I am a newbie, my interest in hydroponics began 4 weeks ago when I was given an assignment in a classes at the Community College. We were told to use what was available to us and not to go out and buy something. I did some research and decided to try and grow some vegetables using hydroponics. I built an ebb and flow system which turned out great no problems. I also built a NFT system using 2 old rain gutters to grow different varities of lettuce. I like the idea of the 5 gal buckets for individual plants what type of system are you using in those?I haven't planted tomatoes yet, I didn't have room for them. I think I'd like to use the 5 gal buckets can you e-mail me the info. donnie1354@hotmail.com

I think it has to do with the variety of tomato and nothing to be concerned about. I have 2 "patio" tomatoes in my ebb and flow along with some indeterminates and they both look like this. I was worried at first that my nutrients might be too concentrated, but didnt see this on the other varieties and left them alone. They still grow like this, but show no other signs of poor health and are growing tomatoes just fine.

I just had the time to check the induction lights you bought and they are a beauty, what a wonderful tesla technology reuse! Just wanted to give you my personal opinion on this because I have been researching it for quite some time, when you decide to buy the new lamps see if you can find these: T8 36W 3350lumens 2700k or 3000k http://www.thelightbulbshop.co.uk/T8OsramandPhilipsFluorescentTubes/32490/18827/T8MasterTL-DSuper80FluorescentTube.aspx I suggest these and not the T5 because, when compared to the induction lights you bougth, these are cheaper (not including the ballast and fixture price, just the lamps) and they provide the best cost effective watts per lumens. Here's a comparison: The induction lights you bought spend 200w per 16000lumens (80w/l) The T8 mentioned above spends 36w per 3350lumens (93w/l) To meet the same lumens output as the induction lights you will need 5 T8 tubes which will give 5*3350 = 16750 lumens and spend 36*5 = 180w. Not only that, but these are more than 1 lamp, which it means that you can arranje them in more than one place if you want to: 3 on top, 2 on the side, etc. And if one of them fails you still have the others working and it won't be $80 to buy a new lamp, unlike with the induction lamps. As you can see, my suggestion gives you better lumen output and lower power consumption when compared with the induction lights and these being more modular makes them easier to replace if you need/want. Remember to get the ballasts as well and fixture if you don't want to make a fixture by yourself (you will have to either buy a 4 lamp fixture or 6 lamp or even individuals, because I doubt you can buy a 5 lamp fixture). But attention! I don't know how much this setup might cost where you live. It will be way more economic to run, but it might be more expensive to purchase in the beginning, so search well in your area or online for the best prices and options.

Hey dude, thanks for the reply. I have exciting news! I checked just now and the bottom of the netpot on the tomato plant has tiny white roots poking out! Just 12 hours ago I poured plenty of EWC tea through the pot, maybe those microbes are helping things along. I suppose now I just gotta hope these roots don't get stunted and perhaps when they get long enough I won't have this leaf drying issue. :) I'm gonna go make some king crab legs now, time to celebrate!