I have several different Ebb and Flo systems. I use clay pellets for my grow medium. While flooding one of the tables, I noticed little white specs floating around in the clay. When taking a closer look, I noticed thousands of very tiny white bugs living among the roots of my plants. I have no idea what they are, but they are very small. I almost didn't see them. I freaked out and checked all the other systems. They don't seem to be infected, yet! These pests are not on the leaves or stems, just in the grow medium. Please help me with any suggestions or experience!

Some of the younger leaves on a couple of my plants are folded and somewhat wrinkled. The fold is located at the base of the leaf near the stem. The rest of the leaf has a wrinkled pattern to it. I can't figure out how to send a photo, the image seems to be too large. I'm worried that this may be a disease. The ph is  6-6.5.
Also, a pest and disease section would be helpful on this site

Hmmm, so if I decided to let them keep growing, I can just keep giving them 7-4-10 and pick the flowers off until I want them to produce? Is it really that simple? If so, how long can I keep them in this stage?

I'm here once again for feed back. I am a first time hydro chili grower(ebb and flo). I started with a batch of seeds labled (HOT MIX) and some Jalapeno seeds just to get some experience. Most plants are about 3 feet tall and bearing LOTS of flowers! I expected them to be alot bigger, but at this point, I've decided to just let them do their thing. I've been using a one part grow 7-4-10 (flora nova). I've noticed that several flowers have been turning brown and falling off. I just became aware of a (flora nova bloom). I will go to my local grow shop and see what thats all about. So, at this stage I am confused and under experienced.  My ph has been pretty stable, (6-6.5)
My plants look very healthy, but the flowers are just falling off. This has only benn going on for about a week or so, but if there is a problem, I need to take control.
Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
SERENE1

 To prevent that, you should water enough to keep the soil moist all times. And to encourage flowering, let the plant dry a little once.

OK, what about no soil? I have a few plants growing in buckets with air stones (DWC). The only lighting I have at the moment are fluorescents and a little sunlight shining through a small window.  I planned on moving these plants outdoors in the spring. Keep in mind there is no soil involved. So, I guess my question is, should I not move them outdoors until they are ready for flowering? And of course there is no soil to let dry a little.

I have a question concerning lighting. I have some seedlings in an ebb and flo table using fluorescent lighting for the moment. This is all new to me. I've never grown chiles indoors. Should I have the lights on 24/7 for now or do they need a period of darkness. If I change the lighting or move them to sunlight, how would this effect them?
Could a sudden change in lighting promote early flowering? 

When growing outdoors, I will probably use white containers for my reservoir, so they don't absorb so much heat.
Is it necessary to use an airstone in the reservoir? I did have one in there but now it's being used for my DWC system. Thanks again for all your help! I'll try not to ask too many questions. But, you've been an inspiration for me in my little corner of the world!

Grant
My plants are about 7 weeks old. Thanks for your welcome. So, the coco coir and clay ball mix sounds interesting.
Is this a 50/50 mix?  Whats the ratio? How often do your plants need to feed?

Lainaus käyttäjältä: JungleRain - maaliskuu 12, 2009, 12:21:07 ip
Hi Serene1
welcome from Australia
I used to use a ebb and flow ( flood and drain) with rock wool, how old are your seedlings now? at first you only need to water every other day, its a bit of a trial and error as each hydro system is different. I have adapted my flood and drain now to a recycling drip system using coco coir and clay ball mix, I found this a better and cheaper medium.
Grant

Thanks to every one for the warm welcome. This is great, being able to talk to other chile heads around the world. Also, thanks for the input. A 16 hour break from time to time sounds like a good idea.
I do not have a greenhouse but I was thinking of putting an ebb and flo table on my back patio. But it seems that the water in the reservoir will heat up to quickly and too hot.  I live in Indiana (u.s) and the summers here can get in the mid 90's F and extremely humid. How could I accomplish this?

I am a worrier. This I do not deny, but this defect in character could very well work to my advatage. I am new at hydro and if I am making any mistakes, it is better to know now than too late! This just seems to be alot more water than I am used to.

I'm glad I found this place. I am new here and I am growing peppers in an ebb and flood system for the first time. I was totally inspired by the article I read in "Urban Garden", with Fatalii. So I built an Ebb and Flood system. I started my seeds in soil and later moved them to rockwool. When they got big enough I moved them to the Ebb and Flood table. I started flooding the table twice a day, but the rockwool cubes seem to stay too wet, holding ALOT of water. Should I flood the table less often? Should the water be heated? should I keep light on them 24/7 for now? My plants look pretty good but at this point, I'm stumped!