COB LEDs, RDWC... improvements? Let's compare!

Tstat

Well-Known Member
Hey now, so like most of you, I am always looking to improve. My system is as follows:

7x3 Space with screen
800 watts of cob led
DYI RDWC based on Undercurrent 6XL
Fertmax Nutes (flowering) at 600-800 PPM
PH 5.0-5.5
DWC for veg with T5's
DWC Flower "waiting area"
Exhaust fan with carbon filter, recirculating fans- one on each end.
Goji OG, Space Monkey, Sunshine Daydream, Critical Kush


So, I've been at this for a LONG time and have used soil, Flood/Drain, even tried NFT years ago. As I said, I am always looking to improve, so hopefully this thread helps me and others looking to improve. I feel there are so many areas that could be improved- nutes, strains, grow techniques, etc. in anyones setup.

Mine is in the basement, winter temps around 65, summer temps up to about 75 (new cobs helped!) I start in the cloner once I have a cross I like and from there they go into DWC totes under 4 T5 4 foot tubes. Once they get about 1.5-2 feet they go into my "flower waiting area" which is in the flowering room with a single 50 watts cob over them, 8 can fit. It just gives them a jump on flowering time before they go into the main system.

I try to keep each tote in the main system the same strain, and stagger the times they go in. This gives me a perpetual type deal. Each tote holds either 2 or 3 plants. I try to keep them trimmed on the bottom so the plant material is all above the screen. I could do better at this, I believe. I still get stragglers and popcorn.

So, that's about it. I do 12/12 in the flower room, 18/6 in veg. No CO2 or chiller. With Critical Kush I can get anywhere from 1-3 OZs per plant. I call this my control strain- I know it works and if it doesn't, I know there is a problem. If a strain or cross can't give me 1 OZ per plant, it's gone. I go through a lot of test crosses before I find one that can perform. I have a plant count, so I can't mess around much.

There you have it. I am hoping this thread can turn into a tool for me and for others. So, impart your wisdom if you desire to and lets plant more seeds!
 

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
Look s like you have your setup pretty well dialed in. Definitely would love to see some pics of your setup .
 

Tstat

Well-Known Member
OK, yea, I mean I guess things are going well, but I'm thinking even some side lighting or something. I also think I have too many plants crowed in there and might do better with 2 per tote instead of 3...
 

Tstat

Well-Known Member
Yea, I like my temps, esp. in the summer. With the HPS I was always up over 80 all summer, even higher.
 

Tstat

Well-Known Member
Side lighting? I’m thinking of rigging a portable, standing frame with a board like this:

https://growerslights.com/collections/led-grow-lights/products/horticulture-lighting-group-100-watt-quantum-board-led-kit

I’m thinking maybe mounting it to a “stand”, like a music stand:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/musicians-gear-deluxe-conductor-music-stand/

My idea is that I could easily move it and position it where the plants need it most and move it around. What do you think?
 
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