Bubble Bucket...Transplant water level question.

Just purchased 4 12-16in plants. They are in like 4x4 rockwool cubes. I put them in 8in netpots and covered them with washed hydroton. Put maybe 3/4 inch hydroton down before I layed the plant down in there. Being the roots arent below the net basket I figured I should fill to where the net pot level is 1/4 to 1/2inch in the 1000ppm water I prepared for it, and then back it down to below the net pots when I see roots. Is this correct?

Also side note. I have 4 32watt T8 Flour bulbs. I have them like 2 inches from the plants...this good?

thanks yall !!

Now I aint no expert , but from what Ive learned and applied to seedlings in bubble buckets is that you would want to put the water level at the very bottom of the netcup so the roots could get evry bit of oxygenated water splahing on them so they could develop a good root system...then once a good root system is formed, lower the level abot an inch or half inch below the netcup....This sound right or am I wrong???? Still a newbie here....hahaha

Hotstang: Smokin is right because you want the roots to work for their nutrients and grow down to the water. The porous Hydroton will hold a lot of water but you need a couple of good air stones giving your nutes a lot of air. Consider the shorter fat cylindrical air stones you see at the hydro stores over the long skinny ones that look like sticks. They're a little more expensive but they're worth it. I hope that helps. HSA

ok thanks guys......and for the airstone, that theck round one is exactly what I have. thank you again

I run mine up 1/2" up into my 4" rockwool.. so if I was you and your plants I would be 1.25" up into net pots 3/4" hydro into 1/2" of your rockwool. I never had an issue and always plants thrive, I will lower it to bottom of net pot when roots are abundant under net pot through hydroton.

I found if your not dripping from top you need more water in net pots or roots just die of thirst.

I use 2" or 1" cyclinder airstones.. only. They are heavy and move enough air for my 2 gallons and 3.5/5 gallons.