Growers can design and build their own hydroponic systems or buy ready-made models. Either way, they should ensure that the plants are located near a window and receive at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Hydroponic gardening takes less space and uses less water than traditional soil gardening. However, the system requires more attention to prevent problems like pH imbalances and nutrient deficiency.
Water
Water is vital to all life and it has many unique properties that help sustain a diverse range of organisms. It is amazing that a simple molecule can perform so many essential functions for living things to survive.
Using the right kind of water is critical to hydroponics, as plants are dependent on the nutrients in the water for growth. Municipal water contains a variety of elements including calcium, magnesium bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates, which can all interfere with the pH (potential hydrogen), EC (electrical conductivity) and PPM (ppm) of your nutrient solution.
It is best to use reverse osmosis (RO) water as your base for nutrient solutions, rather than tap water, to ensure the best results. Also, make sure your nutrient solution is well oxygenated to prevent fungus from forming in the tank.
Nutrients
Nutrients are a vital component of hydroponics, and they come in both liquid and dry forms. Dry hydroponic nutrients are a mix of powder and crystals that need to be mixed with water until they are completely dissolved. This ensures that the plants receive an even supply of nutrients throughout their entire growth cycle.
When purchasing dry hydroponic fertilizers, choose ones that contain both macronutrients and micronutrients. The macronutrients are potassium, phosphorous, calcium, nitrogen and sulfur, while the micronutrients include zinc, molybdenum, copper, iron, and manganese.
For optimal results, the nutrient solution should be changed out every one to two weeks. This will prevent nutrient burn and keep the water clean for your plants to absorb. It’s also a good idea to add a flushing agent that helps your plants get rid of stored nutrients and remove any chemical taste or smell.
Light
Whether you’re growing flowers or vegetables, hydroponics is one of the only ways to get plants the light they need to thrive. Most ornamental and vegetable plants require about 10 to 12 hours of supplemental light per day to promote healthy growth. Choosing the right light can make a huge difference in the quality of your harvest.
The best grow lights are optimized to deliver the right spectrum of visible light for each stage of plant growth. This is measured by Kelvins, which indicates the color temperature of the light. Cooler, blue light is optimal for seedlings while flowering plants require a warmer, red-based spectrum of light.
Some hydroponic systems use fluorescent or LED lights while others use HID (high-intensity discharge) bulbs. These are composed of an arc tube filled with gas and metal halides that emit intense light when electricity is passed through them.
Temperature
Temperature plays an important role in hydroponics. If the nutrient solution is too cold, it can stunt plant growth and reduce nutrient uptake. If the solution is too hot, it can cause nutrient burn and wilting. In both cases, these problems can be prevented by maintaining the ideal nutrient solution temperature.
The best way to maintain the proper nutrient solution temperature is by using a thermometer and a dissolved oxygen (DO) meter. These meters can be found at most hydroponic stores and are essential for monitoring the EC, pH, and DO of the water solvent. They can also help to identify any disease-causing microbes in the system. Maintaining the right EC, pH, DO, and temperature levels will result in healthy plants and maximum yields.