HYDRO First time hydroponics (DWC) - Root Question

[Randomuser123]

Hey there,
I started my hydroponics journey earlier this year. Mistakes were made and i learned a lot so far and i am getting somewhat close to the first harvest. I attempted to manifold as well but made some mistakes with the LST and the sides grew out too much, getting bushy. also 3 plants is a bit too much for the space right now.

3 Sour Diesel @ flower day 48 (70-77days as per breeder)

However my question is about the roots. I keep seeing roots that are so white, probably due to bleach or some sterilizing agent running a sterile system.

My roots do look filthy tbh and would love some thoughts on the how and why.

• chiller keeping Water Temp 20-21°C (68-69.8°F)
• Terra Aquatica Tripart (Micro, Grow, Bloom)
• Biohealth WSG (Trichoderma harzianum;Seaweed Extract;Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens;Potassium Humates;Humic Acid)
• Amino Acids / Peptides
• Fulvic Acid
• lots of air (6 air stones with 45l/min pump)

I am aware that using products like amino and fulvic acids, or any supplement for that matter, as a beginner in hydroponics is most likely a bit premature due to lack of experience.

nonetheless I would love to hear your thoughts. Is that normal when adding different kinds of biomass such as bacteria and acids? is that actually all root rot? If so, should i lower the water temp? is the temp range too high? Why is the plant above looking good if the roots are rotten? Those are my questions / thoughts



Pics of the roots:














Thanks all!

[Allenpro]

Roots are supposed to be white as the driven snow, however things like Fulvic and Humic acids will stain them and thats what it looks like has happening to those roots. As long as they are crisp and not slimy they are healthy. Its my own personal bro science but to me healthy roots smell like fresh cut potatoes.

[Randomuser123]

thanks for the feedback. maybe i will give the next run a try without those supplements or limit the application to foliar and look for changes compared to this run.

on the pictures of the roots above it does look a bit slimy doesnt it? or am i seeing wrong

[Allenpro]

In my opinion those supplements are very important and worth the stained roots but there are other supplements available, MR Fulvic, is one I have had good luck with and General Hydroponics Diamond Nectar and Floralicious plus are good too.

[apacin0]

The product you're using called Biohealth WSG is designed for soil. You should probably not be using it for DWC.

There is a hydroponic bacteria root inoculant that works great called Hydroguard. I've used it before in DWC and I had massive healthy roots that filled the 5-gallon bucket.

https://www.amazon.com/Botanicare-HYDROGUARD-Bacillus-Inoculant-1-Quart/dp/B00IGFH25M

https://www.botanicare.com/products/hydroguard/

[Randomuser123]

I have been using Biohealth WSG as alternative to hydroguard since hydroguard is not available in my country. On the website of humintech in the product description of Biohealth WSG hydroponics is listed as application. Maybe I will give great white a try next run and see if there are any changes




RECOMMENDED APPLICATION RATES (Biohealth WSG)

Soil
3 - 5 kg/ha divided into several applications (1 kg/ha) during the vegetation period

Foliar
50 – 75 g/ 100 L water in the spraying solution

Substrates
0.1 – 0.5 kg/m³

Root Treatment
0.1 – 0.2 % solution (1 – 2 g/L water) as soaking solution before transplanting

Seeds
100 – 200 g/100 kg seed dressing according to thousand grain weight (T.G.W.)

Hydroponics
10 – 15 g/1000 L nutrient solution during the cultivation cycle

[Allenpro]

Microbe Life Hydroponics Premium Photosynthesis Plus is considerably more concentrated than Hydroguard but it stinks for about an hour after you add it to the res. Not that hydroguard doesnt work well but if you have extreme temps in the res this stuff will keep the roots from rotting.