Top feeding and avoiding algae

Phiendphoenix said:

I'm starting my very first grow using dwc. I've decided to forego the added expense of a water pump and feeder tubes and will top feed until the roots hit the water.

Top feeding - How much water should I feed to each plant? How regularly should they be top fed? I've also read conflicting ideas about the water level. If the plants are being top fed manually Should the water be an inch or two below the cup, an inch above the hydroton so that the bubbles reach the rock wool, or should it just be at cup level?

Lighting- how do you avoid getting light into the tank when you change the res or when observing root structure? I'm hoping to avoid any issues with the roots and algae. Thanks in advance

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Illegal Smile said:

If you have enough bubble action and your water level is high enough, you will be feeding them naturally from underneath which is better than top feeding. If you must feed from above, try to get the water (I use a syringe) down below stem level where gravity carries the water down and to the roots. Just don't let the top get soppy wet or you'll get root-rot. Your bubbles should create a splash up on the sides of the netpot, but should not make the rockwool sopping wet. Adjust water level accordingly.

You don't have to worry about some short term light, just prolonged light.

ps - skipping the water pump and feeder tubes isn't just good economics, they are unnecessary and you are better off without them..

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Phiendphoenix said:

Thanks for the response. Another question, what is the best way to start the seedlings? Should I start them in the rw, paper towels, or glass of water? Should i place them directly into a dwc or make a DIY humidity dome? I'm Considering making a small dwc out of a Tupperware containers until the seeds germinate and develop a few roots before moving it to my permanent dwc. Good idea or no?

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