Aeroponics nutrient issue

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jason25

Member
Hello Everyone!

I currently have a aeroponic system using misting nozzles pumped by an aquatec 8800 pump. The mist is very fine and tuned to stay on for 20 seconds every 4 minutes. The seedlings were sprouted in rockwool and they are surrounded hydration. I used to water by hand with a water bottle to keep the rockwool moist 3 times a day, Jack's 3-2-1 was pre mixed. As soon as I switched my aeroponic system on the leaves have started to droop and are currently turning dark green under the leaves(Please see attached pictures). The tips are starting to turn yellow.

I'm currently using:
Tap water

Nutrients (Mixed in 3 gallons):
Jacks Part A: 10g
Epsom Salt: 3g
Jacks Part B: 7g

1053ppm
6.0pH
The reservoir was changed on September 20,2020.

I'm thinking nitrogen toxicity is the culprit so I added 2 gallons more of water. My pH keeps going up which is weird since it's only 1 day. When I checked the reservoir, the pH level was at 6.6. I'm not sure what's causing such a drastic increase, but you can clearly see(IMG_3824) the droplets are pretty small and relative to a HPS aeroponic system. What isn't shown in the picture is that roots are popping out into the 3" pots.

I'm now at 738ppm with 6.1pH adjustment after adding 2 gallons of water. I'm going to monitor everything and report again tomorrow but I don't think I'm over-watering. I'm also hoping that my reduction of nutes may help.

I'm thinking my nutrient concentration is too high based on this being an aeroponic system. Can anyone confirm as I have not gotten a response from Jack's yet.

I'm thinking of taking the following action if things don't get better in the next 2 days:
1. Remove all the water from reservoir, flush all tubes and fittings with distilled water.
2. Clean the aeroponics system.
3. Flush all hydroton pebbles with distilled water water.
4. Reduce nutrients by 50% and re-introduce them to plants.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
 

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Alphonso OG

Well-Known Member
1. ppm levels are way too high esp for a seedling.
2. Ph will slowly rise in aeroponic res/ also with infected root issues.
3. Rockwool might be too moist starting to cause damping off.

Imho Ill shoot for 350ish 500 max ppms 1st.
2nd Choose either Good bacteria or going Sterile.
3rd Ill go with something else besides rockwool while running an aeroponic setup. Hope this helps!
 
J

jason25

Member
**UPDATE**

Last night (9/21/2020) based on a recommendation on this forum, I went from 956 ppm with 6.8pH to 560 ppm and a 6.0pH. I also added 1 tbsp of Tribus and a half tbsp of humic acid. It looks like things are getting better for the plants but after a 20 hr period I check the EC and pH the pH went all the way up to 7.0!! EC increased from 560 ppm to 658 ppm. I have adjusted the pH down to 5.9 but left the EC alone. Should I continue to dilute the reservoir and bring the EC back down to the 500 range?
 
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Alphonso OG

Well-Known Member
jason25 said:
**UPDATE**

Last night (9/21/2020) based on a recommendation on this forum, I went from 956 ppm with 6.8pH to 560 ppm and a 6.0pH. I also added 1 tbsp of Tribus and a half tbsp of humic acid. It looks like things are getting better for the plants but after a 20 hr period I check the EC and pH the pH went all the way up to 7.0!! EC increased from 560 ppm to 658 ppm. I have adjusted the pH down to 5.9 but left the EC alone. Should I continue to dilute the reservoir and bring the EC back down to the 500 range?
Click to expand...
I would stay @ 500ppm then slowly work my way up esp if things are looking better for you. I started with aero low and High pressure. Its fun to tinker with, but keeping the res stable will turn this from a hobby to a job!
 
J

jason25

Member
**UPDATE 2***
I brought the ppm down to 531 last night (9/22/2020) pH to 6.0 after finding them at 658ppm and 7pH. That's a pretty high swing in one day imo. Today (9/23/2020) I found the reservoir at 586 ppm with a pH of 6.6. I have reduced the pH to 5.8 for tonight and left the EC alone. @Alphonso OG thank you for your advice it seems to be working. My plant is not getting better, I checked if it had root rot and it couldn't find any. Should I add more organic bacteria in order to help fight any issues? I have removed all hydration and put a collar around the plant to block all light. If this plant adapts well to the move, I'm going to attempt to move the other plants in the next few days.

The droop hasn't stopped and now I feel like it's not taking up the correct nutrients. Should I just stick with the same gameplan or should I introduce more organic bacteria from Tribus? Or is this normal from nutrient toxicity and I just need to wait? I want to make sure I react accordingly.

I am trying to turn this into a job once I understand all the issues that can arise. It's great learning experience!

Thanks in advance!
 

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Alphonso OG

Well-Known Member
They look a little better, but yes still droopy Lets see a pic of the roots? I bet they are brown and twisted then you have some type of bacteria infection. At this point you might have to brew a tea to get the girls back on a healthy track.
 
J

jason25

Member
***Update 3***

Guys thank you so much for your advice. It was nutrient toxicity that led to nutrient lockdown. I kept nutrients at 500ppm and adjusted pH to 6.0. I added more tribus for "good bacteria". The plant is starting to heal. I think next week, she should be getting her color back. Here are the updated pics. I also reduced the misting to 5 seconds every 5 minutes and the plants seem to love it!

I'm going to monitor ppm for the next few days and as soon as it starts dropping I'll do a gradual increase on the nutes.

Wish me luck!!

Shout out to @Alphonso OG!!!
 

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leblanca

Member
Yes indeed 4-5 sec every 4-5 min is ideal for HPA aeroponic, if spray is too long the water dropplets start to merge and become bigger and your HPA system lost its efficency.
Normally you want to start at 500ppm and finish late flowering around 1300, i would recommend you use also something like aquaguard or Enzyme Komplete to keep your system clean of salt buildup as its promote root rot which is a big issue.
 
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Aero Grow

Member
Alphonso OG said:
1. ppm levels are way too high esp for a seedling.
2. Ph will slowly rise in aeroponic res/ also with infected root issues.
3. Rockwool might be too moist starting to cause damping off.

Imho Ill shoot for 350ish 500 max ppms 1st.
2nd Choose either Good bacteria or going Sterile.
3rd Ill go with something else besides rockwool while running an aeroponic setup. Hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Do you have any experience using rapid rooters in aeroponics? I'm thinking they may stay too moist
 
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