OK! Now after looking at so much information, your probably scratching your head so I am going to give you several pictures and try to explain how it all works. This should be easy enough! You can make your system just about out of anything, the more elaborate doesn’t necessarily mean better!Most of the things you will see are available at your local Home Depot, Loews or whatever! You can build one pretty easy.
complete hydroponics grow room
Here is complete Hydroponics setup! As you can see, there is a exhaust fan up at the top wired to a timer, lights hung so they are adjustable and ran to timers, there is a big barrel in the back holding the nutrients, There are two pumps on either side of the tank wired to timers, there is a tank tank against the wall with carbon dioxide in it and also has a valve that is hooked to a timer so it release the gas on regular intervals. and of course a heater in case the weather gets cold and a fan to circulate air and help strengthen the stalks as they grow. All setup and automatic!
hydroponics grow tent
Here is a complete hydroponics grow tent. This can be purchase individually or as a complete system. they take up a very small space and are easy to hide. Not going to grow a lot in here but you can easily sustain your own needs with it. You can purchase bigger sizes I believe!
hydroponics system
Here is a compact Hydroponics system. Made mostly out of PVC, the tote holds the nutrients and there is a pump inside that pushes the nutrients up into one side of the plumbing and flows out the other end at the bottom back into the tote. These are all available online or you can DIY!!!
Here is a checklist for maintenance of your hydroponics system, no matter what you buy or make this is a general checklist that will help keep you from failing!
- Testing the nutrient balance of your liquid solution should be done at least every 3 days. There are several ways to check the pH of the nutrient solution in your hydroponic system. Paper test strips are probably the most inexpensive way to check the pH of the nutrient solution. Liquid pH test kits are the most popular method for the hobby gardener. The Most high-tech way to check pH is to use the digital meters. The most popular type of meter is the digital pen.
- Checking the water level in your system container should be done at least every 3 days. When adding water to the system, first enhance that water with your nutrient solution or you will dilute the container liquid and throw the proper nutrient balance in to a tail-spin.
- You should daily check the plants for growth patterns, and to see if any pests or disease has attacked your plants and then immediately do whatever is necessary to counteract the infection or deficiency.
- When plants are full grown (especially herbs) you should consider topping or clipping the plants at the appropriate time so that the plant will acquire new vigor, grow even better, and you will gain the clippings for use in your cooking. Of course, harvest any ripe or fully grown herbs, fruits, or vegetables so that the plant will sprout more produce, and you will then have the advantage of vine-ripened additions to your kitchen.
- Just be ever aware of the level of light, whether sunlight or artificial light and wind where the plants are growing so that you are able to adjust for excesses of those items, such as adding or removing screen cloth, or moving the system to a more protected area, as they could damage the plants. Also, if the plants have been subjected to rain, check your nutrient levels quickly to avoid dilution of your liquid sources.
- Try to monitor your unit at the time the pumping system should begin to always make sure the pump is working and effective to deliver the nutrients to your plants.
- Completely change the nutrient reservoir at least every three weeks.
- Periodically, flush a mix of clean water and hydrogen peroxide through your system to keep the piping clean and free of harmful buildup. You should maintain the cleanliness of your system at all times.