Hydrofarm 5 gal ebb and grow help

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Mrblaze212

Well-Known Member
I have a hydrofarm ebb and grow 5 gal system. The roots keep clogging the drain lines in early flower, I even trimmed the roots twice in veg. Any suggestions to solve this problem? It's really a pain, has killed a few plants already.
I am thinking fabric pots in the unit or possible paint strainer bags. Was wondering if anyone had any experience with one of these units
Thanks for any help
 
gr865

gr865

Well-Known Member
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@Mrblaze212

Did the fabric pots idea work? I like the idea.
I had a failed attempt do to pH problems but I can see where the roots would be an issue. One plant of mine filled the entire bucket but did not plug.
 
Just A Handful

Just A Handful

Member
I recently got one of these systems set up after a local hydro shop went bust. It is working incredibly. What medium are you using? How often are you flooding, what is the flood time (one or two time increments 'flipped to flood') and what are the plants rooted in prior to placing them into the grow-flow pots? And how high are your buckets set to flood?

If using Hydroton, and filling the buckets high enough, often enough, the roots won't have a reason to dig down and clog the exit tubes. I found this systems instruction manual to suck, got no support from anyone reaching out, but once I figured it out, it is a FANTASTIC system.
 
gr865

gr865

Well-Known Member
Just A Handful said:
I recently got one of these systems set up after a local hydro shop went bust. It is working incredibly. What medium are you using? How often are you flooding, what is the flood time (one or two time increments 'flipped to flood') and what are the plants rooted in prior to placing them into the grow-flow pots? And how high are your buckets set to flood?

If using Hydroton, and filling the buckets high enough, often enough, the roots won't have a reason to dig down and clog the exit tubes. I found this systems instruction manual to suck, got no support from anyone reaching out, but once I figured it out, it is a FANTASTIC system.
Click to expand...
How do you clean the Hydroton after a grow?
I find it hard to get all the tiny bits of root out which can clog filters.
 
Just A Handful

Just A Handful

Member
Just started using it myself, so can't say for sure. I've read people have enough to let it sit out and dry off a crop and just rotate instead of trying to clean the hydroton between cycles. Just let it decompose and rinse them off after. Some people swear by Hygrozyme but why spend money on a product if you can just let it sit out.
 
Cabrone

Cabrone

Well-Known Member
I try sterilize it(hydroton). I put it in large roasting pans and put it in the oven. 400°f for 30 minutes. Maybe overkill but works for me.
 
jcdws602

jcdws602

Well-Known Member
Cleaning hydroton is a pain in the arse for sure. I used to just buy more after years of cleaning and sterilizing that crap. Those ebb and gro systems are nice. I’ve had some awesome growth rates and yields using them. A couple down sides are clogging and like any other recirculating system sharing Pythium is a given if one plant gets it. Any plastic netting will work but always keep checking those lines every couple weeks just in case. It takes a while before it is apparent and by then it’s far too late.
 
gr865

gr865

Well-Known Member
What I have noted is that even setting Hydroton out and letting it dry completely still leaves minute root pieces and they clog my filter. I need to get another filter for my Drip Irrigation Y Filter.
20190821_21291) - Copy.jpg
The one in my Y filter is torn and allowing trash/root pieces to get into the filter on the pressure reducer and clog it.
This is only a problem when trying to use top fed emitters, like this one.
20181005_095114_LI (2).jpg
This pic is from my coco grows, as stated I use Hydroton in my Gro and Flo system.
This was recommended by a friend that I use top fed since I was having issues getting the seedlings to start. If I can get some good clones I will probably go back to the flood and drain in the original system. I would still face the issues with the clogged filters doing it the original method.
 
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Cabrone

Cabrone

Well-Known Member
Your top feed system looks awesome! I bet with coco it worked great. I run an ebb and flow set up. I start with rooted cuttings and just hand water for the 1st week or so, along with flooding, until I see root growth coming out of the basket.
 
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