best way to start seeds for rdwc system?

[Sarah_Seika]

I'm jumping back into growing after a few years off, but this time I'm starting fresh with hydro. I picked up an 8-bucket (13 gal) RDWC Fallponic setup, a 4x8 tent, and Mars Hydro FC-E6500 lights. All the extras are lined up too (fans, filter, pH/EC pen, humidifier, etc.). What I'm stuck on now is the best way to start seeds for RDWC. I've read a bunch of different methods: paper towel > rockwool, straight into 1" cubes then into 4" cubes before dropping into the net pots, or just sprout in 1" cubes and stick those right into the RDWC system. I even have a little DIY cloner that could be repurposed if that's a smarter option. For those of you already running RDWC, what's been your most reliable method to get seedlings established without damping off or stunting them? Also, since I'll be starting with autos, do you think 8 buckets in a 4x8 is too crowded, or would you cut it to 6?

 

[HELYAB]

I've had good luck starting seeds by soaking Rockwool cubes in pH-balanced water, dropping the seeds into the hole, and keeping them moist until they sprout. Once the roots show through the cubes, you can move them into the net pots in your RDWC system. It helps to keep a gentle air flow and warm temps during germination. Good luck with your new setup!

 

[Starfru1t]

@HELYAB yeah, rockwool is the gold standard for starting seeds for hydro. The reason the rockwool method works so well is that it's an inert medium, meaning it doesn't have any nutrients and won't hold onto excess water.
This prevents a common problem called damping off where the new seedling's stem gets weak and collapses from too much moisture.
Once the roots are a little established, they are perfectly primed to be introduced to your RDWC system

 

[MarlonGornez]

I'm jumping back into growing after a few years off, but this time I'm starting fresh with hydro. I picked up an 8-bucket (13 gal) RDWC Fallponic setup, a 4x8 tent, and Mars Hydro FC-E6500 lights. All the extras are lined up too (fans, filter, pH/EC pen, humidifier, etc.). What I'm stuck on now is the best way to start seeds for RDWC. I've read a bunch of different methods: paper towel > rockwool, straight into 1" cubes then into 4" cubes before dropping into the net pots, or just sprout in 1" cubes and stick those right into the RDWC system. I even have a little DIY cloner that could be repurposed if that's a smarter option. For those of you already running RDWC, what's been your most reliable method to get seedlings established without damping off or stunting them? Also, since I'll be starting with autos, do you think 8 buckets in a 4x8 is too crowded, or would you cut it to 6?

With smaller autoflowers, go for 8 plants. But if they tend to get bigger, stick to 6 to avoid crowding, humidity issues, and light fights.