help with tubs

[kat]

just after a little advice...i'm currently using clear plastic tubs in my hydro cupboard, and I was advised that the clear tubs may let the root system be exposed to too much light. I'm using a 400 and perlite with two clear tubs....can anyone offer me any insight as to whether this is going to adversely affect my plants? thanks.

[Wrangler556]

Roots don't like light, hence why most pots are black or solid colors that don't allow light penetration.

 

Your plants will still grow, but the roots wont go anywhere near the edge of the tubs, and the ones that do, will die off.

 

Best cover them with something, or paint them black, perhaps the first option if you've already got plants on the go.

 

Perlite is white and therefore reflects light a little too, so your basically reducing the strength/size of your root system which are needed for healthy plants.

[SukonmiSkunk]

yeah clear tubs allow light to penetrate the root system.. Light+nutrients=algae.. not to mention root rot.. youve never noticed that every pot you see with plants growing in isnt see through.. this is the reasoning for that...

 

you can use duct tape or something light proof to tape around the pots if you like..

 

or just go to a hydro shop and buy 30l black poly pots.. the guy in the shop can and will drill the holes where you want them.. and also have all the fittings that fit them.. i think the last i looked at poly pots they were about 10-15$ each.. so its not at all expensive..

 

if your just using pots to grow in and hand watering.. go look in the garden section at bunnings , they will have "smart" pots.. which are self watering... for just 1 or 2 plants this might be a better option..