quick question...ebb and flow users please look!

im kind of stuck on which medium to use for my grow. at first, i was wanting to use nothing but perlite with rockwool about an 1/2 to 1 inch on the bottom of my 1 gallon grow pots so the solution drains out slower. so here is my question....instead of using perlite could i use hydrotron and it still drain the same since the rockwool will still be on the bottom of the pots?

the reason for the question is that perlite can not be re-used and hydrotron can, so im trying to go the best route for security and money saving.

thanks, + rep for those who reply.

Not sure what you mean exactly but hydoton will drain faster than perlite, that's the reason most people prefer it in ebb/flow. Why do you want it to drain slower? The faster it drains the more oxygen gets to yer roots.

Just reread yer post, you want the rw/perlite to be some kind of buffer just in case? I don't think you'd be happy with growth compared to straight hydroton. the better it drains, the more oxygen, the happier the roots are. Besides once the roots grow out the bottom of yer pots they won't be so vulnerable.

Just use hydroton.

Just use rockwool

Beagle said:

Just use hydroton.

Click to expand...

right on, that's the best medium... if your RW is sitting in water, it's no good

I prefer hydroton, but lots a people like rockwool too. I think the important thing is to just use one or the other. Mixings no good, too hard to keep one hydrated without overwatering the other too hard to get things dialed. thats why i don't use starter cubes any more.

zem said:

right on, that's the best medium... if your RW is sitting in water, it's no good

Click to expand...

Dont let it just sit in water then.

Flood and then maybe drain. Repeat cycle when rw is almost dry. Pretty simple and no hydroton to mess with.

Good luck with your tough decision.