How-to grow hydro in SA

[getafix]

Hi there guys,

I am thinking of making my next grow an attempt at hydro. There is a lot of info on how to go hydro on ICMag, but it is not always relevant to SA. That is because stores and trade name are totally different than europe and usa.

We have a few guys here that have set up hydro systems and it would be great for us newbies if you could help with an step-by-step guide.

As for me, I've got a cab with lights set-up (eventually), while others would like to grow hydro outdoors. I think it would be helpful to know what to buy (makes, models, sizes), where to buy it from and how to go about setting it up.

I am living in Moz and cannot go to the shops frequently and get things bit-by-bit. I need to plan, go and shop ONCE. Therefore it is important for me to know where to go and what to ask for.

Blunt has a nice looking set-up going, skimp-skimp...

 

[sogman]

Maybe a General Hydroponics recirculating waterfarm is just what the doctor ordered. It's a 8 bucket DWC bubbler system.
Explosive hydro growth, but it's like 400 bux american.

 

[highonthechroni]

are you looking to use DWC (deep water culture) bubblers like Blunt?

or looking into other methods of hydro..?

Ebb & Flow is a good setup to look into for maximum utilisation of space, big yields..

i think the easiest would definately be to use what Blunt uses. really simple, just need buckets with lids, net pots, air pumps and air stones/wands. use some hydroton for the pots.

i can vouch for General Hydroponics nutes too - the 3-part Flora range and maybe get some Ripen late flower nutrient as well

check www.windell.co.za

 

[getafix]

i think i'll go for the DWC bubbler for starters. best to keep it simple for starters. i'll pop around windell and chat to charles.

i hope they're not closed between xmas and new year...

 

[Guest]

$250.00 without the recirc pump...or 50 bucks a waterfarm...i personally would get a ice chest a hole saw blade for your drill some airstones and a airpump...instant bubbler..

Maybe a General Hydroponics recirculating waterfarm is just what the doctor ordered. It's a 8 bucket DWC bubbler system.
Explosive hydro growth, but it's like 400 bux american.

 

[SmokingGreen]

looking good... also going to do a bubbler starting next year..with some nice F1 seeds

 

[skunkish]

Hi Getafix , I finished my bubbler setup a month or so ago here is a list of things that I used and places to get them:

Lights:
I got mine from windell because they come with a reflector but im sure it would be cheaper to buy a MH floodlight and build your own reflector with one of the tutorials on this site

Buckets:
Pick and pay sells large tupperware see thru containers big enough for about 3 plants
I just sprayed mine black.

Nett pots:
You can get these from any swimming pool shop.

Rockwool cubes and hydroton:
Got mine from windell

Outlet/inlet fans and silver piping:
Windell also sells these

Nutrients:
For me the 3-part flora to work best with the lucas formula. I find using the hardwater nutes works better for most regions in S.A. and if you are using the lucas formula you
only need the Micro and bloom witch works out cheaper.I get my nutes from windell.

PPM pens:
I bought mine from windell it's best to get one that does not need callibration and you will need a ph pen aswell

I see that freedomtogrow.co.za and ethnotrader.co.za also sells hydro equipment but I
don't know how legit these companies are.

I hope this will help you find what you need and good luck with your project.

 

[getafix]

Thanks for that skunkish. I'll be in ctn in dec and will pop into windell. Now I've got a shopping list

 

[highonthechroni]

nice one skunkish

 

[Blunt Africa]

Hey geatfix

Sorry for the late reply.

Yup everything is covered above, Windell will sort you out with everything expect the seeds.

Good luck and keep us updated

 

[lowridersa]

status, any pics getafix

 

[getafix]

I got the whole package at Windell. A bubbler system, nutes, exctractor fan/tubing and other goodies. It was well priced.

I have not been able to start though, due to my work taking up all my time. I will post some picks of the equipment soon.

 

[lowridersa]

thnaks getafix, have looked at windell, they really do have a niche market. WORK, is the problem in all our lives, I cant believe we have to do this thing called work till we get old and ugly, and then we can enjoy the fruits of life. Grrrrr

 

[Blunt Africa]

Yup

The trick is to try and get a work/life balance going. Shame that Getafix travels a lot so it makes a daily hobby like weed growing real tough...

 

[getafix]

That's true Blunt. It's real difficult keeping an indoor setup running when travelling. I also seem to be at work more often now that I am a manager. I am at work now , as well as yesterday etc etc...

But that needs to stop. I am working on an exit strategy. Also, Jan - Jun is three times as busy as Jul - Dec.