What are the benefits of LPS systems?

[waterdawg]

It seems like I spend more time building than growing lol. I started out a long time ago just doing outdoor grows. Switched to indoor 4 years ago in soil, then DWC, then all types of flood systems. I just switched to low pressure sprayers and am having a few newb issues. The seedlings really suffered due to overwatering, and underfed. I've got that under control but now wonder what the advantages of spraying versus any other flooded system are. My nute ratio's have went up drastically to keep the girls happy. Had to play with pump times to keep them happy and now see growth is about the same as my flooded systems (need to give it more time to compare). So what are the benefits?

 

[SnapsProvolone]

The lack of responses likely indicates there is no advantage unless you enjoy worrying about clogged sprayers.

 

[Hydroburn]

I have only kept mothers in ebb n flo but.... faster growth due to more oxygen and root hairs.

it isnt really much faster if you starve and drown them though ;p

not too sure how you managed to overwater even with sprayers on 24/0...

 

[waterdawg]

The lack of responses likely indicates there is no advantage unless you enjoy worrying about clogged sprayers.

Thats what I was really concerned about. But actually I have not had one plug yet touch wood. Changing the heads should be easy if need. So yes its been a while since I started the thread but things are going well, again touch wood. The nute learning curve was an issue as was sprayer timing. The growth is about the same perhaps a bit more robust on the second tray where the plants went directly into the hydroton and had no issues. I am running an EC of 1.6 at 3 weeks and they love it. Roots are have way more of a fishbone appearance than my RC system. Not sure if I'm ready to say better or worse but their alive lol. At first it was touch and go .

 

[waterdawg]

I have only kept mothers in ebb n flo but.... faster growth due to more oxygen and root hairs.

it isnt really much faster if you starve and drown them though ;p

not too sure how you managed to overwater even with sprayers on 24/0...

 

[waterdawg]

Not sure about the overwatering thing but my thinking is the jiffy pods were staying extremely wet before any real root structure was there. As soon as roots are established then they were fine and I actually just turned sprayers on 24/7 to see what the results are. I also had Issues with my recirc system and rock wool but not bad enough to be concerned, just a bit of yellowing. This is a new thing with switching to sprayers and bennies so a few variables. Just going to monitor things and see how it goes.

 

[waterdawg]

I am still wondering if this system is a bit less efficient due to the fact I'm using more nutes but perhaps my res will be stable longer. It does seem to maintain the ph better and nute levels as well. I'll be flowering the first tray in a week or so. I plan on taking cuttings from the best. How long into 12/12 can I take a few. I was thinking a few weeks in when stretch is slowing down

 

[klx]

The biggest advantage for me is no medium. Nothing wrong with flood n drain at all, I use it for my mothers, but I have a deep seated hatred for medium, especially in a SOG with high plant numbers.

 

[Hydroburn]

I am still wondering if this system is a bit less efficient due to the fact I'm using more nutes but perhaps my res will be stable longer. It does seem to maintain the ph better and nute levels as well. I'll be flowering the first tray in a week or so. I plan on taking cuttings from the best. How long into 12/12 can I take a few. I was thinking a few weeks in when stretch is slowing down

I am not sure if you are growing clones or a new strain... but if a new strain it is possible they are just heavier feeders.

 

[waterdawg]

I am not sure if you are growing clones or a new strain... but if a new strain it is possible they are just heavier feeders.

Seeds. Could be but never typically run higher than around 1.5 at full on flower. So surprised is all. Anyways the plants seem to be doing great. Also trying two different nute regimes, one being my old reliable higrow no name (cheap) and the other Aqua flakes (pricey) so this will be interesting as well. The aqua flakes seem to be winning but the two trays are 2 weeks apart. Foiler feeding as well with epsom salts and kenatin (think thats the name) which is a growth hormone.