Hello cannacom people!! Much love and respect to this site and it's members. It's an incredible resource to have at your fingertips. My first post might as well be a question, so here we go...

I have an NFT system consisting of 2X 2ft lengths of vinyl gutter, with the appropriate pvc plumbing leading to my 4 gallon res. I went with the NFT setup 5 years ago for my first grow. It went well, this is now my second hydro grow many moons later. Next time around, I will go with DWC buckets it seems more suitable for me. Just wish I had come to this conclusion sooner. I digress...

My 2 Chrystal (1st week in flower) ladies have roots running through the gutter trays and pvc pipe and into the res, where there is approx. 3 feet of healthy, sexy root. My problem is that every 2 weeks I remove the res. for cleaning.

What to do? Be extra careful not to damage the roots and work around them (may not be feasible)? Cut them back? I greatly appreciate any advice!

Much respect to all!!

Satchel

Use a pump to clean your rez. Cheap, easier and save your back.

When i was using NFT and the roots grew over the edge of the table into the tank i simply redirected the roots back into the table very gently,
God i miss growing NFT its fucking awesome once you get it right.

__________________
Stinkyattic's troubleshooting form.
Click here

There can be only one. it's the Wife.

So essentially just pump old water out then add new water in, never physically moving the res? That would be the best route for me, do I not need to worry about cleaning/scrubbing out the res?

I did this initially, just wish I had been more diligent about it.

The trays have end caps to contain the water. The water drains through 1in. pvc pipe and into the res. The biggest draw back is that the pipe for the 2 trays T's off before draining into the res. so the roots from my ladies are intertwined, making it difficult to pull them back into the trays.

Thanks Herbie and Greenthing for the feedback, it's greatly appreciated!!

Yes Satchel its best to give your res a real good clean as there is likely to be bacteria in the res i used bleach and rinse very well.
Sorry for butting in herbie.

__________________
Stinkyattic's troubleshooting form.
Click here

There can be only one. it's the Wife.

Its all good, and I DO recommend that, but only between crops. During the grow I wouldn't do this and I don't really know anyone who is. Its just not scalable. Plus it would kill any beneficials you have.

I had a 120lt res and i cleaned every two weeks and toped up with fresh nutes and had no problems with it but i was using Cannazym which breaks down dead root matter and keeps the root system in very good condition.

__________________
Stinkyattic's troubleshooting form.
Click here

There can be only one. it's the Wife.

Excellent stuff guys, thanks!