Smart Pots, Hydroton, and Rockwool
- Thread starter Someguy15
- Start date
I'm using the same setup as you except the use of "smart pots".
I use a container like this instead. http://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/8/products_id/420
I put about an inch layer on the bottom of the pot and then I put the rockwool right on top of the Hydroton so the roots will have somewhere to go after they pop out of the bottom of the rockwool.
I think you might not want to use the "smart pots" since they're made of cloth. In an ebb and flow table, the water needs to drain out completely. Those "smart pots" look like they'll hold onto water after the drain and this invites a mildewy smell. In fact, my 4 inch rockwool smells a little mildewy and I'm assuming because its constantly damp.
I use a container like this instead. http://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/8/products_id/420
I put about an inch layer on the bottom of the pot and then I put the rockwool right on top of the Hydroton so the roots will have somewhere to go after they pop out of the bottom of the rockwool.
I think you might not want to use the "smart pots" since they're made of cloth. In an ebb and flow table, the water needs to drain out completely. Those "smart pots" look like they'll hold onto water after the drain and this invites a mildewy smell. In fact, my 4 inch rockwool smells a little mildewy and I'm assuming because its constantly damp.
Someguy15
Well-Known Member
They seem to dry out pretty well actually, only the bottom couple inches feel damp to the touch on the outside. Maybe notice a little smell, but I'm not sure because that might be my 2 week old res
Just experimenting with some bag seed to get it right for my good stuff. I'll see how this works out along side 6" rockwool and whatever else I come up with. 
Someguy15
Well-Known Member
Decided to just try 6 out, they seem to breathe very well... the smart pot site boasts better cooling, air pruning instead of roots coiling blah blah. They're a little pricey but very light, foldable and resuable. They also have somewhat of a square shape for better arrangement.
Steadydabbing
New Member
I am also using smart pots with rock wool and an ebb and flow system. I have a question? I used grow rocks to give the pots weight. I wanted to put them on the bottom of the pots but my roommate did what he wanted and also put the actual rocks on top of the rock wool. My question is, is this ok? Wouldn't the rocks compress the rock wool too much causing the roots to be damaged? Please someone help me.
Resinhound
Well-Known Member
Why not just stack the small rockwool on a larger cube?
Steadydabbing
New Member
Well the initial stem is in a larger rock wool cube then it's covered with smaller rock wool cubes. I just want to know if putting rocks on top is bad.
greenghost420
Well-Known Member
im aboutt to try this in a 2x2 mega garden setup, 1 gal smarty thinking 4 of em, just to try. should be fun!
Resinhound
Well-Known Member
I was refering to the OP,in your case i dont think it matters people run with plastic plates and all kinds of crap on top of their rockwool
Steadydabbing
New Member
AAwesome thanks
horribleherk
Well-Known Member
Hey someguy15 I've considered what you're wanting to do & see no reason that it won't work I did an e&f grow in coco/perlite 2gal. Smart pots as you're plants get larger they'll require more feedings a day I'm thinking multiple feedings a day would not allow bacteria to accumulate in your hydroton an air stone in your res would probably be a good idea a scrog screen would anchor your plants as they get larger as well
Resinhound
Well-Known Member
Im just curious whats the advantage to putting the rockwool into a smart pot with hydroton vs just stacking the small cube on a larger cube.Honestly for water/o2 retention rockwool is pretty good medium.