New Grower DWC growers - pls help

[Handyandy]

Hello AFN community.
First of all, let me admit what I’m trying to do is NOT ideal or (probably) recommended but unforeseen circumstances has forced the situation.
This will be my second grow (grew 2 plants in coco relatively successfully first round). This time I’ve decided to do 2 plants - one in soil and one in DWC to figure out the best method for me and my setup moving forward for future grows.
Long story short, I ran into major issues trying to germinate seed in rockwool for my DWC. The soil seed sprouted but stunted after about a week and completely stopped growing/developing. To try make the best of the situation, I decided to dig up the seedling out of soil (as it’s still looking healthy albeit very small for its age) and put into the DWC.
The seedling is about 2 inches and roots are approx 2-3 times longer. I managed to clean as much soil as possible without damaging the roots and placed it into my net cup.
Here is the question - should I contain the root system within the mesh pot and clay pebbles, allowing bubbles to mist bottom of net cup OR allow the end of the roots to stick out the bottom of the mesh pot and lower the water level accordingly?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
cheers

 

[Sabelter O Adoob]

Hi Handyandy let those babies swim buddy keep your res in contact with your basket but leave a gap under the lid to avoid soaking your stem

 

[Handyandy]

Thanks for your reply Sabelter.
So what you’re saying is water level should contact bottom of mesh pot, allowing the roots to be submerged?
I have placed the seedling high up in the basket, so stem is well out of the water.
P.S - I do not have a pump circulating water and drip feeding the roots

 

[Sabelter O Adoob]

Yep keep your roots in the water but if you submerge the basket too much it swamps the stem. You got air in the pot?

 

[Simplicio]

I've done this every which way, and it doesn't matter.
Next time use Rapid Rooters instead of rockwool.

 

[Handyandy]

Thank you both for the advice.
I currently have the water level low so the hanging roots get a misty spray caused by the air bubbles. I will raise the water level to bottom of net pot and submerge the root tips.
I will definitely try rapid rooters next time. First and last time as far as Rockwool goes - never again for me.
Whilst I have your attention, one more question. What nute strength would you suggest? I currently have RO water with just root enhancer. The baby has 4 true leaves with the 5/6th just beginning to form

 

[Simplicio]

I'm an unorthodox feeder.
I start sprouts at about 100 ppm then increase 20% per day up to about 400, and keep it there until reducing to 250 ppm a couple weeks before harvest.
Main problem is too much growth while following VPD chart.

 

[Handyandy]

Quick update - this is 48 hours after I transplanted seedling out of soil into DWC. As suggested, I raised the water level slightly above the bottom of mesh pot.
I expected the seedling to go into shock in the DWC after spending its first 2 weeks in soil, but to me, looks like it’s drowning. Is this normal? Should I / can I do anything to help?

 

[Simplicio]

Quick update - this is 48 hours after I transplanted seedling out of soil into DWC. As suggested, I raised the water level slightly above the bottom of mesh pot.
I expected the seedling to go into shock in the DWC after spending its first 2 weeks in soil, but to me, looks like it’s drowning. Is this normal? Should I / can I do anything to help?

Changing anything too fast can be stressful.
Hopefully they will recover, and I'd guess they will.