Daily Routine
Each day I check the solution levels in some of my buckets. I use the tap to remove 50 ml to test the pH. The meter I use takes several minutes to give an accurate reading. I fill and label jars from each bucket I am testing first then test each one, letting the meter run several minutes to auto off. I update my daily log sheet if it is outside the range 5.4 to 6.4.
If nothing comes out the tap then I know it is time to add more nutrient solution. When refilling I add solution until it starts coming out the open tap. Then I add another 1/2 gallon to bring the solution level to 1 inch from the bottom of the net pot.
- I check the misters in the clone bucket to make sure they are working properly and not clogged up.
- I check the wires I use to shape the plants to keep the tops at approximately the same height as these sometimes need daily attention, either adjusting or removing the wire. I also use wires to keep all of the stems equidistant from each other.
- I may need to move the lights to keep them the appropriate height for each stage of the plants.
- During the vegetation stage I remove new side shoots, leaving just the tip of the main stems on each plant.
- In both tents I may occasionally need to remove some of the large fan leaves to ensure good circulation around the plant.
- I check to see if clones have set roots or the progress of root growth. Monitor the temperature in the clone section is around 68 to 74 degrees.
- Since there are a lot of moving parts to the system such as pumps, fans and lights I will check to make sure these are all working correctly.
A small vacuum helps keep the area clean.
Weekly Routine
Each week I need to replace the nutrient solution in each bucket. I change 2/3 buckets at a time and use a foaming sanitizer to kill any bacteria that could harm the plants before adding new solution. I mix the nutrient solution in buckets then let it sit for a few hours to let the pH stabilize before filling the buckets.
I will use the foaming sanitizer in the buckets to clean any foam inserts removed from the cloner and other tools such as measuring spoons, buckets that will come in contact with the solution.
Once a week I run the pump over night in a couple of gallons of water and 2-3 Tablespoons of Bleach to remove a brown biofilm that forms inside the hose. This will build up and flake off into the solution.
Each week I spray the bottom and top of the bucket lid and net pot and roots with tap water. It has just enough chlorine to kill most airborne viruses and other pathogens that may collect on these areas.
I have had trouble with something airborne rotting the stems of some clones before they can form roots. I am currently misting the stems and bottom of the bucket lid with tap water daily. I have cut the rotting part of the stem (the bottom tip) from some clones and they have gone on to root. I usually get root nodes around 10 to 12 days but no roots form for about a month or more.
During the year
After I harvest a plant I will take apart the bucket then clean with a product called Phizon-20. This will kill any fungus, algae or bacteria on the buckets.
Growing medical cannabis 