newb medium help

[SmokeNmirrorS]

Just before i begin let me assure you, I know this is one of the most opinionated and debated questions when it comes to growing.

 

Ok...so im currently planning my first grow and trust me, ive done my homework. But I think ive done too much homework because Im so confused what medium to use.

Now I'm not asking which is the best one blah blah...I just have need a few things put in perspective.

 

(im planning an indoor grow, hand watered w/ added neuts.)

 

Now my first medium idea was 75% perlite - 25% vermiculite but I read somewhere else that general purpose sand needed to be added to anchor the plant door. Is that true or is 75%P-25%P a good mix as is?

 

I was also considering using Coco Canna on its own but heard else where it doesnt hold water and is very acidic. True or false?

 

Maybe a mix of canna, perlite and vermiculite might work....

 

I look forward hopefully putting some theories to rest...

 

Until then its back to the drawing board

 

Peace

[Frank Reynolds]

I would reccommend a mix of 70% Premium hydroponic coco coir/ 30% coarse perlite.

 

With this mix you will need coco specific nutrients, i personally use canna brand and the work perfectly. Pk 13/14 doesn't hurt as well.

 

You will not need vermiculite at all mate don't worry about it.

[SmokeNmirrorS]

Thanks for the quick reply Frank. You also answered the other thing i was wondering Whats the difference between Neuts and Canna neuts

 

Ive already sourced a 50lt bag of premium Coco but does it need to be washed before use to rid it of acidic PH or shouldnt that be a problem?

[Ozzy420]

All i use is 100% perlite with a+b nutes with a bit of pk at rite time.

 

IMO the easyest way to start off keep it simple that way if things go wrong easy to fix in 100% perlite.

 

Coco can be a lil touchy for a newbie but id a good medium mix like frank said...

[SmokeNmirrorS]

Ozzy, how often do you have to water using 100% perlite? Watering isnt a problem for me, i just want to be prepared. Obviously if you only use perlite, anchorage isnt a problem?

 

 

 

Ive heard people say they definately recommend first timers should using coco but then ive also heard the same thing you said. It can be very unforgiving, very quickly.

[Ozzy420]

No i have never had a prob with plant stayin put in its pot, bud falling over because to much weight in em but never come out from the pot.

 

Can depend on how big of a pot and how big the plants are and there up take.

 

as a rule of thum for me i water till i get some run off most of the time that can be enough till next lights on so once a day, the plants will tell you if they need more or have to much watch what they are doing and u will pick up on what they are telling you in no time...

[Frank Reynolds]

Ozzy, how often do you have to water using 100% perlite? Watering isnt a problem for me, i just want to be prepared. Obviously if you only use perlite, anchorage isnt a problem?

 

 

 

Ive heard people say they definately recommend first timers should using coco but then ive also heard the same thing you said. It can be very unforgiving, very quickly.

 

 

If you do plan to go down coco road, the place where people go so wrong is overwatering, it is integral that the medium be left to dry out before next watering, or else your lining yourself up for either fungas gnats, root rot or both!!!

Edited May 24, 2013 by Frank Reynolds

[shroomyshroom]

I have always grown in straight %100 coco that has been flushed with very hot water a few times to strip and salts and sand that may be in it. its all up to you and what you can afford at the time...

 

i dont really buy into the whole you HAVE to use coco specif nutes thing at all... I have done side by side tests and results were basically the same.