Hydroponics Questions

[rovelive]

Hey hows it going.

Hope you can help me with this as this is going to help me out alot thanks.

Just wondering what is an autopot ?
Just someone said that they are good i just need to know are they good and what they do.

What are the different types of hydroponic systems EBB n Flow, Drip, NFT and any others.
If someone can say the difference and also others i will be very thankfull.

What area of space do you have in mind ?
Well i am hoping something about 1 1/2 Metres High.

What are its dimensions (Width And Height).
1 1/2 Metres Height - 1 Metre Wide.

What is your budget ?
About 500 Aud dollars.


A HID Light kit (Metal Halide MH or High Pressure Sodium HPS).
What do you suggest for a grow room that size growing say 4 plants max ?

Fans.
Do i need a fan in the bottom to let the air in and one at top letting air out is that right or .. ?

Pots Or Buckets system or Top and Bottom system.
What do you think is best Top n Bottom system looks neater and easier, but buckets i have got told are better what do you think ?

Some Seeds.
Well i will get them when i get my setup going good, money has to go towards the system first.

Your Medium.
Most likely i will use rockwool if i am using a top n bottom system or if i am using buckets i would use those pebbles - Canna Coco etc ?

Guages
What guages do i need eg - PH and TDS.

Pump.
What is the best pumps to use and what wattage etc ?

Heater.
What is the best heater to use and what heat etc ?

Reflective Material.
What is the best reflective material to use ?

Carbon Filter
Should i make my own or buy one for around $400 to purify the air ?

How much wattage do i need per square foot ?
As i need to know.

Thankyou, If i get a few replies this is really going to help me out and hopefully many others on getting a setup.
Thankyou Bye.

[Joint Effort]

Hi rovelive, welcome to GK. I believe that the autopot might be a EZ hydrobucket which is a drip emitter type hydro system. They are generally good for one plant at a time and are effective systems, however you need one for each plant. I use an ebb and flow (flood and drain) which is the classic system, most primative but very effective.
A $500 budget should set you right. I really can't provide much info on NFT, I'm just not familiar with them. Your grow space is approx. 12 sq ft and you should every effort to get 50Watts/sq ft. This is about ideal. If you are only able to buy one HID light I would suggest an HPS. It does ok for veg but is virtually required for flowering bud (some dispute this, but its my stance). A 600Watt HPS would be ideal for your garden; there are conversion systems the use the HPS or the MH but they are a little more pricey (still cheaper than buying two different systems).

A pH meter is required, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I have'nt used a TDS meter and seem to be doing fine without it, although it would be nice to have one.

Mylar is the best reflective material second to flat white paint. Your medium will be fine, you might use the pebbles in conjunction with the rockwool to help support your plants, I do. Plants don't fall over as much anymore (except for when the cats get in there to lounge).

Carbon filter, they work but you can buy an ozone generator for less than $200 and dont have to change anything periodically like charcoal. Hope this all help you out. JE

[mistical]

nice post joint, do you use an ozone generator? if so how good are they compared to a carbon, i use a carbon and replace the charcoal ellement yearly, do you have to change anything in the ozone ? or just plug in and thats it ? safe MISTY..........

[Joint Effort]

Mist, just plug it in. I have mine on a timercomes on every 90 minutes for 3 minutes. I use the same one as CG, air tiger.

[Growannabe]

Only problem with ozone generators is the ozone they emmit...:blah:


u gotta watch that u don't get all rad-poisoned out boys!!!!!1

[gkpro420]

As long as u have good ventilation u should be fine with the ozone, as long as it goes to somewhere where people wont be in contact with it. Be careful, but have fun. Peace

[Useless]

I have used the Ozone in the past. Works good. Problem is its toxic in high volumes (its O3) and oxidizes any metal it comes in contact with.
Carbon works better IMHO.
Use both for the best result.
Rad poison?http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif HUH?http://www.growkind.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Growannabe]

yeah i'm pretty bakkd.....radiation poisoning...ahhaahhah

same typadeal

[HappyJay]

GDay Grow.
I have found that www.grow.com.au (http://www.grow.com.au) is quite handy, descreet and trustworthy for orders and proce. I found the dutch pots to work rather effieciently with the basic grow rocks and set up provided by grow australia. I aint punting for em or nuthing but they are easy and work, well!!
Ventilation is a must and temp regulation is a top factor unless your in a southern state, however at the moment you could be luky to pull a grow through with bare minimul ventilation as we have just kicked into winter.
They also have like 400Hps systems for the cheapest I found in Aus at around $190 or so, so is all good:ebert:

From there Id say read the many FAQ's the fellow GKinders have provided and you should be on your way!!:wink::bigok:
Peace, HJ