Grump's Kitchen Sink Grow 🌱

[Observer]

Some sloppy toppy then bend her over*






Lookin great

 

[Stoneyluv]

Some sloppy toppy

thats like street slang for a FIM!!! hahaha

 

[GrumpAzz]

Those back 2 are fuckin' thriving.
Front 2 are falling in line.
View attachment 20250904_063559.mp4
Now that the growth on the front 2 is taking off, I'll likely be doing a res change tomorrow to up the ppms.

Depending on time, I may just mix the top-off hot so that it slowly raises the ppm for the plants. Time permitting, I'll do a full res change just for peace of mind as far as resetting the ratios if anything's gotten out of wack.

 

[doublej]

Those back 2 are fuckin' thriving.
Front 2 are falling in line.
View attachment 112833
Now that the growth on the front 2 is taking off, I'll likely be doing a res change tomorrow to up the ppms.

Depending on time, I may just mix the top-off hot so that it slowly raises the ppm for the plants. Time permitting, I'll do a full res change just for peace of mind as far as resetting the ratios if anything's gotten out of wack.

Nice...nice... So that guardian, is that all that it dose, monitor your res? Is it worth the price? One more if I may, would you buy it again?

 

[GrumpAzz]

Nice...nice... So that guardian, is that all that it dose, monitor your res? Is it worth the price? On more if I may, would you buy it again?

Yeah it's just a pH/ppm/temp sensor. I love it, but it's all I've ever used so I can't compare it to anything else.

I liked it enough that I bought a second one to monitor my top-off resevoir as well. Might be a little overkill but I like to use this chart...

...and, from my understanding, this chart only really works if the top-off is the same as the lower resevoirs.

I'm sure it's not totally necessary, but bluelabs are top tier.

One of the two has wifi capabilities, but I've never used that feature. I only bought the wifi one because I found it on sale cheaper than the standard version.

So far, I've replaced one probe because it seemed to be "growing" some shit on it. Bought the new probe when I bought the second monitor. The other probes have since accumulated the same gunk, but they calibrate fine and continue to read accurately. The extra probe was likely unnecessary.

Hope that helps. If you're diligent, you could get by using their pens for quite a bit cheaper. I just like to look in my room and see where the water sits. I try to avoid as much work as possible.

Edit: I looked them up... I don't remember spending that much. They maybe have gone up significantly. The probe I remember spending $69 on is now $82 on my "buy it again" page on Amazon.

I would would check reviews. Google some other brands and at the end add the word reddit. Like "bluelab gaurdian reddit". You'll find some decent reviews with tons of feedback and discussions. Side note: that works for everything. Reddit is the shit for customer reviews.

They're sweet... but I don't know if they're $340 sweet. That's the 3rd gen, though. I'm pretty sure mine are 2nd gen.

 

[Stoneyluv]

Nice...nice... So that guardian, is that all that it dose, monitor your res? Is it worth the price? On more if I may, would you buy it again?

keep your eye on ebay man... just this morning i scored a bluelabs ph doser new in open box for hundred dollars!!!!! it's like 350-400 new.. it's not the newest wifi model.

 

[doublej]

Yeah it's just a pH/ppm/temp sensor. I love it, but it's all I've ever used so I can't compare it to anything else.

I liked it enough that I bought a second one to monitor my top-off resevoir as well. Might be a little overkill but I like to use this chart...
View attachment 112868
...and, from my understanding, this chart only really works if the top-off is the same as the lower resevoirs.

I'm sure it's not totally necessary, but bluelabs are top tier.

One of the two has wifi capabilities, but I've never used that feature. I only bought the wifi one because I found it on sale cheaper than the standard version.

So far, I've replaced one probe because it seemed to be "growing" some shit on it. Bought the new probe when I bought the second monitor. The other probes have since accumulated the same gunk, but they calibrate fine and continue to read accurately. The extra probe was likely unnecessary.

Hope that helps. If you're diligent, you could get by using their pens for quite a bit cheaper. I just like to look in my room and see where the water sits. I try to avoid as much work as possible.

Edit: I looked them up... I don't remember spending that much. They maybe have gone up significantly. The probe I remember spending $69 on is now $82 on my "buy it again" page on Amazon.
what
I would would check reviews. Google some other brands and at the end add the word reddit. Like "bluelab gaurdian reddit". You'll find some decent reviews with tons of feedback and discussions. Side note: that works for everything. Reddit is the shit for customer reviews.

They're sweet... but I don't know if they're $340 sweet. That's the 3rd gen, though. I'm pretty sure mine are 2nd gen.

Yeah that's the price I saw looking around...

Don't remember if .Ink bird makes one or not?..

What do them other res guys use?

Oh I'll look around. I'm not sure what I want, I suppose a pen would work well enough, I have no Wi-Fi and my grow is in the shop I'd have to walk out there and look anyway....Sooo fuck Idk...

 

[GrumpAzz]

What do them other res guys use?

@ninjadip @SweetLeafGrow @moe.red
I know @smoke has bluelabs. I'm sure there's some people I'm missing but these are the guys I can think of off the top of my head. @Stoneyluv just ordered a bluelab. @Buzzking, you're doing rdwc right?

 

[doublej]

@ninjadip @SweetLeafGrow @moe.red
I know @smoke has bluelabs. I'm sure there's some people I'm missing but these are the guys I can think of off the top of my head. @Stoneyluv just ordered a bluelab. @Buzzking, you're doing rdwc right?

Thanks man

 

[Stoneyluv]

@ninjadip @SweetLeafGrow @moe.red
I know @smoke has bluelabs. I'm sure there's some people I'm missing but these are the guys I can think of off the top of my head. @Stoneyluv just ordered a bluelab. @Buzzking, you're doing rdwc right?

Thanks man

i think Ninja has a generic thats been working great... Bandit has an autopilot doser. have a DIY that has been working great but just a monitor not a doser.

 

[ninjadip]

@ninjadip @SweetLeafGrow @moe.red
I know @smoke has bluelabs. I'm sure there's some people I'm missing but these are the guys I can think of off the top of my head. @Stoneyluv just ordered a bluelab. @Buzzking, you're doing rdwc right?

My experience has led me to this brand, apera.

I love the apera double junction probe, make sure any probe you get is a double junction or it won't last long in a nutrient rich solution.

I have bought these more than once as you can see, they come lab tested within strict limit allowances. They don't last forever, I've found about 1-2 years, the mfg says to replace at 2 years and that is right when they fail if you take care of them to the letter, by not storing in 0 ppm solution, not letting the bulb dry out, etc..

I love them, and have no reason to try another brand, they are so reliable.

 

[ninjadip]

I think i gave information no one asked for lol

Is it dosers we are discussing??

I have a generic one, they are all the same. I use a diluted Ph down i make from phosphoric acid during grow and sulfuric acid during bloom as these are both nutrients that benefit the plant during those times.

The big game changer for the doser is adding a digital timer between the pH controller and doser that prevents the doser from running continuously until the ph meets the set point on the controller. I have it on a 1 second on and 15 minutes off, this is cause i have a small system, but the point is to allow time for the ph down to mix and retest instead of dumping down continuously which often leads in over correction

 

[ninjadip]

I think I just got lucky but I've been using this cheap controller for years with zero issues, i just threw away the probe it came with and instantly used an apera.

The thinking that the most important part to the equation is what probe you are using, not the box that turns that into a reading, as that is very simple to do. They don't make this one anymore that i see.

I'm very tight with money, if something cheaper does the same job I'm all for it.

 

[Stoneyluv]

I think I just got lucky but I've been using this cheap controller for years with zero issues, i just threw away the probe it came with and instantly used an apera.

The thinking that the most important part to the equation is what probe you are using, not the box that turns that into a reading, as that is very simple to do. They don't make this one anymore that i see.

I'm very tight with money, if something cheaper does the same job I'm all for it.

thats great info man, i had no idea those units could use a good brand probe. i agree, all the reliability is in the probe itself. i've seen those units on aliexpress now that they send me every grow item there is in an advertisement.. haha

you can get some for like $60 with bells n whistles..

 

[doublej]

I think I just got lucky but I've been using this cheap controller for years with zero issues, i just threw away the probe it came with and instantly used an apera.

The thinking that the most important part to the equation is what probe you are using, not the box that turns that into a reading, as that is very simple to do. They don't make this one anymore that i see.

I'm very tight with money, if something cheaper does the same job I'm all for it.

Yep, that was very important information . I'm not the one to spend extra, for boxes......

That that probe information was just what I needed and didn't even know it.....

Thanks man...

 

[ninjadip]

Yep, that was very important information . I'm not the one to spend extra, for boxes......

That that probe information was just what I needed and didn't even know it.....

Thanks man...

I'm sure there will be some who disagree with my statement, but it works for me so i thought I'd share

 

[steamroller]

HM hydromaster500 is another option in the same price range[ $300].
Pretty sure that is what Sweetleaf usues.
I got one back in 23 when I was prepping for water.

 

[Bandit420]

Doser talk?
I'm in!!!
Figured I'd drop it here even though you asked in my journal, consolidation might be best....
Stoney nailed it. I'm using Autopilot/Hydrofarm new old stock bought off ebay and there's only 4 left. Warranties are voided since this is NOS however, other than the probe, the thing is built tough. I have a few other Autopilot pieces and they're all solidly built, reliable, and dead on accurate..

Autopilot - Digital PH Controller 5.0-8.0 | eBay

The Autopilot Digital PH Controller is an advanced device designed to regulate and maintain optimal pH levels in your hydroponic or gardening systems. This sleek and user-friendly instrument offers precision and convenience, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustments to ensure the ideal...

www.ebay.com

Here's the replacement probe but as long as the cords connect I think almost any probe can work

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KG2PQMN?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

I echo everything Ninja posted about his. The probes are the weakest link and you find out fast why most probe warranties are only 6 months.
They're fragile and must be treated with great care. Regular cleaning and calibration is required of mine.
It is really freaking cool though.
Up or down but not both
It can dose a little or a lot and have frequent or infrequent intervals between mixing and dosing.
Like Ninja I dilute my down and do something similar but not with a timer....I let mine operate for three days to set my barrel then unplug, pull the probe, and stow the probe in storage solution until the next time. And when the next time comes I calibrate all over again.
I'd say by far it's the most delicate and fragile piece of grow equipment I own due to the probe but as long as it's well cared for and never dries out or gets crusted over in gunk it will do great.
Mine requires a mixing pump and that's on a separate timer or runs 24/7 but mine works by dosing for like 2 seconds, mixes for 2500 seconds, measures, dose. If the reading is in range of where I set it will not dose the tank. All of that timing can be adjusted.
There's also set limits, alerts, autoshutdown features, and maybe a few more features but yeah it pretty much does what you would think it does but what they don't tell you is that it's best to dilute your adjuster and how fragile that probe really can be because you can't just drop the probe in, forget about it, and think it will hold it's accuracy for a long time. At least not that particular probe.

I also use a portable probe...The one from AC Infinity but not the expensive one. I think there's two and mine was the lower priced version. It's pretty baddass too and I like that it smiles when the pH is set

 

[doublej]

Alright Guys thanks alot!!!! Great information!!!!

So in situation ebb and flow 25 gallon reservoir....my start plan... I figured constant aeration? Is that over over kill?
Or is that a deal by deal basis?? I know I need a monitor or what and monitor system. Unsure on if I need a doser?

I'm thinking with a constant aeration I would probably need a doser? Or at least be prepared to get one?....

Probes..... I get the point!! Hahaha... Probes will be the number one consideration...

 

[Bandit420]

Alright Guys thanks alot!!!! Great information!!!!

So in situation ebb and flow 25 gallon reservoir....my start plan... I figured constant aeration? Is that over over kill?
Or is that a deal by deal basis?? I know I need a monitor or what and monitor system. Unsure on if I need a doser?

I'm thinking with a constant aeration I would probably need a doser? Or at least be prepared to get one?....

Probes..... I get the point!! Hahaha... Probes will be the number one consideration...

Constant aeration. You can never deliver too much air to your roots and it will keep the tank stirred. If the water settles then so do the salts in the bottom then when the pump turns on, hit's your plants with a strong dose of nutes.

A good pH pen or the constant monitor or doser. You don't need all three but you need at least one

 

[doublej]

Constant aeration. You can never deliver too much air to your roots and it will keep the tank stirred. If the water settles then so do the salts in the bottom then when the pump turns on, hit's your plants with a strong dose of nutes.

A good pH pen or the constant monitor or doser.



You don't need all three but you need at least one .... I believe I said this at the fishing store couple days ago

 

[Stoneyluv]

Constant aeration. You can never deliver too much air to your roots and it will keep the tank stirred. If the water settles then so do the salts in the bottom then when the pump turns on, hit's your plants with a strong dose of nutes.

A good pH pen or the constant monitor or doser.



You don't need all three but you need at least one .... I believe I said this at the fishing store couple days ago

how many gallons of solution will be in the rez before a flood?

 

[doublej]

how many gallons of solution will be in the rez before a flood?

Good question man.... I only plan on starting with four... And I haven't even opened the boxes yet. I should probably do that

IDK... I'm going to guess maybe 6 gallons.....not sure what the system wants for that?

 

[SweetLeafGrow]

HM hydromaster500 is another option in the same price range[ $300].
Pretty sure that is what Sweetleaf usues.

 

[GrumpAzz]

Everything's going great. Awesome growth on the back 2 and the front 2 are joining in the race. Excellent leaf color letting me know that they're happy and healthy... so I hit 'em with some more light and a res change, upping the ppm.



Tent: 77-79F / 59-62% / .98-1.24 VPD
Water: 500ppm / 5.8ph / 72F
Light: 49r:99w:99b / ~30 DLI / ~450ppfd

This is awesome. I contemplated topping the back 2 while letting the front 2 catch up, but I think I'll wait a few days and top them all. We'll watch how they react to the bump in ppfd and ppm.

Stay Tuned

 

[BlueCollarBob]

Everything's going great. Awesome growth on the back 2 and the front 2 are joining in the race. Excellent leaf color letting me know that they're happy and healthy... so I hit 'em with some more light and a res change, upping the ppm.
View attachment 113125
View attachment 113126

Tent: 77-79F / 59-62% / .98-1.24 VPD
Water: 500ppm / 5.8ph / 72F
Light: 39r:99w:99b / ~30 DLI / ~450ppfd

This is awesome. I contemplated topping the back 2 while letting the front 2 catch up, but I think I'll wait a few days and top them all. We'll watch how they react to the bump in ppfd and ppm.

Stay Tuned

Damn, dude! You must be really getting things dialed in. It all looks so healthy. Downright lush.

 

[GrumpAzz]

Damn, dude! You must be really getting things dialed in. It all looks so healthy. Downright lush.

Things are really movin' and groovin'.

I'm really happy with how it's all turned out so far. Never cloned before so that was a big step, and now I'm really seeing that clone vigor. They've really exploded. Hydro will get you there with seeds, but that first couple weeks seems to drag on. The progress they've made in the last 3 weeks has been really fun to watch. I'll be flipping to flower before I know it

 

[Zen_seeker]

Things are really movin' and groovin'.

I'm really happy with how it's all turned out so far. Never cloned before so that was a big step, and now I'm really seeing that clone vigor. They've really exploded. Hydro will get you there with seeds, but that first couple weeks seems to drag on. The progress they've made in the last 3 weeks has been really fun to watch. I'll be flipping to flower before I know it

Sounds like you’ve got the clone bug. Sooo easy isn’t it? When I get extras I give them away to friends or acquaintances.

 

[doublej]

Constant aeration. You can never deliver too much air to your roots and it will keep the tank stirred. If the water settles then so do the salts in the bottom then when the pump turns on, hit's your plants with a strong dose of nutes.

A good pH pen or the constant monitor or doser.



You don't need all three but you need at least one .... I believe I said this at the fishing store couple days ago

So am I going to need a doser or is it a wait to see?

 

[ninjadip]

Sounds like you’ve got the clone bug. Sooo easy isn’t it? When I get extras I give them away to friends or acquaintances.

Used to have the bug too lol

Then started making too many, or i didn't have enough growing friends to give them to lol

Sigh,i miss it for sure

 

[GrumpAzz]

So am I going to need a doser or is it a wait to see?

I've gotten by without a doser for a couple years now by just checking in twice a day.

Since I started using Athena's Blended line, I rarely adjust pH after the initial mix. It usually trends up for me during that first day, i'll dose it down a bit, then it holds pretty steady until the next res change.

I'm not saying don't buy one, just that I haven't needed one. I could see it being really handy if you had the extra spendolies.

 

[doublej]

I've gotten by without a doser for a couple years now by just checking in twice a day.

Since I started using Athena's Blended line, I rarely adjust pH after the initial mix. It usually trends up for me during that first day, i'll dose it down a bit, then it holds pretty steady until the next res change.

I'm not saying don't buy one, just that I haven't needed one. I could see it being really handy if you had the extra spendolies.

I'm not worried about the cost, just want to make sure I have everything that I need and not I don't need. I'd like to just keep it to basic . To me it makes sense to find out if I need it first.
Thanks

 

[Stoneyluv]

So am I going to need a doser or is it a wait to see?

with your setup being a flood n drain the plants don't sit in the solution for long so the chemistry may not change as much. if you take a nutrient solution and put it in a bucket and let it sit for a few days the ph stays the same. introduce that same solution to plants and it changes. so this tells me that the plants cause the ph fluctuation and not the solution. yours may only need adjustments in the beginning.

dosers can also be used as monitors so if the price is close than i'd shoot for the doser just to have the extra function. but if the monitor is only half price of the doser then i'd have to think about it...

like Grump said most of us have done without one this far so it's not really needed, but a nice toy to have.

 

[doublej]

with your setup being a flood n drain the plants don't sit in the solution for long so the chemistry may not change as much. if you take a nutrient solution and put it in a bucket and let it sit for a few days the ph stays the same. introduce that same solution to plants and it changes. so this tells me that the plants cause the ph fluctuation and not the solution. yours may only need adjustments in the beginning.

dosers can also be used as monitors so if the price is close than i'd shoot for the doser just to have the extra function. but if the monitor is only half price of the doser then i'd have to think about it...

like Grump said most of us have done without one this far so it's not really needed, but a nice toy to have.

 

[doublej]

I can always add it later if I want... Hopefully after I get done playing with it, I hope to just run water and media in a perfect world

 

[ninjadip]

I can always add it later if I want... Hopefully after I get done playing with it, I hope you just run water and media in a perfect world

That makes sense that the ph probably won't change much given the different system. I got a doser for around $20 for peace of mind, i can leave for around 2 weeks without worry or concern about checking anything, zero concern.

If you have a ph controller why not use that doser outlet i say, but that's just me. Mine barely comes on, but it gives me great peace of mind on trips longer than 3 days

 

[doublej]

That makes sense that the ph probably won't change much given the different system. I got a doser for around $20 for peace of mind, i can leave for around 2 weeks without worry or concern about checking anything, zero concern.

If you have a ph controller why not use that doser outlet i say, but that's just me. Mine barely comes on, but it gives me great peace of mind on trips longer than 3 days

It's me thinking that it's more for checking/monitoring than dosing. I'll be here being the doser when/if needed.

Now...if im off on something...I need to know!
So don't be shy, can't really afford a fuck up?

And WTF...is EC measured for? Why do I need to know how much electricity my water is...hum?

I was gonna watch the PH,PPM,TEMP...
Do I need EC for EBB and GROW ?

Reminds me in still need a heater

 

[Stoneyluv]

And WTF...is EC measured for? Why do I need to know how much electricity my water is...hum?

I was gonna watch the PH,PPM,TEMP...
Do I need for for EBB and GROW ?

EC and PPM are the same... you'll be good!!!

edit, not the same numbers but both measured with the same tool.. don't quote me but i think 500ppm = 1EC maybe 450.. don't remember. your monitor shows whatever you set it to i believe. and both in 500 and 700 scale... i don't know why they gotta make it so freakin difficult, it's measuring water wtf??!?

 

[ninjadip]

EC and PPM are the same... you'll be good!!!

edit, not the same numbers but both measured with the same tool.. don't quote me but i think 500ppm = 1EC maybe 450.. don't remember. your monitor shows whatever you set it to i believe. and both in 500 and 700 scale... i don't know why they gotta make it so freakin difficult, it's measuring water wtf??!?

Yeah I'm not sure why ppm is more popular given it is calculated from EC with varying scales. Maybe that's a good Google question for me later. Lol

There is the standard 500 pom scale but i think there is also a 700 scale or something, while EC is the master number they all come from.

I'm not sure why we don't all go by EC as there isn't any confusion to what scale someone is using, it's weird for sure

Edit, you need temp on the ppm/EC monitor because it
affects how it's calculated.

 

[GrumpAzz]

1 EC is 500 TDS (total dissolved solids) or 700 ppm. The 700 scale is a little more precise than the 500 and both are more precise EC. 1.1 EC would be 550TDS or 770ppm. So one tenth of a bump in EC skips right over everything in between. Most people use TDS but we say PPM for some reason... @smoke runs the 700 scale.

@moe.red, correct me if I'm wrong.

Now here's a funky one.. we measure EC at work in ųMho... micro whatnow??