i use the same setup from start to finsh, and use the spike drippers, just a open end line but i like the spikes to get deeper in the cubes

check out my thread in grow journals for my custom drip system it sounds very similar to both of yours i water my plants 4 times a day evenly spaced for about 15 minutes. every system is differnt so you need to play it by ear. run your system for a set number of minutes and see if the cube is heavy if it is see how long it takes for it to become dry that is your next watering time note that you do not want to drench the cube. i started watering my young plants for about 8 mins 4 times a day and once they grow you up the time. good luck

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No one gives it to you, you have to take it.

I leave my drip going all day long. They seem to be growing pretty well at a week and a half with roots forming really nicely. I heard they won't take more than they need when in hydroton.