This document details the process of cultivating Alien Rock Candy Strain using Deep Water Culture (DWC) hydroponics. Originating as a freebie from Seedsman, this grow aimed to maintain a low Electrical Conductivity (EC) while utilizing high wattage lighting. The objective was not necessarily to maximize Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), but to bathe the plant in approximately 1300 watts of light to ensure comprehensive coverage. Light distance and power percentage were adjusted throughout the grow to manage light intensity while keeping PAR within the 1000-1300 peak range.
The secondary goal was to cultivate a smaller plant and prevent nutrient burn, purely for experimental purposes.
Key Nutrient Management Strategy: Nutrient add-backs and EC increases were implemented incrementally, with each adjustment kept below a 0.08 EC increase. Larger EC jumps, regardless of the current or previous EC levels, consistently resulted in nutrient tip burn with this particular strain.
Let’s delve into the grow log:
December 12, 2023
The Alien Rock Candy seedling emerged without complications. Initial setup involved Reverse Osmosis (RO) water with CalMag and Hydroguard, starting at an EC of 0.25. A paper light filter was used for the first day under an 18/6 light cycle. The plant was placed in 2.5 gallons of solution within a 3.5-gallon container, utilizing a single air stone for oxygenation.
Alien Rock Candy seedling in early DWC grow setup
December 17, 2023
Five days later, 1.5ml of General Hydroponics Micro (from the Trio series) was added to the existing solution, increasing the EC to 0.33. This slight increase prepared the solution for the upcoming full change. PH levels were maintained at 6.0 with daily adjustments.
December 19, 2023: Solution Change #1 (Day 7)
The first solution change occurred after seven days. The new solution, mixed for 2.5 gallons of RO water, included:
- Silica: 1ml
- CalMag: 2ml
- Micro: 2ml
- Grow: 1ml
- Bloom: 1ml
- Hydroguard: 5ml
This mixture resulted in an EC of 0.39, with the PH adjusted to 6.0.
December 28, 2023: Solution Change #2 (Day 16)
After nine days, the second solution change increased the EC to 0.42. The nutrient mix for 2.5 gallons was adjusted to:
- Silica: 2ml
- CalMag: 2.5ml
- Micro: 1.5ml
- Grow: 1.5ml
- Bloom: 1.5ml
- Rapidstart: 1.5ml
- Hydroguard: 4ml
The EC was set to 0.42, and PH was maintained at 6.0.
January 2, 2024: Transition to Larger System (Day 21)
The Alien Rock Candy plant was moved into a larger tote, containing 15 gallons of solution in a 27-gallon container. Oxygenation was increased with six air stones, providing approximately 2 liters of air per gallon of solution. The light cycle was switched to 12/12 to initiate flowering, marking day 22 of growth.
Solution change #3 was performed, with nutrient amounts calculated per gallon:
- Silica: 0.62ml/gallon
- CalMag: 1ml/gallon
- Micro: 0.86ml/gallon
- Grow: 0.86ml/gallon
- Bloom: 0.86ml/gallon
- Rapidstart: 0.50ml/gallon
- Hydroguard: 2ml/gallon
This resulted in an EC of 0.46 and a PH of 5.85.
January 10, 2024: Solution Change #4 (Day 29)
Solution change #4 adjusted the nutrient concentration per gallon to:
- Silica: 0.80ml
- CalMag: 1.25ml
- Micro: 1.25ml
- Grow: 1.25ml
- Bloom: 1.25ml
- Rapidstart: 0.86ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was raised to 0.60, and PH was set to 6.0. No nutrients were added back between this change and the next.
January 17, 2024: Solution Change #5 (Day 36)
Solution change #5 further increased the nutrient concentration per gallon:
- Silica: 0.80ml
- CalMag: 1.4ml
- Micro: 1.4ml
- Grow: 1.4ml
- Bloom: 1.4ml
- Rapidstart: 0.86ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was increased to 0.69, with PH at 6.0. Four gallons of water were added back before the next solution change, with EC increasing as the solution was depleted by the plant.
January 27, 2024: Solution Change #6 (Day 46)
Solution change #6 marked a more significant nutrient adjustment per gallon:
- Silica: 1ml
- CalMag: 1.86ml
- Micro: 1.86ml
- Grow: 0.6ml
- Bloom: 2.26ml
- Rapidstart: 1ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was raised to 0.86, maintaining a PH of 6.0. Eight gallons of water were added back before the next change, with EC increasing as the solution was consumed.
February 5, 2024: Solution Change #7 (Day 55)
Solution change #7 began to incorporate the Lucas Formula, adjusting the bloom nutrient concentration per gallon:
- Silica: 1.25ml
- CalMag: 2.25ml
- Micro: 2ml
- Bloom: 4ml (Lucas Formula initiation)
- Rapidstart: 1ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was increased to 0.93, with PH at 6.0. Over 12 gallons of water were added back before the next change, and again, the EC increased as the solution was depleted.
February 16, 2024: Solution Change #8 (Day 65)
Solution change #8 further refined the Lucas Formula approach per gallon:
- Silica: 1.6ml
- CalMag: 2.4ml
- Micro: 2.4ml
- Bloom: 4.8ml
- Rapidstart: 1ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was raised to 1.04, with PH at 6.0. Six gallons of water were added back before this change. The solution level was allowed to drop significantly without adjustment in this period.
February 23, 2024: Plant nearing harvest in DWC system
Mature Alien Rock Candy plant in late flowering stage
February 25, 2024: Solution Change #9 (Day 74)
The final solution change before harvest, solution #9, maintained a similar profile per gallon:
- Silica: 1.73ml
- CalMag: 2.4ml
- Micro: 2.4ml
- Bloom: 4.8ml
- Rapidstart: 1ml
- Hydroguard: 2ml
The EC was slightly reduced to 0.93, with PH at 6.0. Five gallons of water were added back before the final chop.
March 5, 2024: Harvest (Day 85)
The Alien Rock Candy plant was harvested after 85 days of growth.
Harvested Alien Rock Candy buds, showcasing density and trichome coverage
Conclusion
Cultivating the Alien Rock Candy strain at a lower EC and avoiding excessive nutrient push proved to be a successful strategy, resulting in a straightforward grow. The plant exhibited a strong appetite after each solution change, necessitating frequent add-backs to maintain optimal levels. While the plant demonstrated a capacity to consume more nutrients, restricting the diet and maintaining EC below 1.0, with a brief peak at 1.04 during peak flower, was generally well-tolerated. The slight tip burn observed at the 1.04 EC peak was a minor setback.
Despite the minor tip burn, the final yield of 440 grams is substantial and indicates a highly productive grow. The Alien Rock Candy strain proved to be easy to manage and rewarding in terms of yield and bud quality.
The aroma was mild, though personal olfactory senses may be compromised. The finished buds are described as exceptional, delivering a potent and enjoyable high. The effects are characterized by relaxation without couch-lock, making it suitable for afternoon or evening use. The buds are remarkably dense and hard, living up to the “Rock Candy” name, and are heavily coated in trichomes. The strain’s taste is pleasant but difficult to define due to subjective taste perception.
In conclusion, this grow successfully achieved the objective of cultivating a smaller plant at a lower EC, with only a minor and inconsequential nutrient burn issue. The impressive yield and high-quality buds solidify this grow as a resounding success. The Alien Rock Candy strain is highly recommended for growers seeking an easy-to-grow, high-yielding, and potent cannabis variety.
