NFT & DFT techniques

[jimbojones5678]

If I was to construct a NFT system with round pipe so that in effect I was doing DFT (deep flow technique), I would have to run the nutes at a lower rate than what I am now through the clay balls wouldn't I? what EC - ballpark?

Has anyone tried DFT?

I've read that you should fill the round 6"pipes to around 40% before they hit the drain - does that sound correct? At around 1-2lt/min I think...

And the pots sit lower when the clones are young, higher as they grow longer roots, so should this be timed with the switch of lights?

I know that whatever level the waterline is established at must be consistently maintained to ensure you don't drown the oxygen grabbing roots but can you hurt roots that have been exposed to the water by lowering the water level and exposing them to air? Maybe it's a DWC question?

I am searching for good tutes on DFT but if anyone can throw a useful url at me I'd appreciate it!

 

Jimbo

Edited June 5, 2007 by jimbojones5678

[jimbojones5678]

Come on...are you telling me that no-one here has tried DFT?

 

Jimbo

[SukonmiSkunk]

its not the way i would go about growing pot.. you need to run the water 24 hours a day.. but i have seen some decent results in NFT systems..

 

your EC shouldn't change.. plants will take what they need.. no more no less.. so really just adjust as you see fit.. like you would for any other grow..

 

now the system... 90mm.. or 110mm storm water pipe is fine.. just make sure its UV proof.. cut 40-50mm holes about 150mm apart.. and as many channels as you wish.. just have the channels on a 5degree lean... so it gravity feeds back to the main tank.. you might like to chose some sort of foam or plastic cup for your clones.. so cut the holes to suit the cups you use.. alternatively you can just sit the clone cubes in the channel.. you may risk stem rot tho.. id be using a cup of some sort.. get ya self a good cloning set up...

 

the good thing about NFT systems.. is youre just flowering clones.. so you only grow main crowns.. this will certainly boost yields to maximum levels..