there are some pretty informative videos on youtube. I am also going to try pressing dry ice hash when this grow is done so I'll be researching soon. If everything pans out, I'll post on here. The light is the tricky part. There are a lot of variables and unknowns that need to be adressed. Money is also an issue. If you want yield, I highly suggest not going cheap on the light. A strong light backed up with technique will add ounces!

[RFheavy]

Also, I would stick with photoperiod feminized and not autoflowering seeds. You can leave photos in the veg phase to get their size and shape going pretty big!

[Growersam418]

Cool I will take the advice and go with fem seeds, I will definitely get a good lamp, still need to figure out wich light setup to use, *update* I will grow in a 5’x5’x7’ tent

[RFheavy]

The custom platens that I got for my rosin press were from a guy in Canada. I sent out the bat signal on r/rosin for upgrade ideas and he messaged me.

He linked me to his instagram where he actually did more than just sell me caged platens. He helped me find the right press for the particular sized platens I requested, talked me through setting up and we even shared a few laughs and personal stories. Really nice guy.
This is from his instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UdcOQB..._web_copy_link

[Growersam418]

I gave the guy a follow!, If you wish to link on IG, mine is: @unusual_pheno_ these presses are looking well made man love the design!

I maybe found a less expensive setup for myself without the need of ordering Internationally... I could get these from a local source, please tell me what you think!

https://outilsquebec.com/index.php?id_product=1630&controller=product&id_lang=6

https://www.amazon.ca/Tech-L-Aluminum-Industrial-Hydraulic-Extractor/dp/B07SH6SJ6M/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=rosin+plates&qid=1575184749&sr=8-3

[RFheavy]

Honestly, this side of rosin tech is new to me. I'll put a picture of my old press up for you to see. Totally different from what I upgraded to. You could try posting it in r/rosin and they'll let you know if it's a good combo. They might even recommend something else for cheaper and of equal or greater quality.

[RFheavy]

I'm cosmonaut

[RFheavy]

You want rosin or espresso?

[Growersam418]

Bruhh ahahah

[Farmall]

You guys.... THIS is freakin insane ! I love it.... IN an attempt to economize on the first press, I saw you can buy heated and controlled plates for about 300.00 US and a n12 ton press for about 140.00. Ive also seen several companies make presses for $2000.00 to 10,000.00 and while nice...out of my range. I do have access to hydraulics and built a monster log splitter with a log lifter. Was thinking of making a press from the many hydraulic parts I have access to. That "espresso" machine is outstanding. !

[Growersam418]

Yes go peep out these two sub reddits, there is a lot of info about rosin, presses and pretty much everything that surrounds it! (thanks to RFheavy!)

https://www.reddit.com/r/rosin/

https://www.reddit.com/r/flowerrosin/

peep out this guy made a full press out of nothing, he just bought everything and made it himself!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra6Dn9tq7ks

[RFheavy]

The guy in the youtube video makes it look so easy. haha!

[RFheavy]

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of places with laid out or detailed instructions like GWE.

https://www.growweedeasy.com/homemade-rosin-dabs

Maybe we can fine tune the craft and add/update this section!

[RFheavy]

Farmall, if you use air instead of fluid, would you need a compressor or a hand pump would still be able to apply constant, even pressure? I wish I had the tools and know how to do something like this.

[Farmall]

RFheavy 20yrs of glass beading ( like sand blasting but even better) old rusty parts... compressor no problem. Bigger issue is that I need to pipe it upstairs to the room from the warehouse.

Growersam418 will check out those links tonight....cool, thanks

[RFheavy]

I got to try glass beading once! I took apart my bike and glass beaded it for repainting. That was so fun! I was in this full suit with positive air flow just shooting away with this adjustable nozzle hose! Is it possible to blast a bong to give it that frosted glass look?

[Farmall]

THAT is exactly what I’d do... I used to restore antique bikes and cars and some of them were just rust buckets. I had a cabinet about the size of a refrigerator for smaller stuff like floorboards and fuel tanks. Frames were outside. Gotta admit that they just looked outrageous when finished. Glass bead is that same crap they throw on the painted lines in the road to make them reflective when your headlights shine on them

[Growersam418]

Here I made a precise plan on how I intend to automate my system, let me know what you think guys!

[Farmall]

Additionally, you can be as creative with the reservoir as you’d like. I had mine on a timer that ran the top feed for 15 min every hour for the ENTIRE grow. It was a near flawless grow with remarkable yields. You will need to elevate your pots about 12” over the height of the reservoir to create a nice gravity overflow return feed, I used one of those plastic Rubbermaid shelves where to place 1 1/4” plastic tubes to build the shelves only I just used the shelf and the legs to create a platform about 2x8’ that was about 12” high off the ground. Never had any overflow problems but the roots grow well enough to fill the 5 gallon bucket so I used aquarium strainers on the buckets bulkhead fittings to help prevent clogs

[Farmall]

I see the biggest difference in your primary return. You go from bucket to bucket and that YouTube video goes buck to reservoir with the refill created by the top feed. Black tubing is readily available for returns and blue tint is readily available for the water level site glass

[FlyingDutchPaddy]

interesting variation of RDWC system i had.

yours looks like water from the main res is pumped from one bucket to another, finishing back in the main res. (circular).
system i had was pump from main res to each bucket individually (like your top feed) and each bucket drains back to the main res individually. (drain to center)

how much water flow do you expect to go through the main bucket ring, and the top feed?
how big (diameter) do you think the main res bucket connecting hoses/pipes will be?

[Farmall]

Here’s an idea for the top feeders . Had a problem shaping the tubing to making a circle without the crimp -ling inthe hose. And here is a pic of the table but I used these for 1 long level, they lock together... 6ix buckets with plenty of room

[Farmall]

The feed to 6 buckets is from a manifold feeding each Separately, not one to over flow into another. So your plan is exactly what I had done. I used 1/2” ID hose from Hydrofarm. Black to keep light out and algae to near 0

[Farmall]

Sorry, must has been a late night

here’s the pictures





. Forget the salts on the plastic ring, I have yet to clean it from last year. It also has 3 8” spikes to help secure it to the net pot but I never had used them

[Farmall]

https://youtu.be/_1Eg-XesZGU Sorry that I also never posted this video link

[RFheavy]

Nice! What size tubing do you use?

[Farmall]

1/2” id. Several grades of tubing are available and the one from Hydrofarm did not come in a roll full of kinks and twists and it really was nearly the same cost...