Rockwool in Ebb and Flow

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
Any tips or recommendations on this? My plan it to veg on a flood table and then insert the blocks into my ebb and flow bucket system. I run 1gal suspended pots inside my buckets. Can I just place the block in a bucket or do I need something like hydroton around the block?
 

Johnny Lawrence

Well-Known Member
Take the wrapper off of the block and fill around it with hydroton. If the block sits low enough, cover the top of it with hydroton as well - hydroton dries much quicker than rockwool, so a layer on top helps to prevent algae.
 

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
Take the wrapper off of the block and fill around it with hydroton. If the block sits low enough, cover the top of it with hydroton as well - hydroton dries much quicker than rockwool, so a layer on top helps to prevent algae.
What about just a cover over the top of the block?
 

adower

Well-Known Member
Any tips or recommendations on this? My plan it to veg on a flood table and then insert the blocks into my ebb and flow bucket system. I run 1gal suspended pots inside my buckets. Can I just place the block in a bucket or do I need something like hydroton around the block?
You need hydroton or something around the block. Whatever you do make sure the block is above the watering line. Top feed for the first week so the roots can dig down. After that the rockwool block should never get wet. Keep the wrapper on the block to prevent algae growth and cover the top of it
 

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
You need hydroton or something around the block. Whatever you do make sure the block is above the watering line. Top feed for the first week so the roots can dig down. After that the rockwool block should never get wet. Keep the wrapper on the block to prevent algae growth and cover the top of it
What about rockwool cubes?
 

Mr.5280

Member
Any tips or recommendations on this? My plan it to veg on a flood table and then insert the blocks into my ebb and flow bucket system. I run 1gal suspended pots inside my buckets. Can I just place the block in a bucket or do I need something like hydroton around the block?
Im running almost the same set up just DWC for bloom instead of ebb & flow. I have tried both hydroton and rockwool cubes when transplanting into flower and both work great. I would just suggest taking wrap off blocks and making sure all rockwool is covered (hydroton makes this easy) to prevent algae growth.
 

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
Im running almost the same set up just DWC for bloom instead of ebb & flow. I have tried both hydroton and rockwool cubes when transplanting into flower and both work great. I would just suggest taking wrap off blocks and making sure all rockwool is covered (hydroton makes this easy) to prevent algae growth.
trying to get away from hydroton because of the cleaning aspect. My sink runs into the sump pump and I just had to clean it out over the weekend from all the ash buildup
 

adower

Well-Known Member
trying to get away from hydroton because of the cleaning aspect. My sink runs into the sump pump and I just had to clean it out over the weekend from all the ash buildup
Cleaning hydroton is easy. Just build a box with a metal screen that is smaller than the hydroton. Get a pressure washer and it shoots all the roots off. I've been using the same hydroton for 5-6 years
 

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
Cleaning hydroton is easy. Just build a box with a metal screen that is smaller than the hydroton. Get a pressure washer and it shoots all the roots off. I've been using the same hydroton for 5-6 years
Right, but it's winter here and about 10 outside. I grow in the basement.
 

ThaMagnificent

Well-Known Member
So my plants are super flimsy in the rockwool chunks. No growth issues, just super flimsy and they keep falling over. Is this because lack of support?
 

Budley Doright

Well-Known Member
Did you custom cut the screen to fit the bucket? Any pics?
Yes I just cut a hole in the bottom and fit the screen in. It's .25" square metal screen so the shit falls through. The buckets are full of hydroton now but should be emptying them this coming weekend after I clean up from he blizzard we just had :(.
 

mjinc

Well-Known Member
So my plants are super flimsy in the rockwool chunks. No growth issues, just super flimsy and they keep falling over. Is this because lack of support?
Do you use an oscillating fan blowing on your canopy? I normally find the constant air movement helps strengthen the stems
 
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