grow cycle | 10 things about nutrient reservoirs
“ FLUSHING a hydroponic set-up regularly , including the entire contents of the nutrient tank , is important .” of aeroponic and fogponic technologies . Good aeration promotes nutrient uptake , sometimes dramatically , and aids in the growth of beneficial organisms . It also discourages the development of pathogens in the form of anaerobic bacteria . Adding one or more air stones or other bubble-producing devices to your nutrient tank is a form of extra insurance against shortfalls . Another benefit to amping up the oxygen content of your mixture is that aeration keeps the liquid in motion and blended . It also helps maintain a consistent temperature and discourages algae growth .
TOPPING OFF
After you brush up on your chemistry , start blending nutrient and additives and combine them with prepared water . Wait , test , wait , test , and get your system up and running slowly — either again or for the very first time . It won ’ t take long to notice the nutrient level in the tank dropping as the system stabilizes and plants take up water and transpire water vapor through their leaves . There will also be moisture loss due to evaporation . More water is consumed or lost than nutrient , though , so water should be added back until you decide the remaining nutrient concentration is too low and should be augmented , or is just unreliable and should be replaced .
Make a note of the high-water mark in your tank , and check the level daily . Refill to that mark when topping off is necessary . You ’ ll typically top off every few days depending on your set-up , the type of plants you ’ re growing , and the temperature or time of year . Record how much water you ’ re adding during each top-off session . This may help you determine when a change-out is due . Some growers like having a second tank or barrel of prepared water on hand . This can save time and reduce the risk of plant shock from tap , well , or other untreated water .
FLUSHING ( Nutrient Replacement )
No nutrient recipe or delivery system is perfect , so problems do occur . Flushing a hydroponic set-up regularly , including the entire contents of the nutrient tank , is important . The most common reason to flush a system and start fresh are chemical imbalances , which develop over time , but there are others . The presence of clogging debris from seedling pots , root zone lockout , bacterial problems , or changing from vegetative growth to blooming are some examples of other conditions that may necessitate flushing . The best schedule for flushing is a matter of opinion and often of lively debate .
98 Maximum Yield USA | February 2017