I have lurked on Grasscity for over a year now, watching, reading, and learning. Recently I was thinking about getting started on a 6-plant bucket bubbler in a rubbermaid container because it seemed to be the most highly recommended for those without experience and also the cheapest method of hydroponic growing. I have a pretty moderate understanding of hydroponic systems and the procedures in growing bud. I plan on making one soon. I had a High yield strain in mind. But before I start, I need clarification on a couple topics I couldn't really find/understand. -What would be the cheapest and most effective light setup using CFLs for 6 plants, since they seem to be the easiest and most obtainable light source that produces little heat with a high light output. -What are the recommended hydroponic nutrients I should use? I would like to spend less than $100 on nutrients for a single, 6 plant yield from seed to bud, if that's possible. I'm rather new to this. I'm not familiar with nutrient dosage because I would imagine it would differ from brand to brand, depending on the contents. -What should I use to measure pH? Again, preferably the cheapest but most effective solution available. -In a bucket bubbler, about how much of the roots should be submersed in the water in the different grow stages? -Does temperature make any considerable changes in the bud growth or quality? I see some topics suggesting anywhere from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Some tutorials skip the subject altogether. -If I were to have the recommended nutrients, recommended amount of light, and the ideal environment, what size yields should I expect from a strain like Money Maker, Cash Crop, Big bud, or critical mass? I want the best sized yield with the highest amount of THC. (2+ ounces from each plant, at least 28% thc) Any useful tips will be appreciated. Thank you for taking time to read this monster of a post.
I would consider LED above CFL as you would probably need 600+ watts of CFL to reach your aim and they run as cool and I would say more effective, check out topled on here or there website of the same name and go for a mars2. To measure PH then get a test pen there relativly cheap I believe, or litmus paper. I believe there are many different nute companys that do nutes for hydro I'm a soil guy so can't say who but most the usual players fox farms, canna, plant magic etc. Amount of yield depends on a lot of things and the breeders recommendations are obviously what they have pulled from it under training etc etc but done right then 2oz a plant should be reachable..
Thank you for your post. That answered nearly everything I needed to know. I'll definitely look into the stuff you listed