I just started using the AC Infinity bases on a grow that is about 8+ weeks along in living soil and I have some questions.
1 - I’m confirming that I can add nutes like CalMag to the base water for feeding. Yes?
2 - I don’t need to Ph my basin water. True?
I know that Ph changes as water sits out, so I’m not sure how you’d maintain it as it sits in the basin.
3 - Top watering occasionally for things like a Bloom tea is okay as long as there is a bit of run off so salts don’t get trapped in the middle. True?
(I know autopots are different)
4 - How often do you need to replace the wicks? I’ve read some people replace during a single grow and some say after each grow.
5 - How do I know when it’s time to replace the wick? Something I should look for?
6 - What other tips or “I wish I had known” advice do you have on these?
Tagging people that I’ve seen that use these in my searches on this subject. Feel free to add anyone else!
Thanks for any input!
@Willum @CMichGrower @Lacewing @sandune @Edword02 @Siprice2 @OrganicMechanic
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I’m in living soil as well as using the ACI bases in my growth.
1 - I was told by ACI that you should only use plain water as nutes can clog up the lines.
2 - I still PH my water even though I know it’s going to adjust some. But the living soil should regulate that on its own.
3 - I top feed with compost teas once a week. Never to run off because you will flush out the nutrients in the soil. But I do let the bases dry then give it a day or 2 to dry out then top feed with tea until pots are fully watered so almost run off.
4 - I would definitely recommend changing the wicks regularly. I hadn’t changed mine since 7/1 and this week I noticed plants not uptaking water and the pots were dry. My lines were clogged and barely giving water to the base. It also had the one of the worat spoiled smells. And I’m only using water.
5 - you will smell it. Im going to replace mine every 2-3 weeks
6 - soak your lines before filling the bases as it helps the wicking process. Also lift your pots occasionally as I have seen roots growing into the base on others grows. That is the reason I let them go dry before refilling as well tonprevent roots in the base.
Also, I have seen others putting air stones in theirs as well. Which i may do after this grows.
ACI also added this to their site
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I have the original bases and just received a box of the new XL size. I do not use any type of feeding/nutrients/additives in the reservoir. This WILL clog the wicks. I mainly use the bases for watering when I’ll be gone for short trips. I’ve used the originals on 3 & 5 gal. bags and had no problems. I am looking forward to using the XL on my 10 gal. bags next.
To replace the wicks I use Amazon. 50’ roll, 1/4" Round Cotton Wicks = $10.49.
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Thanks for the info on replacement wicks.
I’ve completed a couple grows using the bases and the only real advantage I see is a drip basin to collect runoff and by filling basin with water, a way to get an extra length of time between watering.
I used them successfully this summer with an autoflower outdoor grow. I was gone Monday through Friday and using the bases kept the plants happy for 5 full days. I top feed, and then filled base with water.
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My wicks only clogged up from using stuff like bembe/microbes the thicker nutes , however the roots of the plant also grew along the wicks to find the water ,as soon as I switched to jacks 321 in the base the wicks did their job and there was no more clogging ,
Thanks also for the info on the wicks I’m going to buy some as I cleaned mine constantly o think I could even still use them but like the idea of newer ones
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