OK, I'm done lurking... Introduction, questions, & pics

[Blowdout2269]

Some clones from these experimental plants grown in 1 gallon pots.
The deep purple is one that I am particularly proud of.
Oddly enough, the mother(affectionately named #4), was absolute garbage. How it produced this clone, I will never know.

[Blowdout2269]

Guess I'm still helpless and making duplicates...

[Blowdout2269]

My beautiful SCROG attempt which I really enjoyed.
But the Bluetooth "Auto" from MSNL decided to hermaphrodite hard not far into flower like I suspected, so had to get trashed.

[Mr.furley]

Nice frame.

[Blowdout2269]

My outdoor fun in a previous fall season. Temps got cold and started to bring out some neat purples. Ended up harvesting about two weeks earlier than desired due to some expected heavy rainfall when I was leaving town for a few days.

[Blowdout2269]

And most recently, Big Bud and White Widow Autoflowers

[Blowdout2269]

Question:

Ok, I'm still experiencing a daily climb in my hydro reservoir. Is this something everyone doing DWC has to deal with? What's also weird to me is that the four "girls" are drinking about a eighth of an inch each day, but yet the TDS remains the same.

I'm about to enter week five using Advanced Nutrients Micro, Grow, Bloom, and CaMg, plus Hydroguard. As of now, I have moved up to half of the recommended strength. 650ppm and fluctuation between 5.8 & 6.4pH. Reservoir temperature is steady at 67-69°F. I've been keeping the solution level at roughly 3" below net pots with two large stones circulating full-time.

So I ask again, am I doing this right?

[Mr.furley]

Ph swing is something everyone just has to deal with daily for the most part. I finally got lazy and bought a auto doser for my feeding Rez.
In my opinion your temp could be a little lower, 62 f is what my chiller runs at.

[Blowdout2269]

Most recent picture.

[Blowdout2269]

Thanks Mr. furley! I appreciate the response.
It was my understanding that temps under 70°F kept bacterial growth at bay. I was also concerned that low 60's would result in slower growth.
Is that not true in hydro?

[Mr.furley]

Correct about the bacteria, 62f works for me with no adverse effects. If you're not see, have no growth or smell then what you're doing is working for you.

[Blowdout2269]

Question:

Can insecticides be used in a hydroponics reservoir?
I fear that some fungus nats have penetrated my bin, likely during the last nutrient change, and curious if pyrethrum or spinosad based product's are an option.

Thoughts?

[Mr.furley]

spinosad is systemic.
it would be up to you to research your level of comfort using it in the plant, dosage, safety. it does work as a preventative and is commonly used in tomato plants but tomato plants are eaten not smoke.

[Blowdout2269]

Mr.furley Much appreciate the response. Have chose not to use anything atm. The problem did not appear to be continuous, and more personal research is needed. Thanks!
On another note; here's my Chunkadelic from Humboldt Seed Company, harvested at day 92, from my own living soil grow.

[Mr.furley]

Nice looking Branch Blowdout2269

Personal iv never worried to much about fungus gnats, more of a annoyance then anything, they can cause root problems if left unchecked but in Hydroponic i dont see that being a issue.
All insecticides/pesticides leave a residue that will linger in the plant a while if not indefinitely weather sprayed or introduced systemic. Spinosad is a product I use for thrips only and (fingers crossed) not that often. When Iv used it, its in conjunction with a heavy defoli and I skip flowering for 30 days at a minimum.

Get some sticky traps, Google 1 to 3 ratio of H2O2 and water for gnats and keep growing them beautiful buds without pesticides if possible.

[Blowdout2269]

^
This is exactly what I do with my organic grows.
Quite a relief to know I'm in check. I fricken hate thrips!
Glad to hear that from a pro.