astralboy
(stranger
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4/7/01 04:58 PM
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How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 113782
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hey guys..
i just got myseeds in the mail today (mikado), and i'm starting the germination process.. once they sprout, how do I prepare the rockwool cubes? do I just dip them in water? how wet should they be when I start out? do I need to keep watering the rockwool or should the first time be enough?
lastly, what kind of container should I put the seeds in? should it have a top or not?
thanks a lot,
nick
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busyb
(member)
4/8/01 03:31 AM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 113905
/ re: 113782
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Rockwool is slightly alkaline so you need to soak it overnight in water adjusted to ph5.5
What I then do is soak it for a short time in a weak (maybe 1/8th strength) nutrient solution.
When puting seeds in, gently squeeze the rockwool so some moisture runs off as this will make it suck air in.
You can tell when it needs watering again by the weight, by feeling it and by the colour, so you shouldn't have any trouble there. Just make sure you don't water too quickly. Let them dry a bit.
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copperhead
(stranger
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4/8/01 11:29 PM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 114269
/ re: 113905
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That sounds about the same way I do it, except that I use Olivia's cloning solution at ph 5.5 overnight to condition the rockwool before inserting the seeds or cuttings. I continue to use OCS until roots are seen in the 1x1 cubes. They are then placed in 4x4 cubes and given GH nutes 1-1-1. When roots are seen in the 4x4 cubes, I slowly increase the nute strength to 1-2-3 over a period of a couple of weeks and keeping the ph 5.8-6.2. I've only been growing for about 6 months, but this method has worked well for me with seeds and cuttings.
Hope this helps and that you are successful!
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Devices
(member)
4/11/01 10:57 AM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 115242
/ re: 114269
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CopperHead...When you talk about the GH nute strength, and you say 1-1-1. What measurements are you going by, and is that to every gallon of water that you measure?? I just got some Gh nutes, and would like some info on nute strengths
Life puts obstacles infront of ordinary people to make them extra-ordinary!
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copperhead
(stranger
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4/11/01 01:02 PM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 115292
/ re: 115242
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Hi Devices. I'm mixing the GH nutes per their recommendations. The "1" means one teaspoon (5ml) per gallon. So a 1-1-1 solution is 5ml of Grow, 5ml of Micro, and 5ml of Bloom per gallon of water. Per GH, when mixing the nutes always add the Micro to the water before adding Grow and/or Bloom.
For main vegatative growth I use 3-2-1, or 15ml Grow, 10ml Micro, and 5ml Bloom per gallon.
For bloom cycle I use 1-2-3, or 5ml Grow, 10ml Micro, and 15ml Bloom per gallon.
I always mix the nutes and let it set awhile before adjusting the ph because it tends to wander a little before stabilizing. I grow in a bubbler and these formulas work well. I'm currently testing a little stronger nute mix in one tub just to see how much you can push before it has a negative effect on the plants. This tub is in bloom and I'm currently pushing a 1-2-4 solution in it with no signs of distress after 2 weeks. We'll see! Hope this answered your question. Good luck!
Copperhead
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JesusWeed
(journeyman)
4/11/01 05:57 PM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 115410
/ re: 115292
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I am using full strength nutes in my bubblers to see what will happen. I usually preach 1/3, but I wanted to see what happened.
Well the only thing that I can tell, is a tiny yellow on the tips, most leaves don't have any yellow.
So I will continue with this experiment and if theres no harm, then might just ease back a half teaspoon from full strength and let them go..
Peace
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newbe
(stranger
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4/14/01 05:58 PM
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Re: How To 'Start' Rockwool Cubes
[Post#: 116476
/ re: 115410
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to help clear up the mixing ratio i went to htt://www.generalhydroponics.com/florause.html this website gives several explantions and calulations on mixing their products. hope this might help.
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