Chemistry, Microbiology, Physics

ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Hello RIU!

This is my first posting. First, I would like to thank Heisenberg, Crysmatic, Squarepusher, Spurr, tyler.durden, Seamaiden, Mr.Bond, Fatman, and many others for conveying their research, contemplation's , and empirical data to further our knowledge base. If it were not for the shoulders of giants, we would stand alone. I have lived through your posts and acquired a multitude of knowledge, My only regret is that I have not had the pleasure of conversing and thanking you personally.
I have utilized these data, gleaned from the aforementioned, to create something beautiful. My garden is thriving and providing me with expansive opportunities for experimentation. Experimentation is my life, as I am a scientist, scholar, and teacher. I now calculate and create my nutes, incubate benies, and cross genetics. I have constructed hydroponics systems, double-pole light controllers, low pressure aeroponic cloners, used Daily light intervals (DLI) and PAR to calculate mols/day. Every aspect is fascinating and exciting. There are worlds yet to observe. I am a Mensan, and eager to experiment more. I look forward to perusing this forum, and I am open to intellectual paths forward. If you suggest a point of reference or avenue to explore, I implore you ask me so that we can learn.

Thanks to all who contribute here,

- ZXC
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Hey BUDS,

Thanks for the first post! I am a nerd/geek except I don't fit the stereotype, I aspire to join the clique - alias, my resume prevents me... I was the president of a very social fraternity, and that got me excommunicated. I can though answer a myriad of questions upon numerous topics pertaining to horticulture (and science in general). If you can provide a direction, I can expound on the pathway.

Thanks again,

= ZXC
 
heckler73

heckler73

Well-Known Member
ZxcStaz said:
Hey BUDS,

Thanks for the first post! I am a nerd/geek except I don't fit the stereotype, I aspire to join the clique - alias, my resume prevents me... I was the president of a very social fraternity, and that got me excommunicated. I can though answer a myriad of questions upon numerous topics pertaining to horticulture (and science in general). If you can provide a direction, I can expound on the pathway.

Thanks again,

= ZXC
Click to expand...
Well, the LED section is one place where you might find some outlets for beneficial application of your knowledge and wisdom.
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
heckler73 said:
Well, the LED section is one place where you might find some outlets for beneficial application of your knowledge and wisdom.
Click to expand...
Hi heckler73,

Thank you, sounds good. I have incorporated LED's into my spectral output in addition to the HID's (HPS and HgMH). They are energy hogs, but really nail the penetration. Maybe my experiences will be beneficial in that forum, especially when it comes to the energy spike as they power up ( HID's that is), and the timer control of the HID's without burning out the timers ( and possible fire hazards).

Thanks for the input,

- ZXC
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Hi Dr Magill and Wilderb,

I just got done doing a little happy dance; my first time using the aerocloner that I made has worked. A few of my cuttings are rooting. I took them three weeks into bloom, and it is one week later. One experimental cutting was air layered, and the roots are dense. I just have to see the monster cropping in action. I mixed up a 1:2:1:0.9:0.5 (NPKCaMg) 100ppm solution with micros, willow cuttings and Clonex dip. Res filled with bennies and some extra mycos, I took the path of real dirty, Psyched that it worked so well.

Dr Magill my background is laden with science. My first job was in a microbiology lab where I ran standard microbiological assays, wet chemistry and physical testing. I then took a job in a rad lab where I got to play with radio-immuno assays, viruses, and a myriad of computer and robot programming. Now I play in the lab and instruct others, so much fun and not enough time. I like enough to bring it home.

So, I built a lab in the cellar and have a sweet set up. Flower and veg tents, incubators, pH controllers, etc. All of my skills came into play to bring this together. I love it, and it's only been a few months. I figured that I would offer some of my insights if anyone needs them, just to sort of pay back all of the great information I have found on this site.

Cheers and thanks for asking!

-ZXC
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Thanks! Will do. Hey anyone ever used coronal discharge ozone generators? I just picked one up and had a few thoughts. I'm going to put in on a cycle timer 1 minute on, 2 off. The exhaust air, which I'm going to pipe into an 18 gal. Rubbermaid where the ozone generator will be housed, will pass though the O3 and then flow outdoors. This accumulation tank should store excess ozone and oxidize the additional terpenes from the two minute off cycle. Theoretically this will reduce excess radical oxygen, while cooling the generation unit, and circumvent oxidation of the venting pipes. The generator is listed to produce 10g/hr, so I calculate 3.33g/hr ( approx. 0.07 mol O3 ) with the cycle in place. I am attempting this to reduce the odor output and the load on my carbon absorption device. Any thoughts?
 
Dr Magill

Dr Magill

Well-Known Member
ZxcStaz said:
Thanks! Will do. Hey anyone ever used coronal discharge ozone generators? I just picked one up and had a few thoughts. I'm going to put in on a cycle timer 1 minute on, 2 off. The exhaust air, which I'm going to pipe into an 18 gal. Rubbermaid where the ozone generator will be housed, will pass though the O3 and then flow outdoors. This accumulation tank should store excess ozone and oxidize the additional terpenes from the two minute off cycle. Theoretically this will reduce excess radical oxygen, while cooling the generation unit, and circumvent oxidation of the venting pipes. The generator is listed to produce 10g/hr, so I calculate 3.33g/hr ( approx. 0.07 mol O3 ) with the cycle in place. I am attempting this to reduce the odor output and the load on my carbon absorption device. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...
That's what I would do
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Well, the unit took some finagling, but it is now operational. In fact, it is working well. I found that the positive air pressure caused some leakage in the reaction vessel, so I had to hermetically seal the seams. I incorporated the cycle timer and adjusted it to 3 sec on and 8 sec off. The odor of ozone is minimal, and it seems that there is only a faint whiff of the terpenes when the outside air shifts, i.e., there is almost no odor. The generator temperature is minimal and it looks like the electrical resistance is well within parameters. I installed a sight glass to monitor the device, and I'm pretty sure that the unit is not being stressed, so it should be operational for an extended time. My neighbors should be pleased..., and I am.
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
I have tried to keep the Daily light interval at roughly 45 photon moles/day, but with the increased temperature as of late (70 degrees Fahrenheit), I've had to reduce it. This is due to cooling issues and increased transpiration. The water consumption is roughly 6 US gallons/day, and I strive to keep the e.c. at 1.1 (700-800 ppm as calculated by the Blue Labs monitor .7X setting for ppm). pH fluctuations manifested early in the nutrient change primarily due to my incorporation of ammonia based nitrogen ( 8% of N total), once the initial NH4 nitrogen was absorbed, and KOH added, the pH stabilized at 5.9 - my target goal. I'm running a hybrid RDWC (recirculating deep water culture) with an aeroponic mister in a 9' x 5' Gorilla tent. There are 11 ladies residing. So far there have been no major complications, just minor adjustments - and the outlook is promising. I am surprised that the Heisenberg tea has worked so well; displaced pythium and harbored mycorrhizae: I have witnessed accelerated growth and nutrient absorption. The only detriment to my existing system is that it is not conducive to increased CO2; there is too much airflow. Bereft of artificial cooling systems, the CCM (cubic feet/minute) air turnover translates to exorbitant CO2 addition costs. I have pondered ways to increase this systems efficiency and will continue to modify it, but any additional suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Grow on,

ZXC
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Wow, what a ton of work. Just harvested recently. Good first hydro grow. Still cleaning the room. Four pounds, 11 plants, no issues except for the learning curve mistakes. Initial investment more than balanced. I used a 30% THC, OG Kush blended strain from England; 75/25 Indica/Sativa. Seems like a winner, now just waiting on the cure. Clone girls already to go. I figure two weeks in veg., then time for the stretch. No rush this time. It's amazing. I feel like there are tomes of information to digest, yet I have assimilated a gluttony. A few modifications and some adaptations for the season, I foresee 25% increase, minimally. I'm going to utilize two tents; more space, and automate pH adjustments. I have acquired some PGR's, and combined with the monster cropped clones, I think an attempt at a SCROG will yield some nice colas. I sure would like some thoughts on nutrient optimization, but I have only found the older threads. If there are any giants still out there with knowledge of raw salt nutrient mixing, or anyone who knows of a good thread, I'd sure be pleased to hear from you.
 
nfhiggs

nfhiggs

Well-Known Member
ZxcStaz said:
Wow, what a ton of work. Just harvested recently. Good first hydro grow. Still cleaning the room. Four pounds, 11 plants, no issues except for the learning curve mistakes. Initial investment more than balanced. I used a 30% THC, OG Kush blended strain from England; 75/25 Indica/Sativa. Seems like a winner, now just waiting on the cure. Clone girls already to go. I figure two weeks in veg., then time for the stretch. No rush this time. It's amazing. I feel like there are tomes of information to digest, yet I have assimilated a gluttony. A few modifications and some adaptations for the season, I foresee 25% increase, minimally. I'm going to utilize two tents; more space, and automate pH adjustments. I have acquired some PGR's, and combined with the monster cropped clones, I think an attempt at a SCROG will yield some nice colas. I sure would like some thoughts on nutrient optimization, but I have only found the older threads. If there are any giants still out there with knowledge of raw salt nutrient mixing, or anyone who knows of a good thread, I'd sure be pleased to hear from you.
Click to expand...
I suggest avoiding PGR's. They are not good, IMHO:
http://hightimes.com/grow/what-are-pgrs-and-why-are-they-in-my-weed/

If you want to keep them short, give them 5500K and 6500K light.
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
I should have been more specific when I said PGR's. I need a bit of stretch, so I was going to use Ga3 and 2700K light (as high as my ceiling will allow) to make more room for light penetration. I figure that the combination of auxin augmentation and red wavelengths will stretch them out in a week or two. The concentration of hormone is so minuscule that it shouldn't effect anything, and it's supplementing the levels not introducing anything artificial.
 
Yodaweed

Yodaweed

Well-Known Member
ZxcStaz said:
Wow, what a ton of work. Just harvested recently. Good first hydro grow. Still cleaning the room. Four pounds, 11 plants, no issues except for the learning curve mistakes. Initial investment more than balanced. I used a 30% THC, OG Kush blended strain from England; 75/25 Indica/Sativa. Seems like a winner, now just waiting on the cure. Clone girls already to go. I figure two weeks in veg., then time for the stretch. No rush this time. It's amazing. I feel like there are tomes of information to digest, yet I have assimilated a gluttony. A few modifications and some adaptations for the season, I foresee 25% increase, minimally. I'm going to utilize two tents; more space, and automate pH adjustments. I have acquired some PGR's, and combined with the monster cropped clones, I think an attempt at a SCROG will yield some nice colas. I sure would like some thoughts on nutrient optimization, but I have only found the older threads. If there are any giants still out there with knowledge of raw salt nutrient mixing, or anyone who knows of a good thread, I'd sure be pleased to hear from you.
Click to expand...
You are a microbiologist but grow with salts in hydro? Kinda an oxymoron no?
 
ZxcStaz

ZxcStaz

Active Member
Hey, sorry about the reprieve. I do not see the juxtaposition here. I do mix nutes from raw salts and and other ions, but also incorporate flora to balance the bioburden. I have found that increased absorption of required nutrients is optimal with a hydro/aeroponic system, but it needs to be fortified with a balanced microbial flora to deter the pathogenic organisms. Maintaining sterility is a fallacy; a western medicine myth. Ergo, I utilize hybridized methods. If, on the other hand, you are referring to the usage of organic nutrients, e.g., urea, I only foliar those in conjunction with hard to move, or deficient elements- with or without the addition of surfactants or hydroscopics. Therefor those carbon based "organic" nutrients never enter the reservoir, and do not influence the microbial ecosystem. I hope this answers your query, but if not elaborate further so that I might explain my reasoning.
 
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