In regards to a grow question about bottom feeding, I wanted to explain what I know and what I don't know about the bottom feed wicking system I have specifically with autoflowers.
For starters the system works best when the 1 gallon reservoir needs to be refilled every couple of days or less. This is usually at the start of flowering when the roots have reached the bottom of the fabric container. No need to worry about the standing water. It'll be gone before anything has a chance to populate it.
As for an autoflowers early life, I believe there is a difference here with photos and autos. Photos are generally in veg longer than autos, which means top feeding is a very short venture with autos. I have found that 14 to 20 days of top watering is sufficient. But not a full watering. Just enough to make sure the young plant gets what it needs. The final top watering before the bottom feed is about 1 gallon to 1.5 gallons. This is in both 3 and 5 gallon fabric containers with living soil and not coco. That could be different. It could also be a bit later or earlier based on what the plant wants.
As for the bottom watering system, I prime the containers around week 3 by filling the reservoir with a half gallon of water and letting it soak into the soil. It takes about 20 minutes, but works well in the end.
By doing this, the water from the bottom will meet up with the watering from the early top feed and by the time they connect the plant is ready for the wicking system. It's like prep work.
As for what to expect during the grow, your roots will grow into the wicks. When this happens, I don't recommend lifting the plant from its base.
This is where the fill up comes into play. I like to use a one gallon water jug to fill the reservoir. If I had a spout, I think it would be easier. Nothing pressured. Pour the water slowly to help with spillage. I also mix the nutrients right in the water jug. Makes it easier to fill up with an exact gallon.
I haven't had much of an issue with salt build up, but I only use a 1/4 to a half dose.
I wondered if I should let it dry out, but no. Instead, I use a lower dose of constant nutrients and keep the reservoir from drying out. Clean it every couple weeks and it should be good.
A little trick I thought of in hindsight.
Cut your wicks a little bit longer so you can make a loose knot to hold them in place. Make sure they are long enough to touch bottom.
If I think of anything else I'll add it too.
Any questions, please ask.
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