Basic hydroponic setup

Reply 5 years ago. Reply 6 years ago. Reply 8 years ago on Introduction. Aeroponics systems are when the plants roots are exposed and are being constantly sprayed with water Hydroponics is this where the plants have a material to cling to and have water running through them. Do you have any info on where to get a pH meter like that one?

I've been looking for one myself and I can't seem to find anywhere that sells it, only a couple references to it in some forums. This is a really nice setup you have here. Let me ask you though - have you ever given thought to utilizing aquaponics? I enjoy the fish tank aspect of aquaponics and let's face it - fish food is typically more economical than liquid chemicals for hydroponics.

I put together an instructable on building a relatively easy aquaponics system utilizing a lot of materials I had laying around at Just click here.

I could see that. The same concept can be used on a much smaller and much larger scale though. For instance In your use, you could get by with a small tank, maybe gallons that would more than sustain what you are doing. Its certainly worth looking at - any clear research on the nutrients delivered by the fish compared to the optimum for the plants?

Where you crop the fish, then they're the major crop aren't they, not the plants? There is tons of research online. Unfortunately, it is system dependent as the nutrients to the plants is in direct correlation to the diet of the fish, amount of fish in the system, etc.

The main reasons people choose aquaponics over hydroponics are: 1. Fish food is cheaper than liquid fertilizers 2. Generally less water use as there is less evaporation yes, even less than a closed hydro system 3.

More environmentally friendly 4. It is a highly effective method but one that requires sophisticated pumps and misters. If the equipment malfunctions, the plant roots can dry out and die quickly. A container filled with nutrient-filled water is positioned under the growing chamber. Add an aeration bubbler in the reservoir to oxygenate the water. This reservoir also acts as a catch basin for misted droplets of solution. Connect a pump to a mister or sprayer.

The reservoir solution pumps to the mister or sprayer via tubing from a submersible pump tube in the reservoir. The sprayer will be aimed at the plant's root in a growing chamber.

Similar to the nutrition film technique, you will set up tubes or channels for evenly suspending each seedling's roots. Powdery Mildew. Penn State Extension. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights.

Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Project Overview. Mine advised me to add 2ml per litre of each A and B nutrients; using a measuring cup I added ml of each into my 55l container. We also need to adjust the pH of the water. Using a pH meter, measure the pH; tap water will be anywhere from 6. Most vegetables and herbs require a slightly acidic nutrient solution. You can bring the pH down to 5. Wear gloves when handling pH down and remember to mix the solution well after application.

Assemble the system. Plug in the air pump and place the air stone in the reservoir. Adding your plants is simple, I placed some plants grown in rockwool plugs into the net pots.

You can use seedlings grown in soil too but we advise using a medium that doesn't make a mess. Rockwool plugs or hydroton clay pellets are a cleaner solution. How do I maintain my hydroponic system? All done! Now for some maintenance must-dos.

As long as the water has sufficient contact with the roots they should grow well. Keep an eye on the pH levels by checking it every time you top up water. I use an old 2L water bottle to top up my water so I know exactly how much water I am adding. Clean the reservoir and replace it with fresh water every days. How to sow seeds directly into your DWC system. To do this, place a rockwool plug into a net pot and place a seed or two into the plug.

Ensure that the plug does not dry up at all or this could affect germination. Here are some examples of the best grow media for hydroponics :. This is also known as a pump or nutrient pump. In most systems, this is how the nutrient solution gets from the reservoir to the plant roots.

You can find these types of pumps online or in garden stores in the pond or pump section. An air pump is not required but is encouraged and does offer added benefits for your system. More oxygen means more growth. The air pump provides oxygen to the nutrient-rich solution and, in some systems, to the plant roots.

Oxygen is pumped through a line that connects to an air stone at the bottom of the reservoir, providing bubbles to your solution. For more info, check out our post on the best air pumps for hydroponics. Air pumps can be found at most stores that sell aquarium supplies. If you are unable to use natural sunlight, an indoor system will need to utilize an artificial light source: a grow light. There are several different lighting types available, but our 1 recommendation is an LED grow light. LED grow lights use less electricity and last longer than standard fluorescent bulbs.

The downside to LED lighting is the higher upfront cost, but it is worth it. LED lights can be tweaked to provide a customized spectrum that is ideal for growing different types of plants. Before you buy one, make sure to check out our best LED grow lights article. Each technique has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The wick slowly absorbs the liquid below and delivers it to the plant roots. Electricity is not necessary, but an air pump is optional.

The wick itself can be rope, felt, cotton, strips from a mop head or even the wick from a tiki torch! By now you probably get the idea. You just need something absorbent, so feel free to test different wicks out to see what works best for you. One of the most basic and easiest systems is deep water culture systems, or DWC. In the DWC system, the plant roots are suspended and hang directly down into the nutrient solution. There is basically no water being pumped or moving around because the roots sit directly in the nutrient solution at all times.

An air pump provides the oxygen to the water which completes the system.