Building a 5×5gal bucket system, one being the reservoir. What are the best (affordable) nutrients to use?
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I use GH. Not the cheapest but very good. Look into Lucas Formula using General Hydroponics nutes. This is a self PHing formula. I hear good things about Jacks 321. Cost per gal. Is very low but more difficult to mix. Advanced Nutrients also offers a self PHing formula but a little more pricey. Thats about all I’ve got on that. Happy Growing 
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Thank you for the info. So this is what you use? General Hydroponics Flora Grow, Bloom, Micro Combo Fertilizer, 1 gallon each, Pack of 3 Amazon.com
If so how often do you think I would need to reup using the system I described? Thanks again… you are appreciated
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So heres what I do…last run I used the Lucas formula, but in the same way, you will mix your nutes and fill your buckets. You will set the ph and ppm where you want them. You will then add what is necessary to keep the ph and ppm where you originally set them. Sometimes you will add full strength nutes, sometimes 1/2 strength, sometimes just ph’ed water to keep the ph and ppms within the parameters you’ve set. As a beginner, I would drain and replace my solution every 10 days - 2weeks. You have got to keep bad bacteria from getting established in your system. You have to make a decision as to how you will do this. I take the route that no bacteria is good bacteria and treat my solution with hydrogen peroxide. Others use a beneficial microbe to accomplish the same goal. The choice is yours but you need to plan accordingly. My 6 Bucket RDWC has a 33 gallon resevoir so I’m not exactly sure how a smaller resevoir will affect the equation but I feelvyou can make it work. Temperature of the solution is another issue you may need to address. This is another place where failures can occur so take it into consideration and be prepared to take measures to correct. Its a lot to digest but its been happening for thousands of years so you can handle it. Nowdays we have electric pumps and such…lol…hit me up with questions as they arise…if I don’t know someone here will…Happy Growing
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I have run advance nuts when I started years ago, heavy price tag though. I recently started up again and I am using jacks 321. Way less expensive and the plants seem to be going pretty good.
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I’m using GH nutrient you listed above as well as CalMag and Cannazym. I used a special blend home brew Microbial tea to keep my system healthy.
A change my entire system every 10-12 days.
I have three planters and a reservoir for about 35 gallons total.
It is highly recommend that you get a water chiller to keep your system running at about 68-69°f.
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I use soil. Just started using Jacks 321 and I must say its great! I saw a difference in less that 24hrs after 1st feed with it.
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Howdy Bama . How goes the grow Bro? You’re using cannazym and hippie runners tea? Thats awesome! Good stuff , huh? I’m shut down at the moment, 
taking the summer off to trim the last crop…lol…when I fire back up I will stay with the H2O2. The ease of it keeps me coming back. Last run I used Lucas Formula. It was the cleanest, easiest and biggest harvest of the year. In the process I added (3)Phlizon 9600’s , increasing my overall coverage another 4’x12’ . Good to see you out and about. Happy Growing
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Jacks or Kosher work very well for RDWC/DWC hydro. Jacks being more cost effective while Kosher is easier to mix. Both will show off the genetics you’ve chosen very well and don’t require additional supplementing of other products like cal/mag or bloom enhancers. I recommend using RO water with both, ph will be on point and it makes stepping ppm up or down easier.
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I should have read the whole thread first… please forgive my stoned ass!
Great information @RightAway and @Bamarayne! Keeping solution temps below 70°f is crucial to a happy, healthy hydro system.
I would also add that keeping unwanted yuk out starts with having your system in “brewery” clean condition. Anytime you are changing solution, its a good time to clean everything. I’m also a wine maker, so I always have PBW (powdered brewery wash) on hand and use it to clean all my DWC equipment. Light leaks are also the enemy in a hydro system and will lead to unwanted algae blooms. Keep light where it belongs, on the plant and out of your RDWC 
Last thing I would add is regarding air. Its the one thing you cant overdo, but its the one thing that many underdo when building their system… I did, lol! Be sure you are delivering copious amounts of oxygen to your root system and into your nutrient solution with a large air pump and air stones.
Happy growing, Growmie
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I am using the jacks stuff that’s made for heavier water this run. Seems to be doing good in veg so far…. We will see if that holds through flower.
No time to set up RO at the moment.
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Nice set up, clean!
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PA hydro outa Pensilvania, pretty good stuff. No leaks, minimal sound and I don’t need a chiller in with the house AC.
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Did this help?
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Thank you all for the information. I want to make the change over and do it right and you all have given me the info to point me in the right direction. It is greatly appreciated. I will be updating and coming for advice as needed. This group has always had my back. Thanks again
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