Recent content by Rick Ratlin

Al, a while back you mentioned that I should run cool tubes right through summer. I don't have a cool airspace to bring air through the tube, so what is the max temperature of air that I can safely push through the cool tube?

Al, since you don't run gh nutes, I thought I could make some suggestions here. If you're into feeding low, try startin with these ratios, and tailor to your garden's needs. Also, ALWAYS add micro first. nute lockout will occur VEG- 10-5-3 Grow/Micro/Bloom incidentally, this ratio is great...

Thanks Al, I've built rolling trays for the new op that will allow just that. Those are just 3'x4, wooden tables, and the reservoirs pull out quite easily. The panda film is just to keep the light out. With these new rolling trays, I'm thinking I'll rotate each tray every 3 days, instead of...

Great pics Al. Couple Q's, I'm upgrading in size to your set up. I'm shopping for trays, and looking for 3x3 trays. Most trays on the market are 3'x3' inner diameter, with an outside diameter of 41". I can special order 3'x3' outer diameter trays, but shipping is expensive. could I get...

Al, which sure to grow cubes are you using? I checked out their website. Lots of different products. Are you using the stg hail?

Great info, many thanks Al! What are your thoughts on CO2 in perpetual ops? Some say too high CO2 levels late in flowering lower terpene production. I don't have pm issues, but I still like to run the sulfur burner just like you, and I swear (without any scientific backing) that it helps the...

Al, I'm switching up my room from your cool tube set up, but two 600 watt hps. Each lamp is over two 2'x3' trays. I'm switching over to a sealed room with CO2 and A/C, and running 1000 watt hps instead of 600. Do you think I'd be fine with each 1k over two 3'x3' trays. I've always used the...

just for the record I've got chunks of precipitate in my new grow bottle, but not my new bloom. No problems so far though. Just add the same amount of water as is present, and dilute. Strain the mix, and double you're ratio.

Al great info, what should I use to periodically clean my cool tubes, I find that windex leaves a residue, so I just use a microfiber cloth. Also, what about cleaning the adjust-a-wing itself? Thanks sir!

speaking of hydroton, what is the best flood interval in your opinion. How high would you flood in hydroton if the clone is air rooted and planted directly in the hydroton. Love the pics, the more the better, especially of the cool tube set up and attachment areas. Thanks Al!

I use 27 gallon totes, and by using a reflective permanent silver marker, (mine is sharpy brand) (so I can read it in the low light levels) I make lines starting at 15 gallons up to 20 gallons. No offense, but that method would drive me insane. One tip, when you make your mark, use very fine...

the problem with trying to do lucas in dyna gro is that the protekt adds no ppm/ec value, none. I use dyna gro and never go over 5 mls/gallon of protekt. You will be adding so much ph down if you go that route, just stay away from that

Sorry, I didn't mention that I already have all those items, I used to run a ez cloner and had to buy a chiller. I guess, though there are so many variables, in the end which dehumidifier will be more efficient in total grow room electricity use?

the trays i run are 3x2 feet and 12 plants straight from cloner. I found i need at least 18 gallons, but i use 20 gallons and don't have to top off but every few days. ph is rock solid but i attribute that to dyna gro notes. 5 gallons seems really low, unless you're only running a few...

I have the same one, be careful cycling it though, i could be wrong, but i believe i was told that it would really decrease the longevity of the bulb. I keep mine on for 18 hours a day, not in the grow room, but inserted in the exhaust ducting, and my bulb is almost 2 years old. I don't think...