Step-by-Step Hydroponics System
Hydroponic systems can range from the very simple wick in a bottle to the modern agricultural farm. Nutrient solutions, used instead of soil in hydroponics, are labeled according to plant types.
All plants require ultraviolet light to grow. There are three basic lighting choices: metal halide bulbs, high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs or LED lights.
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Things You'll Need
- Styrofoam cooler
- Ruler
- Box cutter
- 1 trash bag (contractor grade)
- 1 roll duct tape
- Air tubing
- Air stone
- Aquarium air pump
- Net pots
- Marker
- Light source (with mounting materials)
- Nutrients
- Seedling plants
- pH test kit
- Timer (optional)
- Reflective mylar (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut 4 inches from the top of the cooler on each side. The reduction in height makes it easier for the plant's roots to receive nourishment. Set the spare Styrofoam to the side. It may be needed later.
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2
Line the cooler with the garbage bag allowing 4 inches of overhang on the outside of the cooler. Secure the bag in place with duct tape. The contractor grade bag helps prevent leaks during water changes. The black color also prevents light from promoting algae growth, which would compete with plants for oxygen.
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3
Cut a round hole 2 inches from the top of the cooler. It should be about the diameter of a drinking straw and run evenly through the cooler and the garbage bag. This is where the airline will enter the container.
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4
Run the airline tubing through the hole. Place the airstone on the end of the tube inside the cooler. Make sure the end of the tube rests on the bottom of the cooler before attaching the other end of the airline to the air pump.
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5
Turn your cooler's lid upside down. Use several of the net pots to decide how large you should make each hole. Considering the plant's mature size will help determine how many plants the container can hold and how far apart each pot should be.
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Turn each net pot upside down and trace around the top of the net pot with the marker.
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Cut inside each circle. This ensures that the diameter of your hole is slightly smaller than the top of your net pots.
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8
Hang your light source approximately 24 inches from the top of the plants. Keep in mind that the height will need to be adjusted as the plant grows.
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9
Add water and nutrient solutions to your container per the package instructions. Turn on the air pump at this time to check for leaks or other problems.
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10
Place the lid on the cooler so that it is upside down. Most Styrofoam cooler lids have an angle or an arch in the lid. Using the lid upside down adds stability for growing plants. Add a net pot to each hole.
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Remove each seedling and brush the roots clean of soil. Add them to a net pot so that their roots are able to reach down into the nutrient solution. If the plants are unstable in the pots, break apart some of the spare Styrofoam and use it to support the plant.
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12
Set up timers to provide ample growing time for your type of plants (timers are optional). Most plants do well with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark. Fruit and vegetable plants usually require 16 hours of light and eight hours of darkness when they are producing fruit. Refer to your plant's growing season for guidance.
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13
Place reflective Mylar around plants as an option. Using Mylar on walls and at the base of hydroponic containers reflects light back toward the plants and increases luminosity.
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Tips & Warnings
Metal halide lights provide the full light spectrum and are inexpensive to operate. They also require a special fixture called a ballast. HPS bulbs are extremely bright, provide the full light spectrum, and produce intense heat. HPS lights are not suitable for delicate plants such as lettuces or flowers. Finally, new LED lights also provide the full spectrum, emit little heat, and last indefinitely. They are not very bright, however, and are best suited for delicate plants.
The nutrient solution will need to be changed completely once or twice per week depending on the size and number of plants.
The pH level should be checked several times each week and should be between 5.8 and 6.3 for most plants.
