Styrofoam Coolers?

cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
Ok, I think I have the ph right. New ph meter went kaput and has defied all my efforts to recalibrate it. I used the drops instead. New growth looks even more yellow. Ppm is around 500 in all reservoirs, temps are 64 degrees. New growth is even more yellow. Looks like some kind of lockout…. Iron? How long should I wait before panicking? Thought of doing a foliage spray with a little epsom. The roots are growing like crazy and look very healthy.
 

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Nizza

Nizza

Well-Known Member
1) Are u sure the styro isn't breaking down?
2) have you tried taking readings without any airstones/pumps going?
3)what light/proximity?
4)did u end up doing something for light penetration?
5) I think I read in Renfro's old journal the armor sI was precipatating when added first. https://www.rollitup.org/t/armor-si.993645/#post-15930671
6) hope you are well!
 
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cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
I don’t think it’s breaking down. When I changed them out, everything looked fine. I just have a spider farm 100 w led in there. It’s pretty bright for veg. I have is 22 in above the plants. I dimmed it some tonight since I’m running it 24 hours, and I’m wondering if it’s too bright. This is the first time I’ve used it. My ph seems fairly stable now, right around 6 according to the drops. I have a new meter coming on Thursday.
 
ChemDogLover

ChemDogLover

Well-Known Member
cindysid said:
Ok, I think I have the ph right. New ph meter went kaput and has defied all my efforts to recalibrate it. I used the drops instead. New growth looks even more yellow. Ppm is around 500 in all reservoirs, temps are 64 degrees. New growth is even more yellow. Looks like some kind of lockout…. Iron? How long should I wait before panicking? Thought of doing a foliage spray with a little epsom. The roots are growing like crazy and look very healthy.
Click to expand...
Is it every tub or just one?
 
cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
It’s funny. The worst one has the best roots. When I move them into buckets I’m going with the FloraFlex system. Hopefully that, the new ph meter, and a more sober me, can get the job done. I want so much to master this!
 
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ChemDogLover

ChemDogLover

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cindysid said:
I plan on moving them into buckets this weekend. I’m beginning to see the advantages of a recirculating system. Reservoir changes are killing me!
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When i built
My last system is was originally RWDC. I had too many problems with roots clogging my pipes. So I just turned it into one DWC system. The reservoir is easily accessible for refills. Nute ads. Ph adjustments. Then I have a pump in the rez that pump it all out to my 6 tubs. Takes several cycles to mix it well but is a god send when plants become big. I also designed in a system drain. I can drain a 50 gallon system pretty quick when it’s time for a rez change
 
cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
ChemDogLover said:
When i built
My last system is was originally RWDC. I had too many problems with roots clogging my pipes. So I just turned it into one DWC system. The reservoir is easily accessible for refills. Nute ads. Ph adjustments. Then I have a pump in the rez that pump it all out to my 6 tubs. Takes several cycles to mix it well but is a god send when plants become big. I also designed in a system drain. I can drain a 50 gallon system pretty quick when it’s time for a rez change
Click to expand...
I’d like to check that out! I’m running 2 5x5s and one 4x4 for flower. I need accessible reservoirs, preferably external.
 
ChemDogLover

ChemDogLover

Well-Known Member
cindysid said:
I’d like to check that out! I’m running 2 5x5s and one 4x4 for flower. I need accessible reservoirs, preferably external.
Click to expand...
It can be done with 1.5” pvc, some buckets/totes and some bulkheads. And a submersible pump. If you are really interested I can take some pics.

I have grown in tents but don’t remember how low the vents are. That would be an ideal place to run the pvc plumbing.

and sorry, while googling your plant problem I found this about micro nutes. I am not familiar with the products you are using so can’t help
there
IMG_1301.png
 
cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
ChemDogLover said:
It can be done with 1.5” pvc, some buckets/totes and some bulkheads. And a submersible pump. If you are really interested I can take some pics.

I have grown in tents but don’t remember how low the vents are. That would be an ideal place to run the pvc plumbing.

and sorry, while googling your plant problem I found this about micro nutes. I am not familiar with the products you are using so can’t help
there
View attachment 5342111
Click to expand...
I’m definitely interested and there are lower vents on all my tents. I have several new 17 gallon and 27 gallon totes and buckets galore. The only thing that concerns me is the price of those bulkheads! Guess I’ll have to bid the bullet to save my back!
 
Drop That Sound

Drop That Sound

Well-Known Member

Farmers have been using styrofoam floats for hydroponic and even aquaponic food production for decades now. Sitting under the hot sun with UVs hitting it all day, getting season after season before replacing the sheets.

People use it to make the bulk sections of fancy aquarium decor too, and it doesn't harm the fish that way either. Although they do coat it with resin usually..
 
cindysid

cindysid

Well-Known Member
Drop That Sound said:

Farmers have been using styrofoam floats for hydroponic and even aquaponic food production for decades now. Sitting under the hot sun with UVs hitting it all day, getting season after season before replacing the sheets.

People use it to make the bulk sections of fancy aquarium decor too, and it doesn't harm the fish that way either. Although they do coat it with resin usually..
Click to expand...
The only real issue I have with the coolers is changing out nutrient. They are fairly fragile especially with a gallon of water in them. I really don’t think they are causing my problems. Appreciate your input!
 
Nizza

Nizza

Well-Known Member
cindysid said:
Temp @ canopy level is 70, water temp is 64. Too cold?
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With LED you never want to go below 70-72. Not saying average but for me as well I can't stand anything above 74 in my lung room which I play video games in l. Some infrared heat can change those values but
-ph
-rh
-temp
-Light
-nutes
All go hand in hand. My last grow with auto water made me realize that if it is more humid/temp you have to increase fertigation. As soon as I added ac/hum/dehum everything was much more expected. This was.in coco coir but can be treated similarly to dwc

To add on ideal is 80f + with high humidity
 
ChemDogLover

ChemDogLover

Well-Known Member
cindysid said:
I’m definitely interested and there are lower vents on all my tents. I have several new 17 gallon and 27 gallon totes and buckets galore. The only thing that concerns me is the price of those bulkheads! Guess I’ll have to bid the bullet to save my back!
Click to expand...
Pretty much
 
ChemDogLover

ChemDogLover

Well-Known Member
cindysid said:
I’m definitely interested and there are lower vents on all my tents. I have several new 17 gallon and 27 gallon totes and buckets galore. The only thing that concerns me is the price of those bulkheads! Guess I’ll have to bid the bullet to save my back!
Click to expand...
This should give you an idea. The submersible pump in the rez has pvc on it to direct the water into the plumbing and each tote in the system. As the Rez almost drains the totes all rise, mixing the water through the system. Water movement is good for the system also.

IMG_1304.jpegIMG_1305.jpegIMG_1306.jpegIMG_1307.jpeg
 
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