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  • Author Author: sftwrngnr
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Nutrients, nutrients everywhere

sftwrngnr

So I've noticed that several of the challengers already have experience with hydroponics, aquaponics and aeroponics. I... do not. So, I've done some due diligence, and decided that I'm going to go with General Hydroponics "Flora Series" of hydroponic nutrients.  The obvious issue, is that it's a three part solution, so my system will need to measure PH/TDS prior to anything being added, then add the appropriate quantity of each nutrient, mix the solution, and then things are good to go.  To that end, design wise, I was initially thinking peristaltic pumps, but I'm considering the possibility of using a valve based system with a measuring system.  The reason being that such a system should in theory, require less power than the peristaltic pumps.  I plan on purchasing both a peristaltic pump and a valve so that I can prototype that out at the end of the month.  I unfortunately have a work deadline that is likely going to consume the bulk of my weekends until the end of the month.

 

Has anyone used other brands of hydroponic nutrients, and if so, would you care to share your experiences?

  • in reply to sftwrngnr

    The few times I've ventured into hydroponics I used General Hydro nutrients, clay pellets and a simple fountain pump on a timer for an ebb and flow system. Worked out fine. That's what I'm using this time. Some nutrients a pump and a reservoir from a privous hydro outing.

     

    Just my $.02.

  • in reply to D_Hersey

    Wow Don!

    Thank you so much for your response and valuable information! OK then. Aeration system for the nutrients will be included in my build. So... I thought I may have been on the right track in terms of my thought process with regard to not using peristaltic pumps. I was thinking something as simple as just a piston pump for moving the nutrients around may work.  I'll continue doing my due diligence and get to building at the end of the month.

  • While I am opining, let me state that for the PK components, I recommend monobasic potassium phosphate.  Far more soluble than other phosphates.  Use forethought as to how you dispose of the used nutrient solution.  Pouring it down the sink can cause blooms in the sewer.  Better on the lawn, or maybe a tree.

     

    My plums are about ripe, just sayin'.

  • Most won't touch it because it is salty and it smells but I won't do without fish emulsion, because it is efficacious and cheap and I use systems that rinse well.  If I were to use chemical fertilizer I would use bulk NPK mixed with micronutrient salts inclucing Mo.  Mo is the only element in the micronutrient salt mix that is any expensive, therefore, usually, if it has molybdenum, you got the good stuff.  All as un-relabelled  commodity chemicals.

     

    The magic of nutrient uptake in green plants is due to complex mechanisms within the plant and between mycorrhizal allies and the roots.  A free ion is just that to this system, the plant doesn't know/care where it came from.  This system is tolerant and self-adjusting.

     

    Aerating the soln is important.  Good for the plant, bad for its enemies.

  • I don't use any of that crap.  The reason I don't is because I am far too cheap to allow myself to be ripped off by the fertilizer racket.  I have a panoply of valid ancillary (buffering, for one) reasons, however.

     

    Peristaltic pumps require the user to move the pump down the tube occasionally as the tube looses its tendency to recover after awhile.  I find this unacceptable from an engineering standpoint.  Most other pump types cannot tolerate undissolved solids, this is unacceptable from a botany standpoint.

     

    I am not growing anything currently except out in the garden, there mostly wildflowers these days, I'm lazy.  If I were to try to use higher tech to grow green stuff, I would periodically lift a pot of aerated soln into my plants, which would be growing in mesh baskets upon clay pellets.  This system practically cannot clog.  With it, I can use compost tea as my nutrient.  I haven't done formal studies myself, but am convinced to a point of near existential certainty that compost tea is better for plants than mineral salts.  So much so that the analogy I commonly draw is between eating food versus eating food supplements solely.

     

    Plus, it costs a little better than free, as one ought to be composting anyway.

     

    Any system you use must be cyclically run with clear water.  This suppresses microbial growth.  It also is an anodyne for calcium build-up.