Two Rockwool Questions About Water Saturation *+rep to helpers, non-newb here*

I got a home EZ cloner git up that I built...and I just received a new batch of clones, with roots already showing from <1" to 3". The clones are in ~2" rockwool cubes. I use Hydroton rocks and put 1 layer of rocks on the bottom of a 3" cup, followed by the rockwool, and then I surround it with more Hydroton. I put them into aeroponics because I want to grow a root base on them as quick as possible.

QUESTION #1:Since they all have roots showing, how worried should I be about stem rot due to the rockwool being fully saturated? I'm doing some preventative stuff like ensuring proper airflow and even applying beneficial bacteria and fungi to the stalk base and grow medium.



Assuming all goes well in my aeroponics git up and they all grow fabulous roots, then I'll be transferring them into my fencepost system for flowering. My fencepost flowering room has a flood/drain system PLUS a backup continuous drip system (in case one fails). The continuous drip system is actually a constant stream of water being poured onto the Hydroton at the top of each 3" cup. The drip/stream system for the fence posts definitely keeps the rockwool soaking wet because the stream never turns off (as I have it currently set).

QUESTION #2: Does the continuous stream of water going onto the Hydroton and then the rockwool in each 3" cup pose a potential problem for me, especially in regards to water logging the rockwool?

you should be fine man i use rockwool in my aero set up the worst thats going to happen that it might turn green and white from the salt build ups but what i do is hand pour some fresh water threw the net cups if it gets excessive... check out my aero grow journal in my signature-V

i tried using my aero cloner for veg with rooted clones in rapid rooters. it did not work out at all they got root rot inside the rapid rooter so that was no good so at that i wouldnt recommend it but if it works out then cool. now for the drip line o wouldnt put the drip directly on the rockwool just off to the side in the hydroton and you should be fine the roots will def find the water.

Clevelandblazn5 said:

you should be fine man i use rockwool in my aero set up the worst thats going to happen that it might turn green and white from the salt build ups but what i do is hand pour some fresh water threw the net cups if it gets excessive... check out my aero grow journal in my signature-V

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I would probably throw a thousand +rep's at you if I could...I'm doing aero in exactly that same rez from Home De Pot. I'll probably post some questions/comments in your journal if you don't mind.

EDIT: That's not the aero setup obviously...just a picture I wanted to share of the same rez being used with a freshly packed bowl ready to go.

drgreentm said:

i tried using my aero cloner for veg with rooted clones in rapid rooters. it did not work out at all they got root rot inside the rapid rooter so that was no good so at that i wouldnt recommend it but if it works out then cool. now for the drip line o wouldnt put the drip directly on the rockwool just off to the side in the hydroton and you should be fine the roots will def find the water.

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What temperature is your water at? What sort of aeration do you have going on in your res?

I'm currently doing aeroponics with both rapid rooters and rockwool.

I do currently put that drip line, which again really is a fine stream, off to the side on the Hydroton and not directly on the rockwool. The water that's being poured is also highly oxygenated, so I'm hoping the water that's continuously displaced in the rockwool is always oxygenated and resistant to root rot.

Dipsomaniac420 said:

I would probably throw a thousand +rep's at you if I could...I'm doing aero in exactly that same rez from Home De Pot. I'll probably post some questions/comments in your journal if you don't mind.

EDIT: That's not the aero setup obviously...just a picture I wanted to share of the same rez being used with a freshly packed bowl ready to go.

Click to expand...

no prob man ill help however i can, whats that picture of your rez? i use those totes for on top of my rez they hold my sprayers the lids on there are perfect for me a 3'' net pot fits perfect on each square of the lid and there are 35 spaces which is great

Clevelandblazn5 said:

no prob man ill help however i can, whats that picture of your rez? i use those totes for on top of my rez they hold my sprayers the lids on there are perfect for me a 3'' net pot fits perfect on each square of the lid and there are 35 spaces which is great

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Yeah that's the wrong picture...its the same tote, but I'm not using that one for aeroponics.

THIS is the one I'm using for aero....



Note that it's a self enclosed system, unlike yours containing a reservoir on the bottom. I'm using mine basically until the roots get too big or the foliage gets too big, and then they're going into flower. I've got a chiller hooked up to it, so it stays nicely around 68F.

Needless to say, the three inch holes were cut too hastily (not by me) and the job was done not to my liking. So we got less than the optimal amount.

Dipsomaniac420 said:

What temperature is your water at? What sort of aeration do you have going on in your res?

I'm currently doing aeroponics with both rapid rooters and rockwool.

I do currently put that drip line, which again really is a fine stream, off to the side on the Hydroton and not directly on the rockwool. The water that's being poured is also highly oxygenated, so I'm hoping the water that's continuously displaced in the rockwool is always oxygenated and resistant to root rot.

Click to expand...

my water temps where always 65 to 70 never above, i used 2 small frozen water bottles a day to knock it down from 70 to 65 always worked. i use hormex rooting hormone with tap water always phed at 5.5. i have heard people get awesome results with aero cloners which is what pushed me twards trying this out. it just didnt work so i went back to just doing rapid rooters and veg in flood and drain for 2 weeks. always get 100% with that method guess i will just stick with that for now as its working fine.

and i had a hydrofarm o2 pump in there with 2 4" round stones on constantly.

im flowering on mine also im pruning the bottom 1/3 of the plant so well see how much of a space issue there is

Aiiight Cleveland, I posted some questions in your journal...thanks for humoring me =)