Grow Mediums Do you put layer of perlite or hydroton in autopots watering system pot?

[MassMom]

I was told that anything in the bottom may cause a disruption in the uptake. I guess some people do, and some dont, its all personal
preference

 

[GreenBasterd]

The manual highlights what to put and how much. My plan is go 1" or so of hydroton and 70/30 coco perlite mix over that for my first try.

 

[Bob's Auto's]

The manual highlights what to put and how much. My plan is go 1" or so of hydroton and 70/30 coco perlite mix over that for my first try.

Not necessary brother. Just mix the coco/perlite in a 60/40 ratio and put it in the pot.

 

[MassMom]

Not necessary brother. Just mix the coco/perlite in a 60/40 ratio and put it in the pot.

That is what the GrowGods taught me also. Items in the bottom may even cause an issue with uptake. Just coco/perlite for me :smoking:

 

[GreenBasterd]

Not necessary brother. Just mix the coco/perlite in a 60/40 ratio and put it in the pot.

I got the air domes/air stones though. So I thought you needed some hydroton for those.

@MassMom I'll have to look up the GrowGods!

 

[Bob's Auto's]

I got the air domes/air stones though. So I thought you needed some hydroton for those.

@MassMom I'll have to look up the GrowGods!

Do yourself a favor and use the airpump in the reservoir for oxygenation and keeping the solution in motion.

 

[GreenBasterd]

Also have a small hydrofarm 40gph pump for that. But yes, I realize the domes might be snake oil. Using them with air stones rather than their setup. Next major concern is nutrients.

Have a gallon of botanicare hydroponic bloom and grow + Bioguard...but I think folks say it will block the lines. So the plants may just get coffee in the morning and scotch in the evening. Keeps me alive.

 

[Zer0]

So I'm going to use promix in my autopot because i can't be bothered paying $30 for a stupid brick of canna coco that is $13 normally and i have about 3-4 cu of promix so i want to use what i have on hand, i also have hydroton but @MassMom advised me not to put shit at the bottom so i won't.

unless promix wicks badly and needs hydroton, thoughts about using promix in autopots?

 

[GreenBasterd]

After reading the complete autopot review thread by @Olderfart , I think I may just scrap the airdomes/stones and hydroton at the base all together.

I already have the Mother Earth 70/30 coco perlite mix, and may just mix a little hydroton into that to air it up some more since I have some on hand.

What Im not clear on is how to monitor/adjust EC and pH other than to just pH balance the reservoir. Also, my medium is supposed to be buffered, but not sure how to test that yet....runoff pH and EC probably.

 

[BII]

I suggest you consider adding (mixing-in, not layering) Hydroton to the Promix much as you would perlite. It will similarly contribute to soil aeration, and I think can only help.