Post cloning root development questions for Heath Flooded Tube

I have build a 4 level octagon ala Heath Robinson and I'm having root troubles. We are at the finish of round #3 and I'm just not happy with the almost non existent root development. The roots grow fine from the cloner and the preveg ebb and flow table, but when they go into the octagon (sorta like a RDWC), The roots fight growing into the water.

So let me break down what my procedures are and hopefully we can get big healthy roots.

So, cloning goes great, 100% +-. Then into 3" net-pots in an ebb an flow table for 5 to 10 days.
While in the ebb and flow table, the roots hit the bottom of the net pots and bottom out on the table and kind of mat up a bit.

Then the girls go into the octagon and get maybe 2 more days of veg light before the flip to 12/12. While in the octagon the roots barely grow.

Is there any trick to getting big fat roots in a RDWC without veging or how can I get the roots to really explode in the ebb and flow table without growing trees?

The ultimate goal is to see 8" tall plants with nice roots, in the ebb and flow table ready to be dropped into the octagon and go straight to flower.

I seem to remember Heath mentioning that he will veg for two weeks in that system before flipping the the light cycle. Been a minute since I read that thread, but that may be your issue.

How is your dissolved O situation? Even with the high flow of his nutrient solution he still added a valve in his rez to get O levels as high as he could.

Hope this helped.

Bison

I don't know much about the system or the design. Think you could post a few pics? I also use a valve in my rez to increase O levels in combination with airstones, although air pumps add heat so I would prefer if I could get my D.O. another way. The bigger powerheads have an inlet that you attach an air hose to and run it up above the water level they really mix the oxygen into the water. Reminds me I'll have to take a pic of one installed in my fishtank to show how it works.

I think Heath said the first run he did indeed veg for a week or two in the system, but the system was going to be perpetual so plants would go in straight from veg room into the system on 12/12. Bear in mind he was using a 4000 litre per hour pump with the recirculating valve on the outlet. The water just touched the bottom of the pots too when the tubing was in a flooded state. Like pazuzu said, maybe pictures would help diagnosis.

did you build a exact replica?? did you use the water dams as heath did?? the water dams created allot of DO as the water spilled over the dams and rolled down into the next tube constantly.

did you cover your pipe work?. roots won't really grow if the tubes glow on the inside