All-in-one DIY Aero Cloner/Veg/Flower Systems.....

Fuzzotany said:

And you don't have a problem with the inserts getting pushed up past the lid of the net pot as the stem and roots grow?

Click to expand...

Nope, the roots grow out and down, they branch out more below then in the pots, if i fisically nudge a plant then the Puck will shit abit, but thats it, no surface to create presure in mid air.....




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Well, today the only update i got is Don't Trust Electronic PH Testers!

my electronic PH tester calibrates fine then won't read properly.....
the new clones looked like crap this mornin....
PH tester said it wuz good but desided to do the old fashion Dropper test....
And OMFG........
PH wuz way below 4.0!

it's all fixed now, but not too sure if the clones will live.......

I'll keep ya updated.....
sorry no pic's, loaned out my camera for a day....


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Good day all,
Well the PH prob killed my clones and the younger flowering batch...
Crappy deal, but on I go with a new batcha clones!

Shit happens when growing indoors, let alone in Aerophonics,
SO DON'T LET IT GET YA DOWN and get restarted as soon as possible!
Just remeber not to let it happen again!

So, cloner cleaned out and restocked, running good again









And the oldest Flowering batch has stupid awsome roots!







So, on i go again, i'll hopefully show roots in a few days outa the cloner....



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Good day all, thought i'd update ya,
the cloner is going just fine, no roots yet but they will come!
i must admit i tryed using a timmer for this batch, and even tho i'm using a good recycle timer at 1min on 3min off it has slowed them again!
LMAO.... so i plugged the pump direct and it's going 24/7, i've always had better luck with that but keep trying to give the timmers a try for it, don't think i will again...





And the old flowering batch is pumping out Buds everyware! looks like my 1st full run with the Aero system is gonna be Very fruitful!










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That's a serious jungle in there, epixbud!! It's all looking great as usual!! That's a bummer 'bout the clones you lost--been there, haha---remember those males I had in 12/12..........all of them.....

I 'll try to get some pics up soon---now getting roots in 7-9 days on some WW.....

Hope all is going well for you!

gman

Thankz there growinman, and can't wait to see some pics for sure...

So good day all, thought i'd post some more pics,
those clones are finally taking off, bout half have roots now...
i'll get them changed out as soon as there roots are long enough...







Those flower aero systems are running perfectly! Bud's and roots everyware!
they are just about done, so i'll finally find out if changing to aero wuz worth it...
From the amount of buds i see now, it should be way more then i wuz producing with soil!









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Great thread. Very helpful. Thanks!

Now I have a question for you. Maybe two.

Just building my 1st room and was thinking to go with a very similar set up to what you have. But I am wondering if this makes sense:

Make ONE type of system/setup and just keep the plants in the same spot from start to finish. Why build 3 different setups and have to move the plants around so much?

The only real difference I see is your choice NOT to use misters beyond cloning. Which makes sense and I will probably want to use the larger sprayers as well (I wonder if those sprayers would be OK for clones?).

In any case, I was thinking to build the same set up only I might put some wheels on the bottom so I can move it from my cloning area, to veg and then onto flowering without ever having to move the plants around...seems like it would be less work (initially), less hassle (throughout), and no need to worry about roots tangling up and not being able to transfer them so easily, etc..

I would like to build just one system for all phases initially to spare myself the added expense and headache of building three different things. Then as I can afford more I can just replicate the same thing over and over as I expand.

Anyhow, my basic question is this: Can I build your flowering system and just use it throughout the entire life of the plants?

I would like to save time and money, of course, but ultimately I want to use the MOST effective system(s) as humanly possible. Learning curve or not, I don't want to start off with what is "easier" and then have to build an entire system again in just a few months. I'd rather do it right the 1st time. So again, if it makes sense to make 3 separate systems, I am all for it. Just wondering if it was necessary though.

Thank you in advance!

ForbiddenFruit said:

Great thread. Very helpful. Thanks!

Now I have a question for you. Maybe two.

Just building my 1st room and was thinking to go with a very similar set up to what you have. But I am wondering if this makes sense:

Make ONE type of system/setup and just keep the plants in the same spot from start to finish. Why build 3 different setups and have to move the plants around so much?

The only real difference I see is your choice NOT to use misters beyond cloning. Which makes sense and I will probably want to use the larger sprayers as well (I wonder if those sprayers would be OK for clones?).

In any case, I was thinking to build the same set up only I might put some wheels on the bottom so I can move it from my cloning area, to veg and then onto flowering without ever having to move the plants around...seems like it would be less work (initially), less hassle (throughout), and no need to worry about roots tangling up and not being able to transfer them so easily, etc..

I would like to build just one system for all phases initially to spare myself the added expense and headache of building three different things. Then as I can afford more I can just replicate the same thing over and over as I expand.

Anyhow, my basic question is this: Can I build your flowering system and just use it throughout the entire life of the plants?

I would like to save time and money, of course, but ultimately I want to use the MOST effective system(s) as humanly possible. Learning curve or not, I don't want to start off with what is "easier" and then have to build an entire system again in just a few months. I'd rather do it right the 1st time. So again, if it makes sense to make 3 separate systems, I am all for it. Just wondering if it was necessary though.

Thank you in advance!

Click to expand...

Good day there.... And the answere is yes.... But!
You'll need to do things a little different,
don't veg them at all if you gonna use sonething that small....

And i think that using the spinner sprayers for the cloner would work but i think the stems prefer the finner spray, and if ya can't find those kinda sprayers just get a buncha airstones and do it bubble style to get the mist...

Your setup idea's sound good, but a few things to remember...
You can use 1 big Rez for all the units Only if they are all filled with plants at the same time,
if you gonna do a steady supply setup then you will need different Rez's for each batch, PPM is Major in Aero, each new batch must start in the mid 100's, and in mid to upper 1000's in a few weeks!....

And i'll tell ya, i've desided Not to even use my Veg rig anymore, i have killer luck going from the cloner to the flower systems!
I found they got too big if they had any more veg time then the round 2 weeks in the cloner!
So, unless you looking to have Huge plants, hieght i mean, then forget about the veg stage and make 2 rooms, Clone/Mom room and Bigger flower room with 2 or 3 diff Batches with there own Rez's and you'll get your crop each 3-4 weeks! (depending on the strain too tho)

Thats how i'm Rearanging my rooms right now, well kinda.... i gonna have the cloner in a cubby hole in the bigger hydro room, got a real nice 4 bulb 2' fixture for it and the cloner sits on my Bud Dryer! Got a 400w HPS and gonna change out the 400mh and toss it into flower room too!
All these changes are under way presently, just got the extra lights few days ago but been running a water line to the room! finally water in there!
i even made a DIY Float/fill valve outa a $10 Plastic float valve for a toilet!.....

But anyhow.... will update some latter all, just got my PC workin so gotta catch up!



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epixbud said:

And i'll tell ya, i've desided Not to even use my Veg rig anymore..........

Click to expand...

Hahaha!!! ........remember me saying that(patting myself on the back, jk)....? Then 'why' do I need one....... No.... I was running them in the veg bubbler to get the roots out of the baskets.......is 'why' and using 3" net baskets as that's what my GH AF uses, + hydroton......2-3 days in the new vegger and roots are out and they can go straight into 12/12 before they're 6" tall........ I only have 24 sites on the veg unit(all that would fit) so I can pick the best 20.......then I do a run for one of my tables and new mom's, etc-------has worked out great(You and StinkBud get the credit!).

You wanted to see a pic? Is a couple okay? If you want me to pull any of them let me know asap and I will.



...and in action it's first run-----no leaks, 1min on, 5 off. I just used the one tub and the sprayers are like 6" off the bottom(396gph eco) and do a great job of hit everything:


Yeah, that's all thanks to mostly you!!! I usually only do the roots that big when going into a table or bigger pot of hydroton(thinking thats right about 2.5wks).......

The problem with Aero/NFT?? Haha


they go from this...........to this.............
in 42 days........they're about 33"? Haven't actually measured......that was a few days ago, they went on flush today and probably done at around 54-55days......

Sorry for the thread hijack epixbud!! You ask to see a pic......haha. I haven't posted them anywhere else 'cept my gallery. Hey, just got a GH AF 30 off of CL for $225 and looks brand new........it may go right in there next to the 20 and send out the tables.....

Hope things are going good for you and yours!!

gman

epixbud said:

Good day there.... And the answere is yes.... But!
You'll need to do things a little different,
don't veg them at all if you gonna use sonething that small....

And i think that using the spinner sprayers for the cloner would work but i think the stems prefer the finner spray, and if ya can't find those kinda sprayers just get a buncha airstones and do it bubble style to get the mist...

Your setup idea's sound good, but a few things to remember...
You can use 1 big Rez for all the units Only if they are all filled with plants at the same time,
if you gonna do a steady supply setup then you will need different Rez's for each batch, PPM is Major in Aero, each new batch must start in the mid 100's, and in mid to upper 1000's in a few weeks!....

And i'll tell ya, i've desided Not to even use my Veg rig anymore, i have killer luck going from the cloner to the flower systems!
I found they got too big if they had any more veg time then the round 2 weeks in the cloner!
So, unless you looking to have Huge plants, hieght i mean, then forget about the veg stage and make 2 rooms, Clone/Mom room and Bigger flower room with 2 or 3 diff Batches with there own Rez's and you'll get your crop each 3-4 weeks! (depending on the strain too tho)

Thats how i'm Rearanging my rooms right now, well kinda.... i gonna have the cloner in a cubby hole in the bigger hydro room, got a real nice 4 bulb 2' fixture for it and the cloner sits on my Bud Dryer! Got a 400w HPS and gonna change out the 400mh and toss it into flower room too!
All these changes are under way presently, just got the extra lights few days ago but been running a water line to the room! finally water in there!
i even made a DIY Float/fill valve outa a $10 Plastic float valve for a toilet!.....

But anyhow.... will update some latter all, just got my PC workin so gotta catch up!



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Click to expand...

Very cool of you to respond in such length. Thank you!

As for my system.. Nothing small about it really. I have 3x1000w lined up and I am not going to make anything small.

The reason I asked was 2fold. 1. Funds are getting low and I was hoping to build one now, then another and another as I need them. Rather than 3 at once. And 2. Just curious as to the reasons behind it.

but

Now I think I will go ahead and make a cloner (with the misters) and a flowering system. Skipping the veg, as you suggested.

Eventually I want to have fast crops and would like to do a SOG. But this 1st time that won't be possible. I am starting from seeds and have several different strains. So I am going to have to feel my way through this 1st go and try and get as many clones as I can.

Which leads me to 2 questions (while I have your attention and since you are so helpful lol)...

1. Which strains would you say are the fastest to bloom? I want good quality bud though either way, but speed would be nice as well.

2. Do you think I could get away with NOT having a mother? Just take my clones from...wait..... never mind.. that wouldnt work. lol I was thinking I could just take a snip from a vegging pant (clone my clones, etc, etc, etc..), but that wouldnt be possible if I were to SKIP veg entirely. So a mother I shall keep.

I wonder if ONE 4'T5 would be good enough to keep a couple of mothers going? Also, what do you keep your mothers in???

hey.. thanks again. really!

btw - check it out.. these look like your sprayers. Only difference I can see is the color.

http://www.hydroponics.net/i/131627


Do your "sprayers" actually seem to "spray" or "mist" more?

These are listed as being "spinners", but they claim that these things are

"Ideal for rooting cuttings aeroponically. Spinner comes complete with a male thread for a secure no leak fit."

Click to expand...

..that is why I ask.

BTW - if they are NOT the same as yours, could you let me know exactly what kind you have? If you even know (I think you mentioned picking yours up locally). I don't want to get cheap on something so small and then have the cheap imitations clogging up on me.

thx

Good day all....

good day and Thankz there growinman, and about time on the pic's! Looks Vary Nice man! I'm vary happy it's going good!
And mines doing fine fine fine....

and good day there ForbiddenFruit, glad i helped ya out some...
as for your request on the strains, lol, that your gonna have to look around for, here's a good link about most strains for ya http://www.kindgreenbuds.com/strainlibrary.html
and if ya look around at dif seed sales sites some have good decriptions, and yes it is time consuming! lol, sorry.....

And Don't get rid of a mom unless you got someone to get new clones from! clones are the only way to speed it up...

And yes those spinner sprayers are the same, the different colours are the flow, the green i used in the Veg system just cause they had a finner spray, but it really don't matter, they still spinners! And i used the Red in the Flower systems just cause more water flow in less time...

As for using them in cloners, thro research i have found that finner is better for that purpose, but if it works, use it!



So, anyhow, Here be some update pic's for ya, last night they are......
















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Wow your setup is just pure amazing, what do you get for yield? Like a couple pounds every 3months. I someday wish to setup a grow room atleast with a few plants but im very restricted.

Very nice setup epix, ive been planning an aero setup for my next run and have some questions for you. Can you tell me or have you seen an advantage to having the roots in a separate chamber opposed to letting them grow into the res, i realize this is making a dwc hybrid but was wondering if the extra chamber is worth it, does it make the roots more or less susceptible to heat? I assume the play tubing works the same as pvc, any opinion? Last, the spinners, would you recommend them over the sprayers for a flowering? I see you say they clog less but what kinda coverage do they have compared to the sprayers, how often do sprayers really clog? Can you average a harvest before they clog? using the proper nutes for the job of course. Thanks for any help!

DogWisperer said:

Wow your setup is just pure amazing, what do you get for yield? Like a couple pounds every 3months. I someday wish to setup a grow room atleast with a few plants but im very restricted.

Click to expand...

Good day there DogWisperer.... this is my first full finishing batch in my Aero so i can't give ya finish numbers yet! lol, but i must say, i got half the plants i did in soil and they got way more bud then my last soil batch produced already!
And it's setup for a 3-4 week turn out using the 2 flower systems.... even faster turnout's if ya get strains that flower faster....

smppro said:

Very nice setup epix, ive been planning an aero setup for my next run and have some questions for you. Can you tell me or have you seen an advantage to having the roots in a separate chamber opposed to letting them grow into the res, i realize this is making a dwc hybrid but was wondering if the extra chamber is worth it, does it make the roots more or less susceptible to heat? I assume the play tubing works the same as pvc, any opinion? Last, the spinners, would you recommend them over the sprayers for a flowering? I see you say they clog less but what kinda coverage do they have compared to the sprayers, how often do sprayers really clog? Can you average a harvest before they clog? using the proper nutes for the job of course. Thanks for any help!

Click to expand...

good day there smppro, how ya doin.....
The only real advantages to using a seperate Rez is that the plants have way more room to grow without need too worry they are getting too much food,
and using the Rez as the grow tray is known as Aquaponics, and i have seen some good setups in those, but here lotza horror stories about roots in those, but i will say, watch SeeMoreBuds #1, they show ya how to use Aquaponics systems and produce poundage!
As for the water and root heat, it'll all stay cooler if the Rez is seperate just because the fluids flow out and back into the rez cooling itself on the way..

The tubing is the same, just flexable or not is the difference, also you have to Tap and make treads in PVC compared to just pushing a hole thro the black poly....

As for the spinners prayers, i would use them over the sprayers just because the actual spinning movement will loosen minner clogs out, and the coverage is a full 360 spread..
I havn't had 1 of the spinners clog yet, been used for 8 weeks now, but my misters in the cloner, at leaste 1 clogs a week in it, wiggle a pin in it's top and it unplgs most of the time tho...

Hope that helps guy's.... well, i'm off to work so cya all latter!


See me Grow https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/107075-ak-47-x-super-silver-44.html
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Sounds awesome i might give the spinners a try, one thing though, aquaponics is actually the term to describe growing plants in a hydro setup using fish as the source of food in the water. I have a small vegetable aquaponics setup in my kitchen. Thanks for the help!

smppro said:

Sounds awesome i might give the spinners a try, one thing though, aquaponics is actually the term to describe growing plants in a hydro setup using fish as the source of food in the water. I have a small vegetable aquaponics setup in my kitchen. Thanks for the help!

Click to expand...

oh ya! wierd! lol, well, they don't advetice it like from the retailers, but i guess it would be great for that too!

Just reaserched it, and you right!
But, you only put the fish into it if you want to make that food for the plants, and it all started with fish farming!

fukn eh the smart person who clued into the growing uses!



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epixbud said:

But, you only put the fish into it if you want to make that food for the plants, and it all started with fish farming!
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Click to expand...

........I am seeing a big light going off in your head, epix! haha!!

I saw a whole system for sale on CL: it was about 5-6, 1/2 55 gal blue barrels that kind of inter-connected and set on different levels.....the had all kinds of stuff growing in it, fish too and said it was almost self sustaining...... Just thought it was interesting.....would be cool in a greenhouse or similar......

Anyway, your probably lost in your jungle about right now, haha, right in the middle of the DANK!!

Have FUN!!

gman

Luvin your Setup epix. looking at going Aero for my next grow. subscribed. Awesome pics throughout your journal and here buddy. Keep it up.

Hey! Let me bug ya again. I hope you don't mind.

#1. Where did you get your corrugated plastic for the tops? I looked but could not find.

#2. Why and where do you have the water pump/stone? Just put it in the reservoir to stir things up? Or do you allow some water to pool in the main unit and place them in there?(which doesnt appear to be the case based on the placement of your drain)

#3. Do you run your sprayers 24/7? Or have and on/off cycle? I know you leave the clone sprayers on 24/7, but what about in your flowering system?

also... I got regular ole 1/2" PVC.. Not the Black poly tubing you have. Any major differences?

thanks again!