OK, Pardon my mistake of not starting in the beginners lounge in the first place. I've recently stepped in as a partner in a hydro operation. My partner being the one who takes risks myself being the $upplie$-man. We've had 2 very successful/lucky harvests without using a PPM meter. As we get going $$ is tight, if we can continue as we have without purchasing more equipment, we'll be further ahead in the long run. Here's basically what we do. Basic Europonic solutions until the 2nd week of flowering, then we add Monster Bloom, tapering off at the end then running straight water for the last week or so. If the ph is maintained, are my PPM in the neighborhood? Is it essential given our success, or are we just damn lucky? We run our nutrient pump 24/7, is that best? I apologize ahead of time for the dumb questions but I'd assume that was the reason this sight was born. I've been a daily smoker for 27+ years and this AK-47 is the nastiest, swollen, crystal drenched nugs I've ever smoked! I don't own a camera but I did scan a nug, is there a safe forum to show it off?
Don't run your pump 24/0. The roots need a chance to dry out a bit in between watering. Yoy didn't say what type of system you have. If it's ebb and flo, the normal way to do it is gave them pump on 15--30 minutes every 4--6 hours. For optimum growth a ppm meter is essential. Guessing what the ppm level is is like trying to guess how much petrol is in the tank if your gauge is broken. They aren't too expensive. I've seen some of the newer models for under $60.00, sometimes they also include pH meters. Ideal ppm is around 1200--1600 for veg and bloom, tapering off as the flowering plants get closer to harvest, and no nutrients during the last 2 weeks.
So I guess we've been lucky. I'll switch the cycle over to on/off every 15 min. I saw somewhere that'd increase oxy levels in the res. & wouldn't be too harsh of a change. I guess I'll get a meter as well. Thanks for all the help & valuable info. Since I've moved indoors my expenses have skyrocketed!
:LOL: ranger i know just what you are saying. my gas gauge is broke and i have to guestimate how much gas i have or just get a fill when my car stalls out at a red light. (i got it super glued 1/2 full so i can pass inspection) i also used to not use a ppm meter, get one you wont be disapointed. (Edited by doctorcalyx at 9:30 pm on Jan. 5, 2004)
dr dave-- There are 3 ways to guage nutrient levels. PPM = Parts Per Million TDS = Total Dissolved Solids EC = Electrical Conductivity I'm most familiar with ppm. doctor C, where do you need half a tank of gas to "pass inspection" and WTF does that mean anyway?
well i live in a fucked up ticket giving, must have a permit to take a **** state. cars must be inspected and pass a bunch of stupid car test, you then get a sticker that says" hey my car is legal and safe dont give me a ticket officer" a faulty gauge and empty tank would spell impending doom for the people behind you going 80 in a 35. so i just fake mine (Edited by doctorcalyx at 3:54 am on Jan. 6, 2004)
Sssup folks? I've begun my quest for a PPM meter. Any suggestions? I'm looking for the best bang for my buck. If spending a little more now will reduce hassles later all the better. I'm just wondering what I'll need. I hear they don't last long. I'm a simple man, I like to keep things that way. eBay has quite an assortment, but I'd like to get some feedback from you folks first.
One suggestion if you want to best bang for you buck is to check into a REAL TIME tri-meter. They wil give you temp, pH adjust for temp, and/or TDS or EC. The average price that I have been seing is aournd the ballpark of $200. Spendy but well worth it.
Thanks JE, what's the average life span? I hear corrosion is a problem. Any further details are greatly appreciated. I must say I love this sight! Although I've been a successful outdoor farmer, I've learned a lot about that and 3 times as much regarding hydro!
