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HYDRO New to Everything!

dmfpmv

dmfpmv

New member
Hey everyone, I am new to the site and growing as well. I am currently in the last leg of set up. I've decided to grow hydroponically in a 32"x32"x64". I used a 17gallon Rubbermaid tote, 6 4" ports and a 6-port drip manifold. Got a 315w cmh grow light with a 3000 red enhanced light. I will add an exhaust system in a couple weeks. I am getting ready to do a "dry run" of the system to see what I can make better and to monitor temps. I currently have about 20 auto seeds to start and would like to experiment with all seeds.
 
Sounds like a good start so far. I started with hydro too, built my own systems and all. Eventually you may only end up with room for 1 plant in your bucket so they don't get root bound together. Just remember to monitor pH levels regularly or you'll run into problems. I had issues with root rot on my first couple grows so definitely get yourself some Hydroguard, or something similar to prevent it. My ladies came back from that but it added about 2-3 weeks to my grow. Hope this helps and happy growing
 
Thanks, I got the Hydroguard. I'm planning on two plants for the first grow. The roots tangling never crossed my mind.
 
Yeah it works fine with multiple plants in the same container for a while but once they get big enough they'll start tangling together. With a 17 gallon you can probably get away with 2 smaller plants but I would try for one and just grow it longer. Another problem with 2 in one container is that you can't move them apart if you need to spread them out, and when they get going you will probably need to. You can still fill up your space with proper training on one plant though. I have a 10 gallon tub (I think) that I was going to do a single lady in to hone in my hydro skills. Otherwise everything else is soil right now, except for a few smaller ladies that I'm chopping down tomorrow. Won't be a lot but a few oz of dank buds that I grew myself is still exciting to me. Looking at your stuff again, you may want to add your ventilation as soon as you can. I don't have experience with cmh lights but if they run as hot as hps/mh lights, you may need it or your plants may not grow. Do you have pH up/down and testing meters or test strips? If not definitely get some they'll make your life easier.
 
I got the ph test kit on its way and ppm meter. I have only been taking pictures of the build but I plan on documenting the grow on grow diary. Once I run the system and monitor temps, not burn anything down, I will start the seeds and grab the exhaust.
 
I agree with dphipps, would start out with one plant in a tent that size. I would also start my grow with the shortest strain of plant you have. The tent is kind of short and the tops can start to burn it you are not training it to be wide, which is another reason to use only one plant so that they do not run in to each other.
 
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dmfpmv , just bear in mind the tent height and that you will need to subtract the light housing from the overall height leaving the balance as your max grow room height. That’s where good training management will be an asset to you. Since you have autos, they will tell you when they’re switching to flower ... you’ll do great. The CMH will produce some excellent flower for you as well.
 
I'm kinda excited about training. I can't really picture in my mind how big the autos will get. It will prolly be a good idea for one then.
 
It took me almost 2 weeks to decide on the 315 vs a 250/400mh. I thought I'd go insane. Every time I think I'm ready, it seems I'm still days away.
 
Thank you. I've been thinking about that. What's a good temp range. I'm going into the winter, I live in a basement apartment, kinda. I get some heat but it can get chilly if I don't use a space heater. I'm a little concerned about that. I plan on running the lights at night.
 
When I was in hydroponics, my reservoir temp barely reached 72 as the highest, once I tossed in a bag of ice cubes thinking it was climbing but it was also winter and stayed in the 60’s. The CMH light added some room temperature but not a lot. It did have a 6” vent on it so I vented it out to the warehouse but once it started to flower...I had to add a carbon filter. You’re gonna love the light. There are others as always but that is a great choice. As you have discovered, hydro guard is your friend 😉
 
Here are some guidelines:
https://www.growweedeasy.com/deep-water-culture-faqs
https://www.growweedeasy.com/temperature
https://www.growweedeasy.com/humidity

Please read them carefully. If you wanna grow top shelf bud, you have to learn all this stuff.

A space heater will keep the humidity down in winter, but that's not so good for the vegetative stage, which needs more humidity. You have to find ways to keep temp and humidity right for whatever grow stage you're at: for me, it meant investing in a big dehumidifier, a space heater, and a humidifier.

We want to keep the humidity low during flowering so as to discourage mildew and mold.
 
It might also depend on surrounding environments. I'm new to this to but I have found that controlling the temp and humidity in the rooms next to where my tent is has a huge effect on the tent conditions.
 
Oh man, I was also looking at the dual 315w. If I ever feel like upgrading. That looked pretty sweet.
 
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