newbie, need help getting started

niggaerrrn

Active Member
this is my first hydro grow, so i want to try and do things correctly. my seeds are currently germinating. i think they are ready to be planted, i can see the small white root popping out of the cracked seed. so now it is time to put the seeds in the rockwool. i rinsed the cubes out pretty good and they are soaking in 5.5 ph water.
I have a tray to put the rockwool in with the humidity dome that goes over it. I know that I shouldn't keep the rockwool soaking and soggy, but moist. So, my first question is how much water would go in the bottom of the tray if any at all? Can anyone please offer any advice as far as the first stage in the propagation tray? Would I begin adding nutrients once the seeds sprout?
thanks!
 

VictorVIcious

Well-Known Member
I have a tray to put the rockwool in with the humidity dome that goes over it. I know that I shouldn't keep the rockwool soaking and soggy, but moist. So, my first question is how much water would go in the bottom of the tray if any at all?
There shouldn't be any standing water in contact with the bottom of the cube.

Can anyone please offer any advice as far as the first stage in the propagation tray? Would I begin adding nutrients once the seeds sprout?
Seeds have all the nutes they need for the first week or two already packed in them. Keep them moist not wet, you want that rockwool almost dry, before water. Get the dome off the seedlings once they crack through the soil. Introduce nutes close to the end of week two at 1/4 strength. If your target EC (Electrical Conductivity) is 1.8 you would start @ EC of .4 to.6 or PPM (parts per million) of 300 to 400. Then bump it up to 1/2, 3/4 and full strength. If the plants start showing a reaction, like burnt looking tips, cut back a little on the increase. Remember a moisture meter and a nutrient meter are necessary tools along with that ph tester. VV
 

niggaerrrn

Active Member
ok, so what if 2 of them sprout before the other 2? take the dome off and begin with the fluorescent lighting, or wait for the others to sprout?
 

VictorVIcious

Well-Known Member
Take the dome off for 15 minutes a few times a day to let the ones above ground get air. A few days won't hurt too much. You have to watch and not let them start stretching for light. The dome is in the way of the light. If they get a little stretched you can prop them up. It will help them if you have a light breeze blowing around them when the lid is off, it will strengthen the stemm. VV
 
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