Seedlings

[Tazard]

if I am using a top feed with air gap below net pot with an air gap can I water seedlings 🌱 as soon as they sprout? CFL lights 6"+ away.

 

[DW2]

Howdy Tazard, I would recommend running (at a low flow) the water from the start thru to the end. This will 'train' the roots to grow into the reservoir, nature causes the roots to seek out the water flow naturally. This is one problem with bottom feed DWC, I have had roots grow into the irrigation lines clogging them up. Keep the water temperatures down (65°-70°F) and good luck with Your grow.

 

[Tazard]

Perfect I read the GWE.COM and while not specific it appeared they should be in top feed as soon as they sprout a tap root. Thanks!

 

[Tazard]

Thanks. Another question. If I'm using top feed will it create an algae problem in the reservoir or on the hydrotron? I was planning to turn the top feed off once the roots are 2-3" below the pots. What do you do?

 

[DW2]

No Title

Tazard , The exposure to any light just might be a problem. I have been fighting algae, both green on the Hydrotron and brown in the reservoir, in all of my last five grows. This grow, I have taken extensive measures to avoid exposing any thing inside the reservoirs to light. I covered the net pots with aluminum foil, taped down and only a small hole for the seedlings. In stead of opening the top of the reservoir to change out the ice bottles (temperature control), I cut out the bottom of one of the net pots to allow the ice bottle into the reservoir. The 'service' pot is covered with a net pot cover (and duct tape, can't grow without it!). So far, I have not seen any algae in the drainage or had any bad smells (knock on wood!).
Here's a photo to clarify.

 

[Tazard]

DW2 exactly what I was thinking. I may just go back to sprayers under cover.

 

[DW2]

Just a secondary note, I use to place my irrigation lines pointing up towards the bottom of the rockwool cubes, but now, I bring them horizontally just under the cubes to try to lessen the chance of the roots growing into the water line and clogging them up.