Basic Questions

I am needing a combo of info for being a newbie as well as starting a passive res hyrdo system. I already searched the newbie forum and part of this hydro forum without finding the basic info I'm needing.

I have 8 sprouts of WW that I started in a basic sprout cup starter from nursery store. They sprouted nicely and grew to between 4 and 6 inches quickly.

When they reached about 4 to 6 inches high, I transplanted them into 1 gallon square pots with holes in the bottom.

The pots are filled with pearlite medium for simplicity (being my first setup).

I have each pot sitting in about a 2 inch deep plastic tray. This tray will function as each plant's reservoir (that's the intent, anyway).

They plant tops are about 24 inches below a 400W HPS lamp with a reflector.

I am planning on watering/feeding each pot and keeping nutrient solution in the res (trays) and adjusting frequency and amount depending on how they're doing.

I bought a bottle of Ionic Grow Nutrient solution (3-1-5) for my nutrient from the local hydro supply store. I mix this according to the recommendation on the bottle. I PH test and ensure I'm applying with the recommended level per the nutrient bottle instructions.

I don't see anyone on this site using the same method so I'm asking the following questions with the understanding that I might be completely off the reservation. But for what it's worth, I didn't make this system up. I found some information on a mj growing site. However it only gave me enough info to get started, not enough to maintain.

First question: Does this sound like a setup that will work? They guy in the hydro store said "no way". But the info I read on a website said it was the most simple and functional form to get started with so I decided maybe the guy in the store was wrong? input would be welcome.

After 2 days in the medium and having watered/fed they looked great. The reservoirs were getting low so I mixed up another batch and watered and refilled.

A few hours later they are browning a little on the edges and I am assuming I'm experiencing nutrient burn. Does that sound right?

Another question is: would it be more prudent to use pure water without the nutrient part of the time and then use nutrient solution part of the time or should I just cut back on the mixture and keep nutrient in the mixture at all times?

Sorry for the long post.

Any input welcome.

THANKS

Originally Posted by streetlegal

its kinda like a modified Hempy bucket..
Im sure someone will be able to help, im not familair enough with perlite and hempy to be able to guide u on this man..
but search hempy and how it works/nutes etc

Thanks for the reply, streetlegal. I searched for hempy bucket and found all i needed. Cool that it's being done in mostly the same way I am trying. I just didn't know there was a name for it to search for. lol.

Thanks again. I'm going to post a journal on my first grow.