Do roots use less space with Clay Pellets?

Hey Guys,

Moving to hydro with clay pellets and am wondering if I can get more for less with the clay in regards to the amount of space the roots will utilize.

I.E. In soil I used 4 gallon pots, can I get away with using smaller pots with clay in a hydro setup? If Yes, what is a good ratio?

I'm hoping I could go from using 4 gallon pots in soil to 2 gallon pots for clay.

Anyone with experience please let me know!

If you want to use the least amount of medium (hydroton) per plant, I suggest DWC, aeroponics, or nft. Something like this, or this, or this.

You don't mention what type of hydro you're wanting to do, so I'm taking a few stabs here. Each of the above suggestions require very little actual medium as you can see...basically just enough to fill a cup to support the plant in the earlier stages.

I like to do DWC with 3" net cups which require very little hydroton...then let the roots hang down into the water

Remember...you only need enough medium to hold the plant upright. You can have more, but you don't need it. Hydro isn't about the quantity of medium, it's about supplying nutrients via the water going ot the medium.

Post more questions and I'll be back to answer them.

Peace.

yes, roots will need less space in clay pellets, you can grow quite a big plant with 2 gallon