What's new
  • As of today ICMag has his own Discord server. In this Discord server you can chat, talk with eachother, listen to music, share stories and pictures...and much more. Join now and let's grow together! Join ICMag Discord here! More details in this thread here: here.

Coco worked, switched, then failed. Also - Insect problem.

RSA

Member
Originally began my growing experience with Canna Coco and FFOF. A 50/50 mix of this produced some very tasty nirvana white rhino, but after I realized I couldn't spend $60/bag for the stuff (not available in my state, have to pay to ship @ $40/bag) I had to find other options.

My last 2 runs I have been running PROMIX BX, with a decent amount of FFOF. This has NOT worked for me in any manner. I've dealt with pH lockout, nute deficiencies, you name it. I'm sure it could very well be my knowledge of growing, lack of care, heat issues, etc. It was just very odd I went from 2 successful grows with coco, switched to promix and just had a HORRIBLE time.

I currently have ProMix BX but at this point I'm considering switching back to the Coco/FFOF option. I had great success with coco, switched, had problems, so I mays well go back. I actually have to cover some areas outside with new top soil come spring to get a garden going, and the Promix I have may be used for that instead.


That being said..

Thing is, the only available options for me are the ROOTS brand as that is the only brand I can grab at the local hydro shop.

Roots Organics Loose Coco Palms
Roots Organic Soilless Cocofiber


These are the two options. I'm thinking after I use a seed starter such as FF Light Warrior and I make the first transplant prior to sexing, I will transplant into a Coco/FFOF mix using one of the above options. Not sure on what I should go with, the Coco Palms or the Cocofiber. Being I will be mixing with FFOF (for necessary nutrients) does anyone know which type would be more beneficial for me?

Also, using such a mix (Coco + FFOF), what would you all recommend (brand-wise) that I use for feeding come Veg/Flower? Tons of options, and best take advice from people who have tried and tested various brands.

I had to scrap a new grow because within 1 week, I had these little black flying bugs that would fly around the tent and land on the leaves. I checked the cups soil to see if I saw anything in the soil, I didn't, so I'm assuming these were flying bugs (adults) that originated elsewhere.

I'll be buying both mosquito dunks and Merit 75 to control pests this time around, but the question is when is it safe to apply? When I start the seeds out in the Light Warrior, should I apply any Merit or Mosq dunks, or should I wait until first transplant/veg?



Recap:

- Which type of coco to use in combination with FFOF
- Which brand of nutrients best to use in same situation
- How to use/apply pest controls


This is literally a survive and prosper or fail and fall scenario for me. Cannabis is my lifeline to maintain my current balance with the economy, and failed grow after failed grow have destroyed my confidence and I need some backup. Help!!
 

RSA

Member
Another thought...

I'll be running 1 X 400 W & 2 X 1000 W for a total of 2,400W.

On such a setup, running a coco/soil mix, what should I 'expect' from a decent yielding Indica strain as far as grams per watt? Some people say 1-1.5g/watt is the 'Holy Grail' of growing, in the past I averaged around .5-.6g/watt which was 'Ok' but in the aforementioned mix, what should I be shooting for and what should be an acceptable yield? I know this varies and many variables come into play, but there is no reason in my mind I should be yielding .2 or .3g/watt.
 

RetroGrow

Active member
Veteran
I would drop the FF all together. That's where the bugs come from. Straight coco is the bomb. No reason to mix it, IMO.
 
O

otis33

Coco fiber and some general hydroponics flora micro and flora bloom, read about heads coco formula in the coco section on this site and you are good to go. Good luck.
 
O

otis33

Ph @5.8 or piss yellow if you our using drops. You will need the drops our a ph meter.
 
I

ItsTopShelf

dude .. drop fox farms.. fox farms is garbage they charge u 20 bucks a bag for a bag of bugs.. fuck that.. promix is bomb.. i use now with no problems.. all green and i run 20 strains.. so and i dont feed any different to any strain.. !! just gotta keep ur ph betwee,5.8 and 6.2 with promix havent had a problem.. sometimes ill slip a 6.3 in there .. but honestly.. dude i thought the same shit.. used canna coco .. then foxfarms.. then had to deal with bugs.. kuz of foxfarms!!! now i run full pure promix no amendments.. and i just feed feed water... no probs i use canna bio line.. for nutes.. and i been adding a cap of foxfarm grow to each 30 gall feeding tank.. and saw alot of green stay will wen i start flushing
 

spainmedman

Active member
I use pro-mix, add lime, worm castings and extra perlite, simple and works. I ph down my water to around 6.
The bugs are most likely fungus gnats, could be from the FFOF, but those things seem to come out of nowhere...
To get rid of them I break up the top of my soil with a fork every day before and after watering, and even if I don't water. Let the top dry out more and hang sticky traps, should be gone is around 2 weeks. I still one or two once in a while but that is it.
 

RSA

Member
May just go straight coco.... But what is the difference between the two types I mentioned above, and what nutes should I use going straight coco?
 

RetroGrow

Active member
Veteran
May just go straight coco.... But what is the difference between the two types I mentioned above, and what nutes should I use going straight coco?

I only use Canna coco, which I consider to be the best, so can't comment on the others. If you only have two choices, you might want to mix them. Make sure they are rinsed first in case of the presence of salts.
For nutes, I recommend Maxibloom, start to finish.
Check out the K.I.S.S. thread:

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=191645

Works great with coco.
 

RSA

Member
hmm, that KISS thread says:

1 TEAspoon MaxiBloom
pH Calibration***
Per US gal. tap water

***(This varies depending on region, test pH amounts for YOURSELF! 1/2 Tsp pH UP works for me!)

How To Completely Dissolve
Fill Mason Jar half full of hot water (Glass not plastic!)
Empty measured/weighed Maxi into Mason Jar
Shake for at least 5 min. (You don't have to shake it hard, it just takes time. So get comfy!)
Pour solution into mixing bucket
Fill to desired amount and away ya go!


I don't understand a few things... why is it talking about dissolving it in a separate mason jar? why can't i just mix into the gallon jugs I use? second...what is a mixing bucket? what i would typically do is add nutes directly to the gallon jugs, shake up, and pour into the plants...this is saying mix the solution in a mason jar, then do I pour that into the gallon jugs? that seems like a lot of work to feed your plants every other watering...but is that what it means?


also, the description for the roots stuff:

A unique formulation of the highest quality cocofiber/coir on the planet which is repeatedly washed for an incredibly low EC, composted for over 24 months, and specially blended with extra long fibers, perlite, and pumice. Lightly amended with a starter charge of organic fertilizers like bat guano, worm castings and kelp, this mix is designed for heavy feeding and high performance in container or hydroponic applications.
 

Latest posts

Latest posts

Top