passive plant killer

[delta9nxs]

Does it make a difference how the 'pulse' wave of water, (that on the way down, pushes 'out' gasses that are in the media which causes a vacuum like affect, sucking 'in' new/fresh O2, 'behind' the pulse wave, no need for DO in rez) makes its' way into the plants rez? via overflow out side holes ro via wic?

Pics tomorrow... it's so tight in that little tent that I cant get in to take pics that look like any more than a giant, very close, mass of green. Cut tomorrow.. there will be room then.

hey, snook, i don't think that it matters much. the main idea is to get the standing water out of the root zone as fast as is reasonably possible.

happy harvesting! i spent all day yesterday whacking another one. i'm going to import some illegal californians to trim for me. you know they are all illegal out there, one way or another. you don't have to pay them much. just promise them that the experience will enrich their lives, feed them quiche, and keep them buzzed.

later on

 

[Treebeard]

I'm correcting the pH because Jack's recommends a range of 6.0-6.5 I believe. Any they also recommend using this pH buffer specifically for RO water because it lacks natural buffers. Plant health and vigor improved when I began adjusting to the 5.9-6.0 and riding maybe up to 6.3.

 

[delta9nxs]

I'm correcting the pH because Jack's recommends a range of 6.0-6.5 I believe. Any they also recommend using this pH buffer specifically for RO water because it lacks natural buffers. Plant health and vigor improved when I began adjusting to the 5.9-6.0 and riding maybe up to 6.3.

hey, i just went out and checked mine and the veg reservoir is 5.5 and the flower is 5.7. ro water with no adjusters.

the ph just sits around those readings and the plants look great. very stable. acts buffered.

it may be better to run it at 6.0 but until i see displays i won't add anything.

i don't think they have experience with this type of system at jrpeterslab.

the whole device tends to run with greater stability than other hydro systems i have tried.

we have two full years of jack's with no ph issues operating this way.

anyway i'm looking forward to seeing those plants.

 

[Rhyno]

No Delta not at this time due to the fact that both of my "of age" boys tend to make very poor choices & are in the process of figuring life out for themselves which leaves my favorite zen inducing hobby on the back burner for now. Neither of my boys live with us but anytime there is drama they like to make mom and dads place their "base" which in turn sometimes has brought gestapos to my door, dig? You can bet though when things around here are safe and quite again I will be adding PPK "technology" to my stealth, semi-micro cabinet, pll--led boosted, major defoliation single plant growing style. I have been a dwc disciple for a few years now and I know the ppk will save a ton of maintenance with no air pump making additional noise & weekly plant moving eliminated it only makes sense to go this direction and share in the success's that this style of medium brings.
Stay Green, stay cool & stay safe!
Rhyno

 

[delta9nxs]

beautiful plant rhyno! you will enjoy growing those in a ppk. we have quite a few dwc refugees here.

sorry about the situation you have. mrs d9 and i are very much into the "no drama" lifestyle. even to the point of telling relatives whose lives are filled with it to stay away.

no one has the right to inflict their toxic little circumstances on others.

we identify drama prone people and try our best to avoid them.

who wants to drag all that baggage around all the time. it's better to travel light!

and high!

 

[Snook]

pics or it didn't happen!

All right. I could be the worst photographer there is but here you go: SSSDH @ 65 days. Next run, only 3 plants, 4 is too many in that little tent. #2 & 3 are SSSDH cut yesterday. The rest are going another week to 10 days.

 

[Hossauce]

Pictures look great everyone ! So my construction is nearing a finish...drilling holes for 12 ppk units isn't exactly fun ! I'm having trouble finding an easy way to drill out the valve stems. I've finished 2, but they took awhile and I had to baby them, and the 3rd split on the outside where the rubber meets the brass. Any helpful techniques?

Also, I've mainly been going off your set of pictures from the ppk .pdf file. Besides your black box, which I've constructed, are there any differences between your current run, and that set of pictures? I believe somewhere you drilled several holes in the lid of individual reservoirs, to allow for the drip to make its way back down successfully? What size holes did you make these? And the valve stem on the lid of the individual reservoirs...is that just a hole to check the solution, with the valve stem acting as a cap to the hole?

 

[delta9nxs]

hey snook, thanks for the pics! nice plants! that sssdh looks killer. what kind of lighting and what size tent again?

 

[delta9nxs]

Pictures look great everyone ! So my construction is nearing a finish...drilling holes for 12 ppk units isn't exactly fun ! I'm having trouble finding an easy way to drill out the valve stems. I've finished 2, but they took awhile and I had to baby them, and the 3rd split on the outside where the rubber meets the brass. Any helpful techniques?

Also, I've mainly been going off your set of pictures from the ppk .pdf file. Besides your black box, which I've constructed, are there any differences between your current run, and that set of pictures? I believe somewhere you drilled several holes in the lid of individual reservoirs, to allow for the drip to make its way back down successfully? What size holes did you make these? And the valve stem on the lid of the individual reservoirs...is that just a hole to check the solution, with the valve stem acting as a cap to the hole?

the valves are difficult to drill out sometimes. i use a pair of channel locks on the brass threads in the left hand and drill with the other. this keeps the channel lock teeth opposite the direction of spin. i drill them after installation. it makes keeping the bit straight easier. i use 3/16" cobalt bits from lowes with a drop of vegetable oil on them. i still rip one in half once in a while.

the problem with my current run is that it never ends. the big drawback to perpetual set ups.

the only thing other than the black box is the lids are drilled out for the overflow. i used 3/16" because 1/8" formed capillary blocks. IF used 1/4". the bucket lids at plantlighting that treebeard linked us to look like they don't have the partitions at all. if so, then you could just drill one 7/16" hole and use it for access also.

the tire valve is just stuck upside down in the 7/16" access hole. i don't use them now. with all the other holes i'm already getting some algae so what's one more hole.

 

[Snook]

hey snook, thanks for the pics! nice plants! that sssdh looks killer. what kind of lighting and what size tent again?

Thats going in a GL 4.9x4.9x6.8 tent w 2x 600 stacked, neked. Next run will be with 2x600, stacked, in cool tubes. Too much heat neked, buds hangin above lights dried out> brown... too close to 'fire' brown...

but i digress... why is it were not useing 1/2" (ID) tube for the bottom feeding line to the rezs'? I remember you saying something negatory about it, long ago, but do not remember what/why/where.. It would be easier with water tight, 1/2" grommets and "the flow baby" would be monster. Those grommets do not leak and 1/2" black tube is everywhere, unlike 3/8x1/4"ID which I have found at: (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/749/Black-and-White-Vinyl-Tubing ) not to mention that 1/2" tube for pulsing, would deliver very heavy pulses, compared to 1/4", maybe twice as much.HAHA! More is too much?

 

[delta9nxs]

Thats going in a GL 4.9x4.9x6.8 tent w 2x 600 stacked, neked. Next run will be with 2x600, stacked, in cool tubes. Too much heat neked, buds hangin above lights dried out> brown... too close to 'fire' brown...

but i digress... why is it were not useing 1/2" (ID) tube for the bottom feeding line to the rezs'? I remember you saying something negatory about it, long ago, but do not remember what/why/where.. It would be easier with water tight, 1/2" grommets and "the flow baby" would be monster. Those grommets do not leak and 1/2" black tube is everywhere, unlike 3/8x1/4"ID which I have found at: (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/749/Black-and-White-Vinyl-Tubing ) not to mention that 1/2" tube for pulsing, would deliver very heavy pulses, compared to 1/4", maybe twice as much.HAHA! More is too much?

man, that's tight for 4 plants that size. great job getting to harvest. those sssdh buds look dense and heavy. very nice.

i think but i'm not sure that i said that i see nothing wrong with using larger diameter lines for the sub-irrigation system. 1/2" is fine, plumbing with other fittings is fine. it's just larger than it needs to be. as long as it gets the job done.

the pulse feed set up is a little more difficult to determine for each individual. with big, high pressure lines you are going to blow medium around. too small of a line with too many stations and a small pump and you reduce the "breath". the same size line with the same pump might be fine for 4 plants but not for 12. and so on. it's all subjective to our own situations. how much money do you want to spend on a pump? i can see a guy with 1 or 2 plants using a small aquarium powerhead from wallys. they had one the other day that put out 175 gph with no head penalty or resistance. i think it was 20 bucks. it has a 1/2" outlet. you could put a simple T on it and use 1/2" lines for delivery as long as your terminal apparatus broke up the stream enough to stop blasting medium out of the container.

someone with 40 plants could get a massive pump with large diameter lines. or several smaller pumps with a black box for each group.

one of the ideas i've tried to maintain is that this should not be expensive to build and operate.

so somewhere in the middle of the pulse pump line manifold terminal apparatus puzzle one should find compromise and practicality. we all have different needs and situations.

 

[high life 45]

Greetings D9 and friends! A grand salute of appreciation is due to all of you whom have constructively contributed to the ppk in a curteous fashion. I feel honored to be here. Four days along with multiple email addresses, were only a few pieces of the puzzle that I put together to FINALLY receive an account activation. After reading the thread entirely I can finally see the pictures, lol. I do not have an Internet connection where I live, only a smart phone with "rural speeds", so I won't see most of them for a while. You may interpret this "blind faith" as a testament in my belief of the Almighty Temple of the PPK.

I am currently building a medical grow and would like to dedicate a large portion of it to the ppk.

I was growing 16-18 oz plants consistently in smart pots handwatering with General Organics. Now with five times the available space I aspire to produce at least twice that per a plant. For this reason I would like to use five gallon buckets.

 

[high life 45]

Two rooms side by side 12'x19'
Eventually they will flip flop but for now due to the wise council of my wallet I will only set up one side.
X=ppk with 1k above
O=600w
x x
o o o
x x
o o o
x x
o o o
x x
There is limited amps at this location therefor 600w were the most logical option. Only four of the 1ks will be on at a time. Any recommendations and constructive comments are appreciated.
I have a few questions, magically they seem to have slipped my mind. D9, Zeke, IF and OO thank you especially for teaching me shit from shinola.

 

[high life 45]

The pictures along with the index have filled the gaps. The organization and overall team oriented prolem solving spirit of the thread is amazing. You all are awarded two gold stars and three pats on the back...I'm serious folks remove your right hand from the mouse, reach around and proceed with the well earned pats of accomplishment/appreciation.

Im in the process of putting together a parts list for an 8 bucket set up. (something that could possibly be added to the PDF and index, or did I overlook it)

I am planning to follow your evolution d9 and use a rice hull, diatomite mix. I noticed that in the jg heavy pulse instructions you have four ppks fed from one 950 pump. Should I use two 950 pump for and 8 site set up? If I use 5 gallon buckets can I still use a 3.5 gallon res?

 

[delta9nxs]

hey, high life 45! welcome aboard! thank you for the kind words and for deciding to try this system. sorry i have not answered earlier.

i haven't had time to look at your light diagram yet. your intention to use 5 gal containers as grow containers is ok but you really can grow any plant in a 3.5 that you can in a 5. and you will have more stability.

i used the 950 mag drives only because i had them left over from another effort. one of them can power all 8 buckets. i use one in the flower area with 8 plants. and i have another one on 6 plants in the veg area.

the turbo pulse black box set up is working great. now over 2 months in flower and it is producing very large, healthy, plants with no displays or symptoms of any kind. i have been playing with the timing now that i have established volume.

i'm currently running it at 90 min of interval. so that's a pulse of whatever volume it takes to produce solution at the sidewall holes with a 90 min break in between.

this is producing flat fan leaves with no edge or tip curl and rapid growth.

i'm using turface mvp with rice hulls but the napa floor dry stuff looks good too.

well, welcome again and i'm sorry it took so long to answer.

good luck!

d9

 

[delta9nxs]

edited to remove duplicate post. idk htf it happened

 

[ImaginaryFriend]

HL45...

Your xo diagram is pretty classic...

I really like the idea of top and side lighting, and I think you should be able to produce an effective 4.5 tall, 4 wide plant.

Which raises my first question of clarification: are your running 12x19(x2) or splitting a 12x19 into two rooms?

One of the things to consider in surrounding your plants with multiple lights is asking yourself if the plants can generate enough flower sites to make use of all the wattage. Some strains can, some strains cannot.

Some strains perform better from a yield perspective if they are on a wall, 'butterflied' forward like D9s setup, which is to say that the laterals that would be on the 'back' are pulled forward. This effectively doubles the vertical wall of flowers.

Other strains are bushy enough to present flowers for all of the added light from all sides.

Running your plants along the walls, and training them forward to the center might be the most efficient use of wattage if you have an amp limitation.

So... now that I've rambled, what size of plants are you trying to develop?

If my count is right, you are committing 9.4K to eight plants? (1K over each PPK, rows of 3x.6k?)

That's a lot of juice. Don't get me wrong; I like it. I'm just afraid I blew the math somewhere.

But if that is the case, you'll need to grow massive canopies to eat up all those lumens, and you might be better off stacking those 600s rather than stretching them out.

I'm saying:

x=PPK plus 1k overhead.
o=Double stacked 600s.
6=single 600.

-6-
x-x
-o-
x-x
-o-
x-x
-o-
x-x
-6-

I don't know about the end lighting so much... or your real amp limitations.

(I like the stacked sixes over 1K for better light distribution over a monster canopy...

I'd consider ditching the lamps on the end and dedicating more amperage to air exchange and temp controls. Depending on location, that amount of light has the potential to create some real heat... but I'm sure if you're pulling lbers, you are not new to the game and know how to keep your environment within workable levels.

 

[high life 45]

To continue this journey of hypothesis, application and collecting data, I may get stoned with two birds. Perhaps I should run four 3.5gal and four 5gal. Each with a dedicated pump and cycle timer. This will allow me to compare growth rate and overall capacity of the two different buckets. There will be 9400watts and 3.5tons of ac, your math is correct IF. My previous space was 7x11 with 6400 watts and 2.25tons of ac. As for potential of the genetics I have no doubt. For the time being it will be one 12x19 room. The other 12x19 room is built and ready to go minus wiring up a few relays and buying bulbs. Two 10" max fans will be completely exchanging the air between the two rooms every two minutes or so. We hope two have both rooms up and running by the end of next month. Perhaps we will double stack the 6s in one of the rooms, I will have to play around with lighting orientation. Thanks for the inPut D9 and IF!

 

[high life 45]

Now you've really got me going with the double stacked 6s. I could relay those and back and forth from the 6s on the edge......

 

[Guest 142956]

I followed this thread closely in early 2011 but AOL suddenly made it just too slow to visit ICmag. I have run an interpretation of the information here grow. The biggest difference I made was using 7/16th nylon rope insead of the medium itself for a wick. Second difference was I used a different medium; 3 parts perlite and one part each fullers earth and peat moss. I cut thin slots in the 3 gallon buckets and used one large main reservoir made from two large trays. I used the Jacks professional with calcinit at 1 teaspoon each per gallon. I ran 4 plants with a vertically hung 400 watt HPS. The plants were a cross of AK48 and Skunk #1. The last three weeks of flower I added 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of Snow Storm Ultra. I did not alter the PH of my water and I used tap water that PH's around 7. Absolutely awesome results, great yield, my personal best from a 400 watt HPS and a smooth exceptionally powerfull smoke. There were no issues at all. I did not top feed, my space was only 34"x34" and it was preety tight in there. I did run an aerator for one hour every lights on period not so much to aerate but to "stir" the solution which otherwise would have sat stagnate for weeks at a time and until I added the aerator a film formed on top of the solution which is kept in the dark. I will add a float valve and a 27 gallon drum next grow but as it was the 16 gallons of solution only needed to be topped up 3 times during the 7 weeks of flower. At any rate Thanks for the direction. I do think the slots in the buckets helped with both keeping oxygen near the roots and kept them from circleing the bucket. I never sprayed anything on the plants and never had even so much as a brown spot on a leaf. I vegged them for 3 weeks which turned out to be just right.