What exactly is this and will it work?

[ForbiddenFruit]

A lot of people refer to this as an Aeroponics system, but I think (from my reading) that this is not an accurate description of the system I am thinking of using.

1st, I'd like to bounce my ideas on my overall set up and plans off of some of you:

I will run 3x1000w. 2 will be for flowering and one will be for cloning/vegging.

I am hoping to run a perpetual grow/SOG. And I hope to do so without having to use a mother (just getting my clones from my vegging plants).

1st question: Would this be the way to run my lights most effectively (2 on flowering and one on veg/cloning)?

Now, back to my main topic/question:

I plan to use 4 separate hydro systems (same type, but 4 different pumps/reservoirs, etc) in the flowering room. Reason for using so many is primarily due to the fact that I am starting from seed this 1st time AND I will be trying out a few different strains. SO, I expect my plants to be at all different stages and doing this will help me to adjust. Eventually I will not have this problem, but I don't think there is any harm in having multiple small systems as compared to just one. Or will this be a long term pain in the arse/issue that I am overlooking?

OK.. So I plan to set up a mister/sprinkler system in a 4' (long) x5' (wide) and DEEP grow space (I say deep so as not to have the plants quickly settling in a puddle of water..just want to give them as much space in there as possible). Of course it will be angled for drainage, but I still prefer to make it as deep as I can (though this conclusion of mine is based on my research, not on experience.. maybe there is no practical reason for doing so?). From that grow space I will have an intermediate reservoir for changing the water, nutes, and additional filtering, before dropping it into the main reservoir to be recycled.

I will run 2 of these back to back (in line for an overall 8' long and 5' wide space per light) and have a 6' or 9' (not sure which length just yet) light mover.

then the same set up on the other flowering light.

Now, this isn't a true aeroponic system, since I am simply spraying water on the roots(not a true atomizer) AND I will be using a grow medium (just some rockwool) So what is it exactly? I guess it is still refered to as an aeroponic system, but I want to make sure. I ask, so I know what to search for in order to gather more information, not out of simple curiosity.

Also, to any of you using a similar set up or a true aeroponic system, do you tend to/add water or nutes to the tops of the plants at all? Maybe taking a hand mister and spraying them? Any benefit of maybe running a drip system to complement the misters/sprayers (seems redundant, but figured I would ask)?

I have drawings of my plans, but my scanner is not functioning... Seems pretty straight forward though, so any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Cr8z13]

My advice, keep it simple. I've resisted the urge to go aero just because I don't want to have to constantly deal with nutrient temperature. You don't need a dedicated 1000W light for veg. A bank of t5's will suffice. You probably only need 1/3 the wattage for a good veg area.

 

[ForbiddenFruit]

My advice, keep it simple. I've resisted the urge to go aero just because I don't want to have to constantly deal with nutrient temperature. You don't need a dedicated 1000W light for veg. A bank of t5's will suffice. You probably only need 1/3 the wattage for a good veg area.

Yeah? So maybe 2 or 3 T5's for veg? Or possibly a 400/600w HID?

What type of hydro system are you using or would yo recommend?

thx

 

[Cr8z13]

I was thinking this kind of T5 array:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SUN-BLAZE-T5-HO-4ft-8-LAMP-W-BULBS-FLUORESCENT-FREESHIP_W0QQitemZ190312615734QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f840f36&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
They have smaller ones of course depending on your space limitations. I use a bucket system called Ebb & Gro. It's fairly expensive so I can't say I'd recommend it for new growers. Ebb & flow is a good way to do hydro, though, at least it's fairly easy to maintain. Bubbleponics is another way to go and it's very economical if you build your own. There are tons of info on this site about doing just that.

Have you thought realistically about what your expectations are? What kind of yield are you shooting for? Each 1000W HPS should yield you at least a pound easy if you're on top of your shit. Experienced growers can do even better. Have a long look at some of the grow journals here and get a feel for what you think you might be comfortable with. There are just too many options for me to recommend any one particular method.

 

[ForbiddenFruit]

I was thinking this kind of T5 array:
http://cgi.ebay.com/SUN-BLAZE-T5-HO-4ft-8-LAMP-W-BULBS-FLUORESCENT-FREESHIP_W0QQitemZ190312615734QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c4f840f36&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
They have smaller ones of course depending on your space limitations. I use a bucket system called Ebb & Gro. It's fairly expensive so I can't say I'd recommend it for new growers. Ebb & flow is a good way to do hydro, though, at least it's fairly easy to maintain. Bubbleponics is another way to go and it's very economical if you build your own. There are tons of info on this site about doing just that.

Have you thought realistically about what your expectations are? What kind of yield are you shooting for? Each 1000W HPS should yield you at least a pound easy if you're on top of your shit. Experienced growers can do even better. Have a long look at some of the grow journals here and get a feel for what you think you might be comfortable with. There are just too many options for me to recommend any one particular method.

I have a lot of space. That is not an issue.

I have in fact read up on most of the different systems. I considered going with a drip system, but from everything I have read, aeroponics is the most efficient and effective.

Ultimately I want to get as much bang for my buck as possible. So even if it's a bit difficult on me as a 1st time grower, I would rather build the system I am going to stick with, rather than switch later.

No matter what I go with, it will definitely be a DIY job.

I have read a little on the bubbleponics as well, but will definitely look into it more. That seems fairly simple... Just a (stagnant) nutrient solution that you blow bubbles into, right? No need for anything other than an air pump(as in no water pumps, tubing system, sprayers, etc)? If that's the case, and if it is just as effective, then it certainly might be the way for me to go. My budget is getting THIN now.

Bottom line though, I want the best one. I know many will claim that this system, that system, or the other is best for them, but thus far it seems that the consensus is aeroponics. That is why I was leaning towards it, even if it is a pain in the arse and not really easy for a noob.

I've done a lot of reading, but I have much more to go.

thx