Smart pots + Hydroton (Clay Pebbles)

L S D Pepper · Dec 31, 2016

Hey guys, just looking for a little input!

Have decided to set my closet up and have chosen 3x 15L smartpots filled with 100% hydroton. I want to hand water these plants but have them sitting in plastic containers (to catch excess water) which I read could be filled an inch or 2 with nute water. I know hydroton can dry out fast but is it still possible? Has anyone grown like this before? Most of the information im reading is related to DWC and other hydroponic systems so having a hard time finding out if this will actually work.

Thanks!

chemphlegm · Dec 31, 2016

if you "fill" the bottom with "nutes" be sure to aerate the puddle, root rot is real.

MickFoster · Dec 31, 2016

I have used 100% hydroton in a hempy bucket before and had great results but you have to water a lot. I watered twice a day - that kept the hydroton wet and replaced the water in the 2" res at the bottom which avoided any possible root rot.

L S D Pepper · Dec 31, 2016

MickFoster said:
I have used 100% hydroton in a hempy bucket before and had great results but you have to water a lot. I watered twice a day - that kept the hydroton wet and replaced the water in the 2" res at the bottom which avoided any possible root rot.

by replaced I assume you mean removed? I would imagine the base of the pot sitting in stagnant water is what would cause the rot. Im hand watering atm using a small 5ml pipette just to keep the riot rooter moist. When they a little bigger was just looking to water from top down until the plastic box has a little waste water I can throw away.

MickFoster · Dec 31, 2016

When I say replace I mean replenish. In a hempy the 2" res is to give the plant something to drink, with a mature plant the solution doesn't sit in the bottom long enough for it to stagnate. That's why I watered twice a day.

L S D Pepper · Dec 31, 2016

MickFoster said:
When I say replace I mean replenish. In a hempy the 2" res is to give the plant something to drink, with a mature plant the solution doesn't sit in the bottom long enough for it to stagnate. That's why I watered twice a day.

Ah i think i get ya, not sure whats the diff between smart pot and hempy tho lol if its not that big a diff ill use your advice and water 2x a day when they get to a decent size.
Cheers!

nfhiggs · Dec 31, 2016

L S D Pepper said:
Hey guys, just looking for a little input!

Have decided to set my closet up and have chosen 3x 15L smartpots filled with 100% hydroton. I want to hand water these plants but have them sitting in plastic containers (to catch excess water) which I read could be filled an inch or 2 with nute water. I know hydroton can dry out fast but is it still possible? Has anyone grown like this before? Most of the information im reading is related to DWC and other hydroponic systems so having a hard time finding out if this will actually work.

Thanks!

Yes, you could grow that way. Not much different then growing in Coco/Perlite. Look up "Drain to waste hydroponics" (DTW).

Smart pots + Hydroton (Clay Pebbles)

L S D Pepper

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