Hydroton question, 1st hydro grow, all DIY.

I'm growing all DIY with a 6 plant drip system completely integrated into a large rubbermaid container. total cost 70 bucks, the pics are coming as soon as i get batteries for the camera. My question is, before I tranplant my seedlings into the system, do I need to rinse the hydroton, I notice it's slightly dusty. I know that it is Ph neutral, but would this dust be harmful to the water pump or plants? Thanks for the help.

I always wash mine, I don't know if it is totally necessary but I don't want all that crap flowing around in my res.

i wouldnt imagine that it would be good for your pump i dont know though considering i dont have one lol

You always must rinse off new hydroton. They are extremely dusty and that can cause problems. Even after a harvest you can wash the hydroton in an H2O2 solution and they will work over and over.

you wash your balls when you take a shower, don't you? why wouldn't you wash your balls when they're dirty?

They recommend that you soak them over night and then rinse well before use. Your instincts are good.

I have another hydroton question.

I just transplanted my seedlings today into a drip system using hydroton.

I heard that they wick the moisture and that the drip works great.

I am just having some anxiety - how does that work?

Will the plants get the full effect of the nutrients with only one drip per plant?

jennyj is right - you should wash your hydroton and soak them overnight to "condition" them (whatever that means).

jennyj - i think the drip systems works well but once the roots reach the reservoir the roots will do the wicking

jennyj said:

They recommend that you soak them over night and then rinse well before use. Your instincts are good.

I have another hydroton question.

I just transplanted my seedlings today into a drip system using hydroton.

I heard that they wick the moisture and that the drip works great.

I am just having some anxiety - how does that work?

Will the plants get the full effect of the nutrients with only one drip per plant?

Click to expand...

Yes they will, how ever water then frequently, I have the same set up, which cost me 50 bucks, However i have 2 drips per plant! and I water every 45 minutes(on a timer), this prevents root rot and hydroton is an awsome medeum! Just water and let them grow! My plants are thriving! !st time grower searched the net for hours got it right!

Mine are set on a constant drip - using 1/2 " outside diameter tubing. I am concerned that the rocks are drying out and don't seem to be wicking like the salesperson at the hydro store stated they would.

What size tube are you using & do you mind explaining exactly how the drip lines are set up on each plant?

Any suggestions are welcome!!!

So happy to hear that you system is working ripabg. Mind sharing any of the sites that helped you on your setup?

And email468 - I am using a tray with a separate reservoir so the roots won't be doing any wicking either. Any ideas?

I am using same/similar system to you too. I wash my nuts thoroughly prior to use, well I have once... cos this is my first grow, thanks for the tip with the h202 as a cleaner, good to know.

As far as I know the balls don't wick up anything, they stay wet lower in the pots coz the light doesn't dry them out but they don't seem to hold water.

I use 4mm for my watering, I have about 6 or 7 per plant, prob too much but fuck it, I want the water to go everywhere, I'm worried it will go almost straight down with only 1 or 2. I water three times a day for 15 mins each time, never appear to be underwatered

I run 14mm tube around the posts and just tap 4mm off that, sorry not the best pic too see that.

Any thoughs/comments on what I'm doing appreciated also as its my first grow... flower day 20/lots of lst/600hps