Wow this helps, I am definitely considering this hydro solution.

Can hempy buckets be used with just ALL perlite?

I think it can.

The purpose of the vermiculite
is to hold "some moisture" a little longer
than just the perlite would.

That is why it is mixed in the ratio, 3 perlite : 1 vermiculite

The rez will stay moist
but the medium above the rez will get very dry
and this can affect the lateral roots near the surface.

I have a bucket with some small pieces of coco in it,
because I transplanted a clone from a friend
and it ended up with coco all in the bucket.
It works just like the other buckets.

I'm sure perlite alone will work,
but not as well.

You could use coco
or another "moisture" type media
mixed with the perlite.

I would mix coco mulch 1:3 like it was vermiculite,
if you can find some small size that can be scooped.


The object of your media is to make sure it dries out
between the time when you replenish the rez.

As the plant gets bigger it will suck down the rez very quickly.

Earl, could I use this method for my mothers, long term? or is this more of a short term, veg through flower then done? I'm assuming it would work for moms as there should be very little salts building up, would that be a correct assumption?

Thanks very much

GMG

I think you could keep mothers alive a long time with hempy buckets.

Can this vermiculite/perlite mixture be re-used with a good rinse or is it one-and-done?

What do you think of using this type of "self-watering" container system with the Hempy Bucket setup? Will the vermic/perl mixture wick enough water up to the roots or is it better to just water from the top down?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE8OrdUZQKk&feature=related

I am on my third grow in the same bucket with the same mix of perlite/vermiculite.

I did not flush the media.



I watched the video.
I would like to see it work with the dirt in it.

Anyway, I don't think the perlite will wick at all.

If you build one take some pictures
and show us how it works.
.

good post. hempy buckets are a great solution for those who hate using soil and need to keep a few mothers around.

Earl, How have your yields been when using this system? Any big dropoff versus aero?