[trist]

Hi all! I've just found this site as a result of trying to get some info on hydro marijuana growing, so I thought I might try my idea here and see what you think of it. Also I have some questions (well, alot really) that relate to hydro growing because initially there is a wealth of information to be found on the net and many different opinions on the right way to grow!

I am planning to use an entire caravan as the setup for the hydro system. Perhaps a 14x7 footer, or around that mark anyways. Mid size for a caravan =) I want to completely strip the inside of it so that its totally bare, and make it suitable for a plant environment ... I hear that blocking out all other light sources and making the inside reflective is a good way to go. How many plants (50 - 80cm in size) do you think the ENTIRE caravan would be able to support on a hydro setup? Money here is not really a problem for me as I am quite willing to save up and make the investment. I really have very little idea on how much room an actual plant takes up in a hydro system. Considering the amount of money I will be investing in this (a couple of thousand each on the system and the caravan) I would want to get as many plants in as possible.

Making the actual hydro system is not that much of a problem either - I have a nice and friendly hydroponics store down the road who should be able to fit me with a professional system.

So I guess since the pros will be able to sort me out with the specifics of the hydro system, my main concerns are that of the growing process itself.

If I use a very intensive setup to get the best growth rate possible, what kind of period am I looking at from germination to harvest? Is it really best to use 24 hour lighting to encourage growth and then slow it down to 12-12 for the flowering stage? I have done a bit of research, and I've noticed that a fair variety of lights are needed to get the best results. Simply put, how many and what kind of lights would I be looking at for the amount of plants involved?

What's the best method to grow from? Seeds or cloning? Can plants that have been harvested be used again in a hydro system or does this only work in soil? And why is it such a bad idea to let the male plants release their pollen ... ? Does this have an effect on the female's yield? Why is it that people mostly want to encourage female plant growths?

If this setup was successful, given the estimated number of plants (say with a 250 gram yeild per sq/m), how many grams of useable smoke would I end up with after each harvest?

Hmm it seems this post has turned into a bit of a novel but oh well! Those are just about all the questions I can think of, no doubt I will think of more in time though ... if you think you can help out a newbie that would be great, as I am fully serious in doing this! I just want it to work perfect the first time so as not to waste my time and money =) If you could also tell me what you think of the caravan project and if it has worked before that would be great! Cheers!

- trist