Slow seedling growth in DWC

M

mpence

Active Member
Hi guys, new member here. About two weeks ago I germinated 2 seeds and placed them directly into hydroton, as I've read a lot about starting in rockwool to be problematic. I have grown both of these strains before in coco and had 0 problems. The seedlings seem to be growing extremely slow/not at all, but are generally looking healthy. Cotyledons on one plant are drooping and the other is still curled over. I've since removed the net pots from the DWC and left them to dry out a bit, as they look overwatered/lacking oxygen. Temperature and humidity are perfect, between 73 and 75f and around 60-70% RH. Water level in the DWC was orignally around an inch below the bottom of the net pots. Assumingly I probably should of put them in something like rapid rooters and let them develop a proper root system before transplanting to hydroton. Has anyone made this mistake before and had them pull through? Have I stunted their growth by planting them too early and planting them directly in hydroton? Also what is the best method to get them back on track? For comparitive sake the seedling in the back ground of the photo is less than a week old.
I'd greatly appreciate any input and advice.
Thanks
EDIT:
Forgot to mention that they are under a 240w quantum board running at 50% about 18 inches above.
 

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Bushbaby11

Bushbaby11

Well-Known Member
mpence said:
Hi guys, new member here. About two weeks ago I germinated 2 seeds and placed them directly into hydroton, as I've read a lot about starting in rockwool to be problematic. I have grown both of these strains before in coco and had 0 problems. The seedlings seem to be growing extremely slow/not at all, but are generally looking healthy. Cotyledons on one plant are drooping and the other is still curled over. I've since removed the net pots from the DWC and left them to dry out a bit, as they look overwatered/lacking oxygen. Temperature and humidity are perfect, between 73 and 75f and around 60-70% RH. Water level in the DWC was orignally around an inch below the bottom of the net pots. Assumingly I probably should of put them in something like rapid rooters and let them develop a proper root system before transplanting to hydroton. Has anyone made this mistake before and had them pull through? Have I stunted their growth by planting them too early and planting them directly in hydroton? Also what is the best method to get them back on track? For comparitive sake the seedling in the back ground of the photo is less than a week old.
I'd greatly appreciate any input and advice.
Thanks
EDIT:
Forgot to mention that they are under a 240w quantum board running at 50% about 18 inches above.
Click to expand...
Hand wanter until They've pushed roots out of net pot, the pebbles are too dry and the seedling will dry out n die.
Hand water for about a week
 
D

Distortionist

Well-Known Member
Usually I start seeds outside the hydroton. I use clones mostly now but when I did seeds I germinate them in a bag with paper towel that is wet, and once it germinates I put them in potting soil till they start growing a bit, then I wash the roots and shove it in hydroton. Ive germinated in rockwool before but I hate rockwool for hydroponics, I would peel it all off before putting it in hydroton. Ive seen people completely burry rockwool in hydroton and that seems to work better, I just stay away, its given me too much grief.
 
M

mpence

Active Member
I did germinate the seeds in paper towel and planted once they had a tap root just over an inch. Had been hand watering every third day as well. Turns out my pH meter was off by one even after being calibrated... Probably what's been causing my problems. Since then I've purchased a new one. Fingers crossed they do something in the next week. Cheers guys.
Distortionist said:
Usually I start seeds outside the hydroton. I use clones mostly now but when I did seeds I germinate them in a bag with paper towel that is wet, and once it germinates I put them in potting soil till they start growing a bit, then I wash the roots and shove it in hydroton. Ive germinated in rockwool before but I hate rockwool for hydroponics, I would peel it all off before putting it in hydroton. Ive seen people completely burry rockwool in hydroton and that seems to work better, I just stay away, its given me too much grief.
Click to expand...
 
D

Distortionist

Well-Known Member
mpence said:
I did germinate the seeds in paper towel and planted once they had a tap root just over an inch. Had been hand watering every third day as well. Turns out my pH meter was off by one even after being calibrated... Probably what's been causing my problems. Since then I've purchased a new one. Fingers crossed they do something in the next week. Cheers guys.
Click to expand...
Yeah an inch root is not enough I don't think for hydroton. It may work but I usually try to have a bigger root system. Also did you wash and soak the hydroton in PHed water? Usually you need to soak it to stabilize its PH, it usually causes a rise.
 
M

mpence

Active Member
Distortionist said:
Yeah an inch root is not enough I don't think for hydroton. It may work but I usually try to have a bigger root system. Also did you wash and soak the hydroton in PHed water? Usually you need to soak it to stabilize its PH, it usually causes a rise.
Click to expand...
Yeah I think that seems to be the general consensus, should of let them develop a better root system before planting. Ah well you live you learn. And yeah I rinsed the hell out of the hydroton and then finally soaked in pH 5.8 tap water. That stuff is filthy
 
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