If you're growing with a hydroponic media, this is something that will change your garden. I went from a ten plant, 1.2 pound yield, to a two plant 2 pound yield. The oxygen intake to the root system is increased to such a degree that growth is unstoppable. You would have to graduate to a dwc with massive air stones to compare. The smart pot also allows the root system to have better control of ph, and nutrient deficiencies and/or build-ups, just better control all around. You have a lot of leeway with this system. You can ballpark your measurements and still get massive results, the plant maintains itself much better. The only thing I wish is that I switched a long time ago. I'll never grow in regular pots again. It's like having an air stone system in soil. That's the best I can describe it. I haven't tried a regular soil grow in these, I'm using soilless pro-mix, but I would still back these up in a heartbeat. I combined two of these with a scrog system, a 1000 watt hid, and a basic nute routine. Flowers occurred sooner, were two to three times the size I was used too, and stacked. I used a third gen clone, so I had a good basis for comparison. Since the lumens in a room are finite, you have a limit on yield. If you're struggling to get everything you can out of your light's output, this is a step in the right direction. You will not be disappointed, or regret this purchase. They're well made, and heavy duty. Mine are 15 gallon, that's what I'm reviewing. I would assume construction quality of different sizes are the same, but can't attest to that. Mine seem to suspend about three gallons of water before any flushing occurs. This is so much better than multiple pots needing attention. Stems are a thing of the past, I have branches now. I've incorporated a silica nutrient into my regimen, so this is playing a part, but I still think the improved breathing of the root system is also a major factor. I tried really hard to think of any cons, but seriously, there's none. My results and experiences with these containers has been nothing but positive. If there is anything to mention, I would only say that when you set your watering solution's ph, take into consideration the intake of air into the root system. My experience so far has shown that I need to set the solution at a 6.2 to achieve a 5.8 once it's gone through a moderately developed root system. When your plant is small, this isn't a big problem. However, as the root system grows and develops, you will need to take this into consideration. You would have the same issue in a regular container, but more so in this one. The outside air temperature, readily available oxygen, and ease of run-off are factors to consider when setting your nutrient solution ph. Also, and this is getting into minutia, I had to adjust the magnesium levels to correct an iron build-up. This was very slight, and I'm not sure if this container had anything to do with it. I don't have RO water to use, and that is always going to be a factor. I've tested these in a real world scenario and seen the results. If you're looking for hydroponic 'purist' results in a soilless media, this is as good as it gets. You would have to go to a recirculating dwc system to get better results, and even then, I would put these to the challenge. Highly recommended.
