DWC Scrog Grow Extrema & El Monstre!

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Was looking over my Extrema and noticed on the bottom of the net pot where the root comes out of the pot and it seems to be damaged so that may be my reason for slow growth. I have the water level about 1/2 inch over the bottom of the pot. Main reason for it being that high is because I put a rapid rooter in an empty pot and hydroton with another Extrema seed in it just in case my root doesnt repair itself or grow out of it. My 3 rooters in the dome are doing very good. I will give them a few more days til I see some roots before I place them in the hydroton. Feeling a little more confident about it this time. I'll get some pics in another day or so. My pH had jumped to 7.2 today so had to get it back down to 5.8. I have gotta get some pH down very soon cuz I seen a little fizz around my res and I believe it may be from the vinegar I used to lower the pH.
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Guess i'll start over with my days since my sprouts are now about as big as my Extrema that has been sprouted for 2 weeks. Prob gonna pull it, put in dirt, or cut another hole in my RM lid and have 5 in there. Not sure yet. But with all the stress this one has endured it will prob be a male if it does survive. I have 4 rooters with seeds in them. The Extrema that has been giving me problems is starting to look better tho. Its main root was damaged and it wasn't able to eat so I raised the water level to feed it and its looking better.

Day 2:
The new sprouts look great so far. Two of the sprouts are about 1 1/2 inches tall, the other 2 were started about a day or so later so the seeds haven't sprouted in those two yet. My pH has been jumping for some reason. I adjust it to 5.6 - 6 and the next day its up to 7. Frustrating. I looked around for ph down online since I dont have a hydro store around here. We did but I guess it closed down. I read up on the GH pH Down and AN pH down and it seems that the AN is more potent and will last alot longer. Prob best if I use a eye dropper for it. I looked and looked and googled an 8 oz bottle but only 8 oz I found was for GH so I went ahead and purchased the AN 1 Litre pH down. I sure hope that helps me out there. Cuz for the past couple days I been having to use some vinegar and I just don't see how that can be good for plants.
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
My dome for my seedlings. Waiting for the El Monstre in the middle to sprout. She started two days after these two so anyday now she will show some leaves. The close up is the Extrema. I know it's hard to see but the tips of the leaves are a reddish color. The root was damaged so I went ahead and tore it off. If it grows back thats fine if not I have another seed to replace it with. Either way. And the res pic is a pic of the buildup in my res that I think has alot to do with the vinegar I have been using. I came home and my pH was up to 7.4 after I adjusted it this morning so I think I am gonna run straight water 52 PPM for a few days and see how things go. My AN pH down will be here in a couple days so I guess I'll have it for the next res change. And the rooter pic is my first root that is poking out of the side. Good deal :)
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I found this chart in another forum. It could be useful to have handy.

These numbers are based on EC readings, .500 readings, TDS readings converted from EC or the common Hannah Chart:

Seedlings, Early Sprouts 100 to 250

Early Vegging 300 to 400

Full Vegetation 450 to 700

Early Blooming 750 to 950

Full Mature Blooms 1000 to 1600
 

don2009

Well-Known Member
change the resv and dont use vinegar use ph up or down I never had that type of shit in my resv. And keep it simple, I also learn it dosent help to get cheap shit it wouldnt work like it needs to now or in the long run. Me bro Im a noob so whatever but I learn to read my plants fuck that EC and that ppm shit man I never check that shit I just make sure my ph is good got enough nutes, not to much, the water is freash, temps, RH, is good and thats pretty much it but Im not saying dont fuck with that shit but learn to read the plants and wait tell you get a lil experience b4 you get into all that just learn how to keep a seedling first lol j/k once you get the basics down pack then yeah start that shit but thats not going to stop your plant from growing out beautfuly change you water and use ph down no other shit. Just make sure the ph is good until a month then start putting light nutes in them thats it,KEEP IT SIMPLE BROTHER!
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
I didn't have a pH or buildup problem until I used the PVC Cement to hold my airstones down with. It must have some chemical in there that affects my pH. I don't really stress my PPM levels. I was only trying to lower them to see the different affects it had on the seedling. Kind of an experimental thing while I am waiting on my other seedlings to be ready. Then I realized that it just didn't have the strength to eat on its own so I raised the water level and it has helped it but my pH rising like it does is my problem. I don't think vinegar itself is my problem. It's the amount of vinegar I have to use cuz the pH rises. My AN pH down should be here soon so maybe that will help. So I'm trying to correct the problem before I go and buy new stones and res. I know I may sound like a dumbass but I'm really not. The light spectrums and ppm charts that I posted is stuff that I already know, but I put it on my page for any Noobs that are wondering then it will be right there. I appreciate any advice and suggestions. We learn from our mistakes. Thanks Don. At least I know someone is reading this and its not complete waste of my time. Lol jk.. And yes I know.. That tank looks horrible. Yuck
 

don2009

Well-Known Member
I didn't have a pH or buildup problem until I used the PVC Cement to hold my airstones down with. It must have some chemical in there that affects my pH. I don't really stress my PPM levels. I was only trying to lower them to see the different affects it had on the seedling. Kind of an experimental thing while I am waiting on my other seedlings to be ready. Then I realized that it just didn't have the strength to eat on its own so I raised the water level and it has helped it but my pH rising like it does is my problem. I don't think vinegar itself is my problem. It's the amount of vinegar I have to use cuz the pH rises. My AN pH down should be here soon so maybe that will help. So I'm trying to correct the problem before I go and buy new stones and res. I know I may sound like a dumbass but I'm really not. The light spectrums and ppm charts that I posted is stuff that I already know, but I put it on my page for any Noobs that are wondering then it will be right there. I appreciate any advice and suggestions. We learn from our mistakes. Thanks Don. At least I know someone is reading this and its not complete waste of my time. Lol jk.. And yes I know.. That tank looks horrible. Yuck
Dame I was going to get some similar stuff like that to cuz my resv got wheels and it got holes on the bottom so I was going to put some type of glue in there but a friend said use plastic put inside the resv and the water wouldt touch the bottom its workin so far. No bro I can tell you know whats going on I just hate when I make crazy mistakes myself, I was just eager to help b4 shit pile up on you,I hate when that happens. You should be on your way to success soon, yeah I like this thread how you keep in detail how things is going. I just want to see you succed so I can get a nice smoke report on those sannies strain, Hey I'll send over some pros here to help you out so keep it going good luck bro.:)
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Got some new airstones and cleaned out the res with bleach water to remove the pvc glue from the bottom. I got a 14 and 10 inch airstone cuz they only had one 14. Got some new 1oz fishing lead weights and tied them to each end of the stones and one in the middle of the 14 inch. They seem to be doing fine. I feel better anyways not having the pvc cement or glue down there. My pH still kinda rises but not like it was. Im hoping my pH down will come today so I can lose the vinegar. What does not make sense to me is.. With NO NUTES or anything, I put water in the res and check the pH and strait from faucet it is like 6 then after i let it go a couple hours it rises to about 7. New stones and no nutes. I have light covers over hydroton and It still goes up. Right now its at 5.9 @ 69 F

I pulled up the damaged Extrema and replaced it with a rooter plug that had 2 1 inch roots showing so I set it almost on the bottom of the net pot and had my water level over the pot so the plug would stay moist. Well 2 days later I have two roots coming out of the bottom of net pot into water. This is another Extrema and it is double the size that the one I pulled was and half its age. Looking Great!! :) Two plugs are just sprouting and one El Monstre in a rooter plug is almost ready to go into the hydroton, it has a couple roots that are coming out of the side of the plug. Im prob gonna change my setup within the week by getting rid of the Rubbermaid and getting two 10 gallon coolers (blue wal mart ones) and removing the lids and replacing with mylar covered styrofoam with drain plugs and 2 plants in each cooler. Gotta figure out the drain part tho. Leave the drains that are on the cooler or replace them with something else. Add a water level tube as well? Ill just have to get them and see whats up and go from there.
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Update: I was looking around on here and came across a few of Boomers pics of his cooler setup. I understand the draining part. Get an extension hose to hook up and drain. So I'm assuming that he has a water hose that he hooks up to the extension and fills it back up thru his drain hole?? What about the leftover that is left in the bottom of the tank after draining it, just recirculate it with the incoming water? It makes sense in theory.

Igloo it is. Was gonna do Coleman cooler but apparently they dont have the adapter for a water hose like Igloo does. This is a posting from Boomer that I wanted to share. I hope you don't mind me sharing BB:
I won't have as big of setup or as many pumps or stones but still the same setup I hope anyways

How many people have heat and light issues in the rubbermaids/tupperware?

if you are having problems check this out,,,,

i use the Igloo 5 day coolers. wal-mart sells the 120qt for about $50.00.

next go to lowes and get the 1 1/2 to 2 inch styrofoam insulation sheet, reflector or white 4x8 sheet about $10.00.

get a roll of the aluminum duct tape, not the regular duct tape. regular won't hold up to the moisture.

Step one,,

Remove the screws from the hinges where they screw into the cooler. Unscrew the lid strap from the inside of the cooler. remove lid completely and put it in storage.


step 2

set the sheet of insulation down on a flat surface. place the cooler UPSIDE DOWN on the styrofoam and draw the outline with a pencil giving the new lid a 4 inch overlap all the way around the cooler. use a razor blade or sharp knife to make the cut.

do this step for all the coolers you are going to use wether it's one or more.

step 3

tape the new lid completely. top bottom and sides

step 4

NetPots.

I'm using 5.5 inch netpots. i can put up to eight netpots in the lid. you will need an access hole to drop an ice bottle or measure temp and nutes if you don't have a tri-meter. cloning i recommend no more than 7 plants in the cooler. when transferring to my flower room i only put two plants per cooler, no more, then i scrog em.

step 5

place the netpots upside down evenly spaced and towards the middle. using a razor knife, trace the outline of the net pot and cut at an inward angle, not straight down. you want the netpots to be snug and flush. make sure your cuts are within the coolers cavity, don't get close to the edges, you need the overlap.

thats it,,,,,

light proof, temps stay constant mid 60's for days on end. easy fill and flush with standard garden hose fitting. can't tip em over and puncture proof.


do the math. you buy the coolers once. when yer done growing. you'll still have a functional cooler for yer faverite adult bev's,,,,,,, mines newcastle and makers mark,,,,,, having one of each as i type this tripe,,,,, plus ripping on the one hitter,,,

harvest tomorrow so it'll all be good,,,,

Light and heat or excessive cold in the res is a problem i see a lot so i hope this helps.

res temps should be no lower than 65 f and no higher than 70 f. bam,

save some 1 liter plastic bottles with a cap. fill 3/4 of the way with water and freeze. when you see yer temp near 70 f, drop an ice bottle in and it should take it back down to 65 f.

i run 12-16 air stones using the dual diaphragm, 4 outlet pumps. so 3-4 pumps per cooler. elite 6 inch stones.
 

don2009

Well-Known Member
Update: I was looking around on here and came across a few of Boomers pics of his cooler setup. I understand the draining part. Get an extension hose to hook up and drain. So I'm assuming that he has a water hose that he hooks up to the extension and fills it back up thru his drain hole?? What about the leftover that is left in the bottom of the tank after draining it, just recirculate it with the incoming water? It makes sense in theory.

Igloo it is. Was gonna do Coleman cooler but apparently they dont have the adapter for a water hose like Igloo does. This is a posting from Boomer that I wanted to share. I hope you don't mind me sharing BB:
I won't have as big of setup or as many pumps or stones but still the same setup I hope anyways

How many people have heat and light issues in the rubbermaids/tupperware?

if you are having problems check this out,,,,

i use the Igloo 5 day coolers. wal-mart sells the 120qt for about $50.00.

next go to lowes and get the 1 1/2 to 2 inch styrofoam insulation sheet, reflector or white 4x8 sheet about $10.00.

get a roll of the aluminum duct tape, not the regular duct tape. regular won't hold up to the moisture.

Step one,,

Remove the screws from the hinges where they screw into the cooler. Unscrew the lid strap from the inside of the cooler. remove lid completely and put it in storage.


step 2

set the sheet of insulation down on a flat surface. place the cooler UPSIDE DOWN on the styrofoam and draw the outline with a pencil giving the new lid a 4 inch overlap all the way around the cooler. use a razor blade or sharp knife to make the cut.

do this step for all the coolers you are going to use wether it's one or more.

step 3

tape the new lid completely. top bottom and sides

step 4

NetPots.

I'm using 5.5 inch netpots. i can put up to eight netpots in the lid. you will need an access hole to drop an ice bottle or measure temp and nutes if you don't have a tri-meter. cloning i recommend no more than 7 plants in the cooler. when transferring to my flower room i only put two plants per cooler, no more, then i scrog em.

step 5

place the netpots upside down evenly spaced and towards the middle. using a razor knife, trace the outline of the net pot and cut at an inward angle, not straight down. you want the netpots to be snug and flush. make sure your cuts are within the coolers cavity, don't get close to the edges, you need the overlap.

thats it,,,,,

light proof, temps stay constant mid 60's for days on end. easy fill and flush with standard garden hose fitting. can't tip em over and puncture proof.


do the math. you buy the coolers once. when yer done growing. you'll still have a functional cooler for yer faverite adult bev's,,,,,,, mines newcastle and makers mark,,,,,, having one of each as i type this tripe,,,,, plus ripping on the one hitter,,,

harvest tomorrow so it'll all be good,,,,

Light and heat or excessive cold in the res is a problem i see a lot so i hope this helps.

res temps should be no lower than 65 f and no higher than 70 f. bam,

save some 1 liter plastic bottles with a cap. fill 3/4 of the way with water and freeze. when you see yer temp near 70 f, drop an ice bottle in and it should take it back down to 65 f.

i run 12-16 air stones using the dual diaphragm, 4 outlet pumps. so 3-4 pumps per cooler. elite 6 inch stones.
GREAT JOB! :clap: +REP MAN I was just thinking how can I make my resv cooler for cloning I was thinking of getting a water aquarium cooler to much $$$ thanks bro I really needed that, Happy harvest man whatcha harvets? Hey how do you clone? If aero tell me your steps and how is your sucess rate with cloning? Hey your tap water do you let it sit out for 24hrs? Make sure you do it takes out all the BS I think chlorine or something, if your leaves turn brown with spots thats why, or ph, or a bunch of other shit! bongsmilie but make sure you let your tap water sit for 24hrs at least, Thanks for that info bro good job! kiss-ass
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Thanks! Never cloned but from what I have seen and read around it sounds easiest to get a container with a few sprayers inside and some neoprene inserts and place the clone in the insert and let the sprayers work some magic.

Day 8: 1 Extrema and 1 El Monstre are about 2 1/2 inches tall with 2nd set of leaves coming out. The other El Monstre is a couple days behind and the other Extrema has yet to sprout. That is the only one that I placed the Rapid Rooter in the hydroton BEFORE it sprouted. I see a root trying to come out of the bottom of the net pot but no sprout up top yet. Ill give it another day or so and see what happens. My holes in my lid are just a little different in size so some pots sit an 1/8 in or so lower than the other. Which wont matter once the water level is dropped lower but for now I have it where there is about 1/4 in gap under 2 of them and its flush with one and 1/4 into unsprouted Extrema pot. Anyways the one that sits flush was the El Monstre and the leaves were kinda drooped so I moved to another hole. I think it was getting overwatered since there was no air gap. If Extrema doesnt sprout soon ill either do away with her or move until ready. Yes thats what I shoulda done but I wanted to do away with the dome once I transplanted the other two. They all look fine and roots are starting to grow better.
I added nutes with res change yest since my pH down finally came in. MUCH BETTER than Vinegar!! Don't use it is my opinion. With Vinegar I had to add quite a bit to lower pH. I would set at 5.8 at night and in the morning it would be like 7.4 or something and it also causes buildup in the tank as you can see from my pic a few posts up. I got up this morning and it was 6 so I am very pleased with it so far. I put it in a visine bottle and use a few drops instead of pouring from the bottle and overdoing it.
Im not gonna stress over PPMs but I will check them. I set it at 240 with res change, this morning 300 and now down to 285ppm. Im hoping to see it drop so I know they are feeding on the nutes. As long as they are happy and not burning then Im happy as well. :)
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
My 3 1/2 babies. Waiting on sprout to make number 4
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My pH and PPM meter
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El Monstre
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Towel for humidity on dry days
007.jpg

Extrema
004.jpg

Extrema side view
005.jpg
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
DAY 10:

Plants are looking good. Changed my whole setup today. I bought 2 5 gallon sport coolers other day and really didnt want to use them, so I found a white marine cooler from a sporting goods store locally today. It was a little pricey $69.99 but Im hoping it pays for itself by the rez temps not raising as much. I didn't really have too much of problem with res temps before, but with summer coming on I want to get a head start. So I got a 100 Litre cooler with a threaded drain plug. Bought another air pump and stones. So for now I have a 14 & 10 inch and 2 6 inch round stones in the rez with two dual port air pumps. There are lots more bubbles in there now. My other Extrema never sprouted so I threw it away, so that leaves me 2 El Monstre and 1 Extrema to work with. As long as I end up with two females Ill be happy.
Ill post some pics of the setup and process tomo. My cab temps have been 82 the past day or so. Too high for my liking. So a carbon filter and exhaust fan are next on the list to order for next week to get.
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Here are a few pics of the new setup. Res temps have remained 66-68 so far. Not pictured is my drain valve. I have two shut off valves with a 4 in coiled hose extension that I will hook a water hose up to to drain and fill. Only prob is I gotta figure a way to get the hose in other than my front door. I like it better than the Rubbermaid so far for sure

Remove the lid and store away for safe keeping
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Take the screws out and put them back in the cooler so you wont lose them
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3/4 inch thick residential home insulation sheathing. I used 3 layers thick
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Cut for equal fit
012.jpg

I wrapped with duct tape to hold them together while I cut out the holes
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Nice, Shiny & Insulated now
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You can see part of my drain on the left side
016.jpg

Notice the extra square of foil. This is to cover the gap between the chunk I cut out so light doesn't get thru the gap. The chunk is for me to be able to access the water to add nutes or check ph and so forth
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Attachments

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Day 12:
Starting to get lots of new root growth on El Mon 1 and Extrema. El Mon 2 is just starting to get a few roots starting but a little behind, not much longer til she catches up though. This setup is far better than the Rubbermaid IMHO. Cool Temps, No Light, No Problems!! So Far!! Lol.. Even when my cab temps got to 84 the res temp stayed a steady 66-67. I got a digital therm for my res. Now I can just look at the gauge instead of having to open the res to check the temps. Lots easier.
Kinda figured I would have a little more interaction in here, but I know it's still kinda boring with no good bud porn! Lol..
 

don2009

Well-Known Member
Day 12:
Starting to get lots of new root growth on El Mon 1 and Extrema. El Mon 2 is just starting to get a few roots starting but a little behind, not much longer til she catches up though. This setup is far better than the Rubbermaid IMHO. Cool Temps, No Light, No Problems!! So Far!! Lol.. Even when my cab temps got to 84 the res temp stayed a steady 66-67. I got a digital therm for my res. Now I can just look at the gauge instead of having to open the res to check the temps. Lots easier.
Kinda figured I would have a little more interaction in here, but I know it's still kinda boring with no good bud porn! Lol..
Hey where did you get the digital thermo from and how much? Good job
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
got it from pet store for $9.99. has 5 ft cord with suction cup that goes in your res. great product to have IMO
 

BluBerry

Well-Known Member
Day 13:
I was thinking I was overwatering them because El Mon 1 has been droopy looking. Extrema and El Mon 2 have had slow root growth. I was looking around in there and looked at the rooter plug on the Extrema and it was bone dry. Good reason for slow root growth. I had the water level about 3 inches from the bottom of the pots, thinking thats why El Mon 1 was droopy. The reason El Mon 1 was growing more than the other two is because when I would check my pH I would get a little water in a plastic cup then pour it back thru the El Mon 1 net pot. By doing this it kept that plug moist while the other two were drying. I thought they were getting enough, but apparently not. I raised the water level back up to about an inch from the pots and have top watered them until the plugs were wet again. I have had significant root growth from all 3 now. El Mon 1 is still a little droopy but I am hoping it will perk up soon. I don't think El Mon 1 is overwatered because the rooter was kinda moist not soaked or real wet. I will FIM them in about a week or around the 4th node. I am assuming that would be the correct thing to do in a scrog, then let it grow into the net, then start pulling it back thru the holes in the net, and finally cutting the lower portions off of the plant below the net.

My new res has been staying pretty constant 66-68 except when it dropped to 63 the other night because I didnt have the heat on inside. Since it was a little low on water I added a pitcher full of hot water and it raised to it 67. I dont want to use frozen water bottles to cool my res. They bounce around in the res and can damage the roots and can also stay put right next to your roots and cause freeze damage to the roots. I think in my case it will be easier to add a little hot or cold water to the res if I have any issues with the heat in the res. So far so good though. I like this alot better than RM. Found a new use for the RM tho. Since it has holes already, I'll use it to hold the plants during res change for an air bath until they get bigger and grow into the scrog net.

PPMs 165 since adding the extra water to the res. Ill change the res in a couple days and raise to 300-350 PPM
 
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