Noobie dwc 13 quick questions

Discussion in 'First Time Marijuana Growers' started by limpy L, Nov 23, 2015.

  1. This is my first dwc grow and I have ocd and adhd. Combined I have to know everything before starting so I do apologize if these questions seem stupid.

    5 5g sites
    396 water pump

    What's the difference in performance from using 1/2" or 3/4" hose? (I will be placing a Venturi valve on each site and an air stone, 2 in reservoir.)

    Should all hose lengths be cut the same distance?

    Does the layout have to be symmetrical? Or as long as they all fit under the lights the layout is not as important?

    Clay pebbles...

    Can you use broke or deformed pebbles or should I only use whole round ones?

    I have rinsed pebbles 5-6 times and I still have dirt that comes off can I get them completely clean or will they always have some sort of residue on them?

    Ph on pebbles should be 5.5 before putting harden seedlings in?

    To find out should I soak for a day until the water reads 5.5?

    Will be using Lucas formula with RO water

    How does the ppm work? I've read it should be at 1400(example) but when I make a 1 gallon sample at full strength my ppm is around 700-800..

    If my ppm is 500 too low how do I increase it?

    do I use the 3-5 ml cal-mag per gallon like the bottle suggest? Or is it different?

    Is there a difference between drawing straight from the reserve or use a float to draw from the reserve into a smaller bucket?

    Shut off valves.

    Should I put one on the reservoir only or on each site?

    Last question,

    Should I invest in a ph doser/monitor?

    Thanks for all your help..
     
  2. Help please??? Building room and setting up this weekend.. The plan anyways
     
  3. #3 GoldGrower, Nov 25, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 25, 2015
    .
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    What is the 396 in reference to?
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    1. The size of the hose will differ between what style of RDWC you will have.
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    2. All air lines should be the same length. The feed lines and return lines may or may not need to be the same length depending on what style RDWC you have.
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    3. The position of the reservoirs don't have to be symmetrical.
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    4. Broken expanded clay balls/pellets/pebbles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and broken and misshapen ones are all fine.
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    5. It's better to have them as clean as possible but you will always get a fine dust coming off them. I find this settles in the bottom of my reservoirs and doesn't cause any problems.
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    6. Set up the system and run it for a day or two before adding the plants and make sure you have your figures correct as far as ph, ppm, and temperature.
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    7. Forget the Lucas formula, it's just guessing what the plants prefer. You are better off measuring it yourself with your ppm meter. Click this link http://forum.grasscity.com/hydroponic-growing/1198... for a full explanation.
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    8. I'm not 100% on what you are asking. To increase your ppm, you add more nutrients to the water. Those figures are too high anyway. Refer to the link above.
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    9. You are using reverse osmosis water so that means all the calcium and magnesium have been removed. When you add them back, bring the ppm up to 100 and then use that as you would tap water. Why are you using RO water?
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    10. It depends on what style of RDWC you have, but for now I would just have your plant reservoirs and a control reservoir. You can always add a top up tank if you need to later on, but as long as your control reservoir is of decent size you most likely will be fine.
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    11. I don't understand what you are asking as far as the shut off valves question goes.
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    12. Yes you must have a ph meter and a EC/ppm meter. The cheap Chinese £4 ones are plenty accurate for what we use them for, but they are essential in hydro
    .
    Hope that helps
     
  4. Thank you.. Thank you..
     

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