Is rockwool in this application bad?

[Dudemankidson]

I'm curious as to grower's experience's using rockwool starters, to larger blocks, to net pots in rdwc/undercurrent systems. I just cut my larger blocks to get out seedling's I'd done the above mentioned w because I'd thought them to be suffering from overwatering. Lucky the starter cubes had barely started rooting into the larger blocks. Anyway, I feel the block became over saturated w water. Leaving no way for o2 to get to the roots. I'm getting over a lpm to gallon per grow site plus bubs in the control. Regardless, has anyone had similar problems or different success using this?

 

[NVGrower]

I am about to use them, just follow the directions on the package about soaking them in pHd water with nuets submerged before you put your plug with the seed in them. The rock wool really can make the pH jump around so just soak them the right way first.

 

[Carolina Dream'n]

When I was using undercurrents I was vegging in 4 inch rockwool for 2 weeks in a seperate veg room then they went into the system. Worked great. I'm not sure if that's what your asking or not...

 

[Dudemankidson]

In regards to NV, I have good success w the starter plugs. 1.5" I believe. It's those 1.5" starter's going into 5" block's going into 5" net pot's I'm having issues w. In regards to Carolina, yes that helps answer my question. I was curious if the above was a known no no amidst the community. By telling me you've success w the method, you've helped me w an answer. Further opinion's are still of course appreciated.

 

[thenasty1]

the problem with rockwool in hydro is that it tends to stay soaking wet, which can provide a nice environment for mold, pests, algae, and other undesirables. take precautions if you decide to go for it. my advice would be to just avoid rockwool for hydroponic applications, though.

 

[Dudemankidson]

the problem with rockwool in hydro is that it tends to stay soaking wet, which can provide a nice environment for mold, pests, algae, and other undesirables. take precautions if you decide to go for it. my advice would be to just avoid rockwool for hydroponic applications, though.

W that said.. Do you think I'd be better off using something like a Rapid Rooter instead of a 1.5" rockwool starter cube?

 

[Anon Emaus]

W that said.. Do you think I'd be better off using something like a Rapid Rooter instead of a 1.5" rockwool starter cube?

Yeah, more stable. I'd suggest rapid rooters over rockwool if you don't have experience with either. You can be successful with both though

 

[thenasty1]

W that said.. Do you think I'd be better off using something like a Rapid Rooter instead of a 1.5" rockwool starter cube?

i dont bother with either. cubes or rapid rooters just have too much potential for error. i use a hydro cloner for clones, and i pop seeds in moist paper towel. i usually keep anything from seed as a mother in soil, but if i need to put it into a hydro medium, i just top feed it for a bit until the roots are in good shape. i suggest looking into a cloner. they can be constructed fairly easily and inexpensively. if thats not an option, rapid rooters are probably a better bet than rockwool.