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Question about hydro, algae, mold and soil...

svleeh

New member
Hello grow community!

I have some question to you whose more experienced than me.

I’ve been growing seedlings in jiffy and then planted ’em to rockwool cubes. Soon as I planted them the algae started to grow on ’em and now the cubes smell kinda moldy…

The question is that is it safe to put those to NFT setup or do I have to plant them in the soil?

The smell reminds me of bacteria or fungi and I consider that are those bacterias and fungis welcome to NFT/hydroponics setup?

What should I do? Can you help me out and help me to solve this dilemma..?

If ima go and try to solve the problem with hydrogen peroxide? Do I have to wait till the bacteria or fungi is defeated and then transplant em to NFT or can I transplant em and then fight the bacteria/fungi?

I consider the planting to soil because soil has all kinds of microorgans and I thought it wouldn’t matter in soil am I wrong?

TLDR: Transplanted Jiffys to rockwool amd they started to grow algae… So can I transplant ’em moldy smelling things to NFT or do I need to fight the problem and then transplant ’em? Or maybe better solution is to transplant ’em to soil?

Please grow bros solve this for me and help me out!!??

Thank you for the answers and giving time and solution to my problem…

EDIT:

I didn't mention that I've grown some edible shmoors and got hit by trichoderma harzianum. So if its mold it's then trichoderma and its beneficial both in hydro and in soil. It even kills the root rot if that occurs in system

Increase Yields and Plant Health. In addition to helping your plants keep themselves healthy and fight off diseases, Trichoderma also helps increase nutrient uptake, increase growth, increase yield and increase the number of seeds they can germinate.13.9.2019

Despite the facts about trich and its benefits I still wonder if those are safe to go for hydro. And my question was that. I just failed to mention about the trichoderma infection.

Plants that are non-Jiffys (so they're rock wool on rock wool not Jiffy on rock wool...) are not growing algae so I think the situation is because of Jiffys or it has something to do with Jiffys... Its strange that non-Jiffy seedlings doesn't give a fuck and Jiffys just give...

Maybe I'll put 'em into the soil and spend my days without a stress about it? How's that sounding?
 
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Old Piney

Well-known member
I‘m an out door in the ground organic grower, so I’m certianly not an expert on this. My indoor growing is límited to just veg using soiless mix and Peter’s plant Food to winter mother plants ,take cuttings and starting seeds. What I can tell you from my experience is there is a big difference between mold and algae . Algae is a green plant and in this case is just a weed . I always get it growing on the soil and I don‘t beleave it hurts any thing. On the other hand mold,mildew,or visible fungus I would be concerned about . I beleave growing in soil in largar pots is more forgiving than Hydro but let’s wait and see what the indoor experts think. Edit….. I wouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide in the meantime
 
Last edited:

Creeperpark

Well-known member
Mentor
Veteran
To germinate seeds in rockwool, thoroughly soak the Rockwool cubes in pH adjusted water, create a small intention in the center of each cube, carefully place one seed into the hole, gently press it down and then keep the cubes moist in a humid environment until the germination occurs, ensure the cubes are not overly saturated and monitor the pH level of the water used for soaking.

Key steps:
  • Prepare the rockwool:
    Soak the rockwool cubes in pH-adjusted water (usually between 5.5 and 6.5) to remove any excess salts and optimize germination conditions.

  • Make a seed hole:
    In the center of each cube, create a small indentation using a toothpick or similar tool.

  • Plant the seed:
    Carefully place one seed into the hole, ensuring the seed is positioned with the pointed end facing downwards.

    • Gently press:
      Lightly press the seed into the rockwool to ensure good contact.
    • Maintain moisture:
      Place the planted cubes in a tray or container and mist them regularly to maintain a consistent moisture level.
    • Provide humidity:
      Cover the tray with a humidity dome to create a high humidity environment, which promotes germination.
    • Monitor temperature:
      Keep the environment at a suitable temperature for the specific plant species you are growing.
    • Light exposure:
      Once germination occurs, remove the humidity dome and expose the seedlings to appropriate light. Google
 

Douglas.Curtis

Autistic Diplomat in Training
Got new cubes? Depending on how long it's been, I'd consider pulling them, rinsing off all jiffy cube and replanting in new rockwool.
 

svleeh

New member
Thank you for your answers!

I didn't mention that I've grown some edible shmoors and got hit by trichoderma harzianum. So if its mold it's then trichoderma and its beneficial both in hydro and in soil. It even kills the root rot if that occurs in system

Increase Yields and Plant Health. In addition to helping your plants keep themselves healthy and fight off diseases, Trichoderma also helps increase nutrient uptake, increase growth, increase yield and increase the number of seeds they can germinate.13.9.2019

Despite the facts about trich and its benefits I still wonder if those are safe to go for hydro. And my question was that. I just failed to mention about the trichoderma infection.

Plants that are non-Jiffys (so they're rock wool on rock wool not Jiffy on rock wool...) are not growing algae so I think the situation is because of Jiffys or it has something to do with Jiffys... Its strange that non-Jiffy seedlings doesn't give a fuck and Jiffys just give...
 

H e d g e

Well-known member
Thank you for your answers!

I didn't mention that I've grown some edible shmoors and got hit by trichoderma harzianum. So if its mold it's then trichoderma and its beneficial both in hydro and in soil. It even kills the root rot if that occurs in system

Increase Yields and Plant Health. In addition to helping your plants keep themselves healthy and fight off diseases, Trichoderma also helps increase nutrient uptake, increase growth, increase yield and increase the number of seeds they can germinate.13.9.2019

Despite the facts about trich and its benefits I still wonder if those are safe to go for hydro. And my question was that. I just failed to mention about the trichoderma infection.

Plants that are non-Jiffys (so they're rock wool on rock wool not Jiffy on rock wool...) are not growing algae so I think the situation is because of Jiffys or it has something to do with Jiffys... Its strange that non-Jiffy seedlings doesn't give a fuck and Jiffys just give...
Trust your nose, anaerobes smell bad.
 

svleeh

New member
Trust your nose, anaerobes smell bad.
Yea, but trichoderma isn't bad for plants as I've done research...

I have an dilemma by now, all sources say its beneficial and all that talk but my heart says its not good for hydro setup.

In soil it wouldn't be a problem....
 

Ca++

Well-known member
Rockwool will green over rapidly if the light is on it. You just made it happen quicker, by introducing it with your plugs. Many people just ignore it, but it's eating your food and creating waste products you don't want. You need to cover rockwool from the light. Green things don't grow in the dark (generally)
 

Old Piney

Well-known member
Yea, but trichoderma isn't bad for plants as I've done research...

I have an dilemma by now, all sources say its beneficial and all that talk but my heart says its not good for hydro setup.

In soil it wouldn't be a problem....
So im not sure I might be wrong ,but it’s a bit of Uncharted ground that is the idea of growing inside in a true living soil . I have been intrigued by this thought . You definitely should have no problem growing organic inside, however the soil mixes are usually sterile . Here’s a little info I found on the subject
Post in thread 'DIY Organic Potting Mix's for Grass - Ace Spicoli'
https://www.icmag.com/threads/diy-organic-potting-mixs-for-grass-ace-spicoli.341796/post-18762224
 

Douglas.Curtis

Autistic Diplomat in Training
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