passive plant killer

[Snook]

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.

What did you say, Delta9?

 

[delta9nxs]

Quotes by billrose

“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.”

hey, bill! Thanks for the report! You have any pics? This thread desperately needs pics from other people. I think everyone's tired of seeing mine.

The nylon rope will not transport more liquid than the medium wick. While it proved to be adequate for a bottom fed only plant I don't think it will drain as fast as needed when you go to a top feed. Your wick needs to be a 2 way street.

“Second difference was I used a different medium; 3 parts perlite and one part each fullers earth and peat moss.”

interesting choices and mix. This goes back to the idea that it is the mechanical properties of a medium that are more important than the medium substance itself. I recommend that everyone find cheap materials close to their homes and experiment with the mix possibilities to get the desired water holding capacity and air porosity.

“ 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.”

whoa! 1 tsp per gal? They recommend ½ tsp per gal. ½ tsp gets you 1050 ppm at the .5 conversion or ec 2.1. so 1 tsp should get you 2100 ppm or ec 4.2. this is a typo, right?


“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.”

the only question I have here is about the medium depth. How deep was it and did the very top stay wet?

Oh yeah, did you do any change outs or drain to waste, partial or otherwise? Or just add to the system throughout the grow?

Congratulations on a successful grow! And thank you again for the report.

d9

 

[delta9nxs]

What did you say, Delta9?

you know!

 

[Guest 142956]

I used 2 pieces of nylon rope in each bucket of which I ran a loop up into the medium and the ends down in the reservoir. This provided plenty of moisture though the top 3/4 inch of the medium if not near the rope was loose but not exactly dry. The Fullers earth provides silica, water holding ability and trace minerals. The Peat moss was added in the hope it would lower PH somewhat. The medium allowed the roots to develope very evenly also and seemed to be perfect in water holding ability. As for the amount of fertylizer I used that is not a typo. I tested the 1/2 teaspoon each amount on the parent AK48 plants and found it to be a bit light, leaving mainstems and leaf stems purpleish and I found an article where a gentleman used the 1/2 teaspoon each fert level in a DWC so I knew I could use more and did. The stronger solution made for beautiful green everywhere on the plants. Medium depth is close to 9 inches. The loops of rope were run near the top of the medium and toward each side of the bucket. I just added mixed fert solution to the reservoir, 8 gallons three times. I forgot to add that I used 1 tsp epsom salts during veg per gallon and 2 tsp epsom salts during the last 4 weeks of flower. This was added when the reservoir was topped up. I took no pictures and only visited the grow every 10 to 14 days. I had a chicken wire cage around the light and had no problems with plants growing into the light. Also I mixed the fertylizer using a teaspoon and I don't believe the by volume numbers are as high as actually weighed on a scale numbers, I did weigh what comes from a teaspoon and the numbers are different for the Jacks and the calcinit.

 

[Guest 142956]

Long post! Also I put the fullers earth in there, which was bought as automotive floor sweep to help the medium hold up the plants. Perlite is notoriously poor in this respect. I ran my lights 11 hours light 13 hours dark. I initially tried the coco coir but immediatly came into lockout issues and then bugs so I gave up on it for now. This was a product called Coco Peat, cheap and all I could find but off the list for me. I will do one more run just like this one and quit for the summer as I hate battling the heat and a guy can only smoke so much of the good stuff anyway.

 

[Snook]

you know!

BillRose: "Pics, or it didn't happen.".

 

[Guest 142956]

The only pics I can take now are of jarred smoke. My real excuse for not having any pics is that up till a week ago I had no good camera, now I have one and have to learn how to use it. Plus I have to learn how to get pictures on the web too. I have nothing but respect for those who can take good pictures and post them but I am just not there yet, soon but not yet. There is still the one last run before summer hits.

 

[ImaginaryFriend]

HL45,

The stacked sixes make sense for a canopy that is going to be taller than the effective footprint of a single .6/1K. With your wattage and plant count, you're going to need some monster plants to eat up all those lumens, and I'm guessing they will be taller than 3/4 feet when they finish...

Rose, nice work with finding a variation that brought you success. Nylon ropes cut into the bottom of pots as an afterthought (inspired by this thread) was what brought me back to wick based grows...

 

[Guest 142956]

A good wick system has to be the ultimate in low maintenance grows. Tailor your soil mix to the moisture level you like ( the plants like) and feed em a good balanced fert and your good as gold.

 

[Treebeard]

Got hit with some nasty winter weather and as a result I was without power from late-night Thursday through last night. Got down to 42 degrees in the house yesterday. Had to use lanterns for one light period. Will definitely be doing a lot more research about that diesel generator that you posted up. I can't wait to get off the grid. I'm sure glad the plants have wicks and don't have to rely on automated watering...one less thing to worry about when SHTF.

 

[high life 45]

HL45,

The stacked sixes make sense for a canopy that is going to be taller than the effective footprint of a single .6/1K. With your wattage and plant count, you're going to need some monster plants to eat up all those lumens, and I'm guessing they will be taller than 3/4 feet when they finish...
...

I have been thinking about this quite a bit. The stacked 6s would be more efficient as four plants would be absorbing all the light. However the 1ks above will be penetrating the top part of the plant, the 6s could penetrate the lower half. I have grown successfully with this layout and the plants were completely nugs, maybe a couple of grams of popcorn, not even an eighth. I'll try to get a a picture up this evening.

 

[delta9nxs]

just a few shots of the black box for those interested. it was getting dirty so i drained and cleaned it.

 

[delta9nxs]

for some reason i couldn't load more than 5 pics in one post. i used to be able to load 10.

 

[high life 45]

Went shopping today, got some tire valves and diatomite from napa. The diatomite is much smaller than I am used to getting, it also costs %25 of what I am used to paying. Ordering buckets and 3/8" od tubing tomorrow. My best friend/partner installed Linoleum and sealed exterior doors and two can max 10" fans in both rooms. Getting rice hulls is the next mission, there are a few local brewin stores around hoping they have some.
Need a pump and float valve, battery box and tub for the black box set up, also latex tubing and compression fitting for the pump.
Jacks and calnit
ro unit
a few more bulbs and I should be good to grow. Anything that I'm missing please let me know.

 

[ImaginaryFriend]

HL45,

When I asked about your 12x19 space, I presumed you were going to answer that it was going to be split... and I started to speculate on the best use of long narrow spaces.

Now that I've got my head around the idea that you intend to grow 5x5x(6?) monsters, I have no idea where I stand on advice. Imagine 18"-24" penetration on the 1k up top, then surrounding the plants with sixes and their three foot spread seems pretty reasonable.

If anyone can say growing 150 cu.ft. plants is reasonable.

When you make these plans, are you ever worried that they're going to work?

I hope you run perpetual... because if you are successful (and I have faith you will be), that's a lunar shit ton of processing... setting yourself up for monsters.

Mutherfucking Dr. Frankenstein shit here.

When they walk around calling themselves "the Adams of your labors" and your "fallen angels", you'll know you've royally fucked yourself.

But in the mean time, good luck.

One thing your missing: A sick camera to take lots of pics...

 

[high life 45]

HL45,

When I asked about your 12x19 space, I presumed you were going to answer that it was going to be split... and I started to speculate on the best use of long narrow spaces.

Now that I've got my head around the idea that you intend to grow 5x5x(6?) monsters, I have no idea where I stand on advice. Imagine 18"-24" penetration on the 1k up top, then surrounding the plants with sixes and their three foot spread seems pretty reasonable.

If anyone can say growing 150 cu.ft. plants is reasonable.

When you make these plans, are you ever worried that they're going to work?

I hope you run perpetual... because if you are successful (and I have faith you will be), that's a lunar shit ton of processing... setting yourself up for monsters.

Mutherfucking Dr. Frankenstein shit here.

When they walk around calling themselves "the Adams of your labors" and your "fallen angels", you'll know you've royally fucked yourself.

But in the mean time, good luck.

One thing your missing: A sick camera to take lots of pics...

IF your well versed comically animated posts are one of my favorite things about this thread. I strive to post like you.

There is only one part of my plan in which I do not have hands on experience, that is the PPK.

My last room was 7x11 with 8 plants and 6400 watts bare bulb.

In my room to be, the spacing will be for 12 plants, but will only have 8 to begin with, and may stay that way.

I will post some old pics tomorrow.
I have a decent camera, nothing fancy. What I really need is is the elusive Internet tech to do their job, the small screen on my smart phone makes using the innerwebz a task.

 

[high life 45]

Forums only need gentle giants.

Forums only need gentle giants.

Thank you so much D9 for sharing this method, all of your pics etc. I am so excited to get this superior yet simple set up going.
(so excited and i havent even grown this way yet does this make me a giant?)

IF
As far as Plant size goes I'm shooting for 3.5x3.5. 4'centers on the lights. I feel this is optimal with 600s vertical. If they over grow this layout I will have room to expand.

I run my humidity around 70% and have lots of fans. Keep your room clean, provide Lots of air movement and you will have no rot or mildew issues with your gargantuan flowers. None of my friends can get the strain to look like I can so far. One of my friends had a 12x12 room with 6000w and two oscillating fans, humidity around 45-50%. I told them they needed more fans, they did not listen. There entire room was covered in powdery mildew. I was disappointed. I had 7fans in a 7x11 room. 70-75% humidity no issues. Humidity gave me a 33% increase in yield. Pre humidity 3/4# post humidity 1#.

The two rooms will harverst at different times so it will be perpetual in a sense..

Where I live trimming is an industry. Its not unheard of for trimmers to make 5-20k a season. Most large scale cultivators hire friends, have twisters and rarely trim themselves. Trimming helps many a single parent provide for their kids. I will gladly support the local weedconomy and hire help.

By the way, this thread really lifts my mood. I love all of ya.

Giant is the polar opposite of a troll.

 

[ImaginaryFriend]

The simplest bucket form of PPKs are easy as can be. Each modification brings potential benefits, and each rethink of the dynamics can bring possible modifications... but a bucket sitting on another bucket with a tube into the water works good. Add your pulse, whether it be high volume pumping through 1/2" or a manifold tied into 1/4"s, and you've got something really coherent going on.

Add a little stable and simple nute regime like Jacks, and it really just doesn't go wrong. No one has built the simple version and come back and said, "Geeze, I was really disappointed with the maintenance and performance of this system."

Glad to hear you're keeping your humidity up, and seeing positive results. From what I understand, humidity should be relative to ambient temps, with seventy percent being a nice balance for sitting in the high seventies, low eighties.

Any chance your strain is just nicely resistant to PM and other nasties? Or do you think it's all based on environmental controls (i.e. high airflow)?

If you planning for only 4x4x4s, why not stack all three across the back:

o o o
x x x
o o o
x x x
o o o

or

o o o
x x x
o o
x x x
o o o

if plant count matters? This leaves additional space for the last 3 in the front of the room and really might help you grab all your lumens...

Or better

o x o x o
o x o x o
o x o x o
_ _ _ _ _
So you can use the lighting distribution as working aisles? (Just remember to always wear a hat...)

I don't know... Maybe leaving them centered gives you way more room to work.

I guess I'm just thinking about only hanging the lamps once... anticipating the 12 plant rooms.

 

[high life 45]

The simplest bucket form of PPKs are easy as can be. Each modification brings potential benefits, and each rethink of the dynamics can bring possible modifications... but a bucket sitting on another bucket with a tube into the water works good. Add your pulse, whether it be high volume pumping through 1/2" or a manifold tied into 1/4"s, and you've got something really coherent going on.

Add a little stable and simple nute regime like Jacks, and it really just doesn't go wrong. No one has built the simple version and come back and said, "Geeze, I was really disappointed with the maintenance and performance of this system."

Glad to hear you're keeping your humidity up, and seeing positive results. From what I understand, humidity should be relative to ambient temps, with seventy percent being a nice balance for sitting in the high seventies, low eighties.

Any chance your strain is just nicely resistant to PM and other nasties? Or do you think it's all based on environmental controls (i.e. high airflow)?

I have Faith in the Temple of PPK, no worries there. Its just the only part of the plan I haven't done before.

As far as nasties go, I feel its 95% environmental. I have ran three completely different strains with fungus issues. Unless your growroom is on par with "Clean Room" standards all the nasties are already present in the air. Your probably bringing more and more spores in with you everytime you visit your garden. They fruit when the proper conditions are met. I feel that air flow is one of those conditions. Once your plant gets to a certain size is hard for your artificial breeze to blow through them.

This is why I stay away from three plants in a row..
ooo
xxx
ooo <----with wall mount oscillating fans you cant get air flow
xxx to the middle plant safely. You will need a powerful
ooo breeze that will blow your bulbs around and or be too
harsh on your girls.

You will want to go with a checkerboard patern..
xox
oxo
xox <----- this was the layout of my previous room, 3x1k down
oxo middle. 2x600 on each side. The 1ks that were on the
xox edge relayed over the two middle plants marked x and
an additional 1k that relayed over the plants marked x


This only applies if you are running high humidity. I am following my gut with my layout for now and down the road I may experiment.

 

[high life 45]

I am unable to lead pics at the moment... not sure if my post count is too low or if my pic is to big.. working on it though.