How to Change Hydroponic Nutrient Solution
Once you have set up a hydroponic garden and begun monitoring your nutrient solution, you will notice that the solution becomes depleted over time. You can top off the nutrient reservoir with plain water, but you will need to completely flush the system and add fresh nutrient solution every two weeks. This will ensure that you maintain an optimal nutrient ratio, while cleaning out any built-up solids from the pipes and tubing.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 10 gallon bucket or plastic storage bin
- Clean rag or paper towels
- Rubber gloves
- 35% hydrogen peroxide
- Concentrated nutrient solution
Instructions
-
Shut Down Your Hydroponic Garden
-
1
Stop the water pump if you have an active hydroponic system and drain the nutrient reservoir into a bucket. If you also have a soil garden, you can use the discarded nutrient solution to water those plants.
-
2
Use a clean rag or paper towels to wipe down the inside of the nutrient reservoir.
-
-
3
Refill the nutrient reservoir with fresh water.
-
4
Add 3 ml of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water and mix well. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
-
5
Reconnect the pump and let the system run with plain water for up to 24 hours. This will dissolve any accumulated nutrient salts and kill any fungus or algae that has grown in the system.
-
6
Drain the water and peroxide mixture and refill the nutrient reservoir with plain water. Let this sit for one hour to allow any chlorine that is present to dissipate.
-
7
Add concentrated nutrient solution, per the manufacturer's instructions, and restart the pump.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to use 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, not the 3 percent sold in pharmacies. Hydrogen peroxide is unstable at low concentrations, so stabilizers are added which aren't helpful to the plants. The 35 percent solution can be purchased at garden centers and online.
High concentration hydrogen peroxide is highly caustic, so use it with caution and store it securely.
