Changing Hydroponics Nutrient Solution

Scott Dekarske of Wet-Werk Hydroponics in Memphis, TN shows how to change the nutrient solution in a hydroponics/aeroponics system.
To see how to built this hydroponics system: • Building an Inexpensiv... .
To change the nutrients: first Scott unplugs the pump and drains the water from the tub. Once the water is drained he checks the roots to makes sure all is well. Then, he measures out the new nutrient solutions in individual measuring cups. He is using a three-part nutrient solution. He takes a pH sample of the water he will be putting into the system. It is in an acceptable range so he does not adjust the pH. Then, he carefully divides the measured solution between the two buckets holding the water. Between adding each nutrient he mixes well. When they are all mixed up he pours each bucket into the tub, turns on the pump, and checks to make sure the sprayers are all functioning properly.
Here are nutrients Scott uses in this hydroponics system (Amazon affiliate links)
General Hydroponics Flora Series Nutrients (1qt each): amzn.to/4bp0E3a (Amazon)
General Hydroponics Flora Series Nutrients (1gal each): amzn.to/3HLIefq (Amazon)
For more interesting ways to grow your garden watch these videos:
Hydroponics Basics: • What is Hydroponics? -...
Planting an Herb and Flower Container Garden: • Planting an Herb and F...
Building a Hoop House: • Simple Inexpensive Rai...
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Visit www.familyplotgarden.com for more information.

[@gsuitter]

I love the those totes for hydroponics but I've found that the yellow lids allows lots of light into the system which will promote algae growth. It's best that the containers be totally light tight. It takes numerous coats of black spray paint to block the light or cover the lid with aluminum foil to keep algae from growing. I would also suggest adjusting PH after adding nutrients to water.

[@robertehlers4330]

Plastic spray paint at home depot

[@Artek-bug]

Thanks for the tip

[@pammondejar7752]

This is great! And I love that this is the same set up used in the old video!

[@Pyc090632461]

This so amazing. I just bought my first aero garden. I am totally new to growing my own anything. This will be a nice summer project 2022. I’m nervous, but your videos are so reassuring. Wish me luck on the aerogarden.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Hydroponics is lots of fun. You'll do well. You will have the occasional set back, but keep at it.

[@MegaStapel]

Very very interesting, hope you continue on this matter. Greetings from Russia.

[@yvencia1150]

Great video and thank you for sharing.

[@clarkwhite445]

awesome awesome videos thank you for making these!! so easy to follow, how often should i change out my nutrients?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We change the nutrients every week.

[@cdh79]

you should check the PH after you have mixed the nutrient solution, not before.. most solutions change the PH levels, and it's important what the PH of final solution is that comes to the roots, not what it's been before the nutrients were added.. also blindly following the guidelines on what's on the back of the bottle doesn't make sense, because that's a generalisation and can't take your plant and environment into consideration.. you could have it under a 1000w light, or under a 15w light, and each requires different needs because the plant will grow differently.. it's much better to measure the EC in the reservoir over time and then adjust according to that. If the EC goes up, then more water than nutrients are being consumed (or there was evaporation) and in future less nutrients are needed.. if the EC goes down, then the plant used more nutrients than water and the solution should be raised.. if EC stays the same, while the water levels sink, that means you have the right level for the plant in that environment

[@bander1023]

I'm sure you're right with regard to the PH levels. That said, this is targeted toward new hydroponics folks (like myself), so I appreciate the broad stroke approach as well as keeping things simple when possible. After I spend some time getting set up, I'm sure I'll end up watching more than a few videos on PH levels - most likely after I fail spectacularly. :)

[@cdh79]

@@bander1023 we've all been there and I know one has to start somewhere.. and like with many things it can get a bit overwhelming in the beginning if one wants to do it really "right".. a lot of beginners (myself included) tend to focus a lot on PH, while EC is as, or may even be more important.. I wish someone had told me that a lot earlier :) In any ways, enjoy the hobby and don't get intimidated ;)

[@MoondancerRec]

One thing is that if the PH is to high before adding the nutrients, they will precipitate to the bottom of the container and not get to the roots. Balancing getting the PH at 6ph is around the ballpark. Also, periodically sampling and measuring the conductivity is very important, as water will eventually evaporate and the nutrient concentration will increase, which is bad for the plants.

[@prin3324]

very thanks you guys

[@goatgod2009]

This just made me feel better about constantly dripping nutes on the floor and then looking like a witch stirring my cauldron with a tomato cage stake.

[@Aligned_CEO]

Thank you so much for these videos you guys are awesome! Also- how often should you do these nutrient changes and/or how would you know when to do them?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

For normal conditions when the plant has drunk about half the water it is time to change the solution. That keeps all the nutrients available to the plant even if it is feeding one heavily.

[@edenvadrouille]

@@FamilyPlotGarden Are we talking in days or weeks?

[@BoostedNW]

@@edenvadrouille average, good to change at least weekly

[@birungikenneth889]

awesome science!

[@patriciamorrish2925]

Just investigating this to start up. I've seen systems where there is no spray, just roots hanging in the reservoir. Is there a time when one is preferred over the other? How do you pollinate and how often does that have to be done?

[@GP-MB-Baden-WurttembergDeutsch]

Hi John P & Wet Werk could you pointing me please is there a KZbin video for add nutrients in order,one at a time.It will be help full for me .I really appreciate

[@parker197411]

AWESOME

[@VinnieVega76]

okay, so your roots are looking great. How do you go about transplanting without disturbing the roots?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The plants stay in this system for their whole lives.

[@douglasreid1506]

Get the poor guy a wireless IFB.

[@user-ih1up3nm7f]

Great video, thanks. How often would you recommend changing the water?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Depends on what you are growing. Generally you want to change it when the plant have drunk 1/3 to 1/2 the water. This could be a month or more if you are growing lettuce, or it could be every couple days if you are growing tomatoes. Thanks for your question.

[@franciscogutierrez7870]

por favor pongale subtitulo en español para los que no sabemos este idioma. me parece muy interesante este video. saludos

[@dee1only669]

Can I get the exact lay out and size of pipe and holes

[@dee1only669]

Where do u get the cups that hole the plants

[@Hadr0N666]

Hey nice video btw, just got some questions I have a wilma 8 pot can I use this same method and same nutrients into the wilma system? And if so can I start using nutrients soon as I change my plants from the cubes onto the pots? Ty guys

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

I am not familiar with the wilma system. It is usually best to not give the plants full strength nutrients to start, but build them up. Full strength nutrients are very strong and will burn roots that are not used to them.

[@ManfromMN]

So how do you keep the roots from growing or getting drawn into the water pump? And also since it wasn't stated, how often do you need to change the water and nutrients in size of setup? And as I'm typing this I hear the younger guy mention the sediment bag (that wasn't in the construction video).

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The pump is in a filter bag. The one they used in this video is built for hydroponics pumps. The filter bags are pretty expensive, so I made one for another system from fine tulle from the fabric store. Another option is using a paint strainer bag from the hardware store. With the tulle I had the problem that the tulle got sucked up against the pump and clogged with root fragments because all the water was being drawn through a small area in the bag. To solve this put some things in the bag that will keep the side of the bag away from the pump. The general rule of thumb for water change (without complicated testing) is when about half the solution is gone - either from the plants drinking or from evaporation. The tomatoes have gotten very large and they will drink through half the water in about 3 days. I refill with water and do a complete drain and fill every week. Other plants will require it less often, depending on how much they drink.

[@gezamadarasz6889]

Thank you for your previous response. In my area the tap water is very alkaline. I have used a large amount of ph down to bring it into the optimum range. Instead using this expensive chemical, why can I not use just pure vinegar for my hydroponics? I use it for plants in my in ground garden.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

You "can" use vinegar to lower pH but there are some problems you might run into. Vinegar is made by bacteria. The vinegar is then separated from the bacteria, packaged, and sold. Some of the bacteria may remain in the vinegar you buy which will grow in your reservoir and make more vinegar making the pH uncontrollable. The nutrient solutions are buffered to pull the pH into the optimal range. Try adding the nutrients first and let it sit for a half hour. It is possible that the nutrient buffer will cause the pH to end up where you want it. If not, you will not need to adjust it as far. Good luck!

[@wetwerk2178]

A better idea for hydroponic use is fulvic and humic acids. RAW Nutrients from NPK Industries is readily soluble and will help buffer your pH while at the same time breaking down salts to become bio available food for the plants. You should also use reverse osmosis to filter your water for hydroponics. Some places (like our city) can get away without it, but it's a low cost alternative to trucking in liquids.

[@curtisfarmer8321]

Brother is wearing a damn exoskeleton!

[@kevinm8865]

I noticed at 07:32 that the roots are all intertwined. Is that an issue? Since (and please excuse my ignorance) these plants are annuals, do we not care that the roots are connected because we will end up disposing/composting the plants and their roots at the end of the growing cycle? This is where I am really confused. Do these plants still have a one-growing season life or do they just continue growing/producing seemingly forever (given nutrients, space, et cetera)? Also, if you wanted to change out the plants that are growing (one or more), do you just cut the roots that are tangled? I will look around your channel too because the other question is, what photo energy source do you use on this system? An artificial light(s)? Sun? Artificial light(s) and Sun?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Second questions first. The tomatoes are annuals in the outside garden. They are killed by frost. We have our system indoors in front of a large window. (We also have a grow light, but overall is supplies much less light than the sun.) Because there is no frost indoors they should continue to live for a long time. The longest I have heard of a tomato plant living is three years. The other option is letting the original plant grow and then rooting suckers off the original plant. Then remove the original plant and replace it with the sucker. Now to the tangled roots. If you grow outside it is not a problem because they will all die at the same time. Inside it is more of a problem. I have not had to remove a tomato plant yet, but some other smaller plants I have taken out of the system. They did have tangled roots. I untangled them and took out as much as I could. The rest of the root will die and eventually wash out when you change the nutrient solution. Having dead roots in with the live ones is not the best thing because of potential disease and fungus problems, but there is really no other option here.

[@kornshadow097]

A sediment bag over the pump? I didn't see that in the last video 🤔

[@MultiLalo1993]

Don’t you need to check ph after the nutrients is mixed since they affect the ph usually lower it

[@hiramabiff9138]

Because nutrients can change the waters PH; After adding your nutes and you stir the bucket, you're supposed to wait a few minutes, then check the water again to see if you need to adjust the PH with Up or Down solution. Depending on the brand of nutrients, this can be very important. Because you're likely going to check the water often while growing, most growers recommend a digital PH tester, especially if you plan on growing several harvests.

[@poor_impulsive]

if you know your water is pretty good... clean and clear. consistent PH... and you measure everything correctly... it should be fine. But, Im with you, just to be sure. I mix my nutrients first, without any PH test... mix it all around... then test and adjust. Still getting used to the water supply

[@dustintravis8791]

yeah the pH test should have been done at the end, but I am going to assume he's a good hydroponics grower and did another pH check the next day and adjusted accordingly - like we all are, right? :)

[@hiramabiff9138]

Well of course, checking your PH is a regular activity and checking it the very next day is a given; But, a good hydroponics grower wouldn't/shouldn't ignore the PH change on the very first day, at least that's how I see it. I've always been a strong believer in correcting or addressing any issues the moment you become aware that its incorrect... Especially for beginners, I think its good practice (from day one) to maintain a proper PH and understand why those changes take place.

[@dustintravis8791]

I agree, I check several times after changing out my res (NFT), and probably check at least once a day, after rain, etc.. It's a good habit to have, I've read too many horror stories of people "checking after a few days" and it's down to 4.5 or PPM is too out of range.

[@wetwerk2178]

We are based in Memphis, TN and use reverse osmosis filters for our clean water supply. I'm not sure the studio in this video did. Scott probably brought a bucket with him for the demo, but I can't be certain. At any rate, our city water is pretty much the envy of the country so we don't have to fuss with it much. Great advice though. Thanks!

[@XBlazingCrafterX]

quadeca is a gardener?

[@hostilesinbound3241]

did you guys use an air pump to put oxygen into the reservoir? I am building this hydro set up and tweaking it to my liking, was thinking of putting air stones and a pump into place for this set up. Thanks for the info guys, this is my first time doing hydro/aero build. God bless!

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We don't have any air stones. The mist collects oxygen. In fact there are so many bubbles in the solution in the tote that you can't see more than an inch into the water.

[@hostilesinbound3241]

@@FamilyPlotGarden thank you!

[@Megamare1]

Did I miss it or what type of water are you starting with ; ro Distilled or (well) tap water or even just softened well water? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We are using tap water. But, we are in Memphis, Tennessee, which has very good water that does not need treatment before you use it in hydroponics. Other places may require pre-treatment of the water.

[@MoondancerRec]

I use tap water, but before the mixing I pass it via the Brita to remove the chorine. It also helps in bringing the conductivity down, which is an added bonus.

[@yourdad6604]

I was wondering, do you guys use determinate or indeterminate tomato plants? If the answer is indeterminate then how do you manage there height? Do you chop off the top?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

They are indeterminate. We heavily prune them when they get too large. We keep them indoors and they grow up to the ceiling.

[@montanamiller5545]

What grow lights were used for this system? Do I need full spectrum LEDs?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We have this system in front of a large window.

[@ll3174]

Do you fill it to where it was from the beginning or do you fill it less ?do the roots rot if you fill it to much?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

It works best if filled with 10 gallons. The roots are fine sitting in the solution as long as they have oxygen. The solution is oxygenated by the spray.

[@russh7040]

This reminded me of an episode of Sesame Street lol. Or maybe Mr. Rogers neighborhood?

[@apocalypse487]

I was totally thinking the same thing. I like it.

[@Infinite888energy]

Or get out or something

[@poor_impulsive]

i really want to find those mesh top holder things... they look awesome and effective

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Are you talking about the lid, the cups, or the rubber plant collars?

[@poor_impulsive]

Family Plot the dark rubber plant holders. I went to a prettt good nursery and asked them. They had no idea

[@michaelwould]

They are called Net Cup's - I think even Walmart sell's these now, as well as Lowe's and Home Depot. When in doubt - AMAZON :D

[@jb3033]

They are neoprene plant holders

[@wetwerk2178]

Anthony Driver Neoprene inserts are available on Amazon, eBay, and at your local Indoor Garden / Hydroponics supply shop.

[@whitethorn8014]

Just any FYI his dosing is wrong even though he is reading it from the bottle. Per the bottle of GH three part in my hand it is 1 tsp per gallon or 5ml per gallon with multipliers for each stage. Totally agree with dilution of all nutrients and pH adjustment before mixing in main holding tanks

[@brentdixon1831]

Yeah I also noticed, he says his plants are in "blooming and ripening" stage, and that the units are 1ml/gallon but the bottle clearly says 1tsp/gallon of water. Maybe that's why *some* of their plants died.

[@jasonnayman6409]

Is the pump and sprayers left on constantly?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Yes it is on all the time.

[@2bitTank]

its actually 1 tsp per gallon of water. so 5ml per gallon of water.

[@joerubelowsky864]

how often or wen do you know when to change out the water and add nutrients?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We change the nutrients every week. How often really depends on how much your plants use. Ideally, you would change the nutrients when the plants have drunk about half the water. For tomatoes that can be in a few days, for lettuce that could be months.

[@dee1only669]

Please and thank u

[@gilbertramirez714]

Why ph before adding nutrients?

[@zayvier69]

What are the white pipes for inside the black water reservoir ?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

They carry the nutrient solution from the pump to the sprayers. Get more info on how to build it and how it all works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZbagKadpKyEgpY

[@homesteadinhawaii3261]

do you have to circulate water even with airstones

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The nutrient solution needs to be sprayed on the roots to keep them from drying out. Once you are spraying there is no need to use air stones. The air is oxygenated when it is sprayed.

[@idontgiveafuc2024]

What is the organic alternative for nutrients? Can you use Gaia Greens ?

[@Wyndham21044]

Try a product called " dirt"

[@traximosyt]

Hi Chris, I know its been years here, but do you grow these plants their entire life cycle in this system? If so, how much is each plants yield limited by it?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The plants spend their whole life in the system. The tomatoes you saw planted here lasted over two years and were producing the whole time.

[@robertehlers4330]

You should add sirstone and pump if plants well be in their whole life. Will be a low pressure aero bubbler then. This is what that system really is. True aero would be kept separate plants and nutes . You can built cheaper one in 4 inch pvc fence postes. And tote will just be resovoier. If anybody need real blue prints let me know I get them emailed to you. I have blue prints for 4 different systems just comment with email I get them to you.

[@nathanielnagy1420]

@@robertehlers4330 hey i’d appreciate these for sure

[@hanna_hydro2393]

This is a great video! Ever consider digital meters to determine your pH/EC/ppm readings?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We have done just that. Once we ran out of the drops we converted to digital meters. It is nice not having to guess the exact color of the measurement.

[@wetwerk2178]

We like to keep things simple for beginners. Too much equipment can make this seem unapproachable. We don't need any of that to run our hydro setups. Just watch the plants and be mindful of your conversions when mixing up nutrients. Don't try to feed "expert" solutions if you're not yet an expert. ;) In our shop however, it's BlueLab meters all the way. Thank you for the comment and advice!

[@valeriepompee5343]

Should you fill up the tank to the top ?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

I would not fill it up to the top. The misters keep the roots moist. We usually put in about 10 gallons. If we are out of town or away for a longer time we will fill it up more so it does not go dry.

[@Arthur327327]

How often do you recommend changing the nutrient solution?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

It depends on what you are growing. A general rule of thumb is to change the solution when the plants have drunk about a third to half of the nutrient solution. That could be a month with leafy greens or a few days with large tomato plants.

[@prometheus2769]

How often do you replace the water?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Once the plant have drunk about a third of the nutrient solution. This could take a few days or a month depending on what kind of plan and how many of them there are.

[@billtrianosr.4786]

How often do you change nutrients?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We change weekly for tomatoes. There are other plants like lettuce that are not as heavy feeders which can go for longer between changes.

[@SunnySharma-po7uf]

After how much time the solution should be changed? What are the indications which suggest that the solution should be changed?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We change the solution every 7 days. We can push it to 10 days if we have to. You will find as the nutrients get used up by the plants, the pH begins to get harder to control. There have been a few times that I gave up chasing the pH and just changed the solution.

[@SunnySharma-po7uf]

Thanks :)

[@John336NLT]

I have left the nutrients for over a month, just adding water to top off. I have not had any problems. In Kratky methods the water is usually never changed. I agree you can go nuts trying to keep it perfect

[@hando5440]

Sunny Sharma thanks

[@poor_impulsive]

yeah, if you have an EC reader, you can tell easy, if they are sucking up more water than nutrients. But, usually, you wanna be changing them once a week to two week, depending on situations... also good to do a short flush run every month or so... to flush built up salts over roots and blah blah

[@WalkingHeadPro]

can you use organic nutrients instead of synthetic?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

You can use organic nutrients just be aware that they are much more likely to clog up the sprayers. You may need to clean them out regularly.

[@yzayats78]

How long do plants live in this? Can i use nutrients from Aerogarden?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The tomatoes are still alive and producing two and a half years later. I don't know much about Aerogarden nutrients. There are many hydroponic nutrients on the market shop around and find the best for what you want to do.

[@yzayats78]

@@FamilyPlotGarden thank you

[@phuocminhbui]

How often do I need to change solutions?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

You should change it when the plants have drunk about half the solution. How often that is depends on what you are growing and the conditions. Lettuce in a cool climate might take a month to drink that much. Tomatoes can take only a few days in how weather.

[@TheRTM]

Not understanding why they had to mixed in separate buckets when they are both going to be poured into the same tote regardless???

[@runargraneng4237]

I guess somebody at one point thougth of it as a best practice and sticked with it so long that they actualy think it matters. You are not supposed to mix them prior to adding to water, but you can indeed dump all in the water at once. And the cross-contamination part is highly exagerrated too

[@stormXviper]

How often do you change out the water?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We do about every week for our plant. A good rule of thumb is once the plants have drunk about half the water it is time to change it. The plants will absorb the nutrients they need a lot of faster than those they don't. This will mean they will run out of certain nutrients faster than others and before the water is totally gone. By changing it when it is about down by half it make it so they don't run out of what they need.

[@randyneil6161]

How do you know what nutrients are required for hydrophonics ?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

There are many different manufacturers of hydroponic nutrients out there (Google: Hydroponic Nutrients). We are using General Hydroponics Flora Series but depending on what you are growing there may be a better nutrient for you. Each manufacturer will provide a recommended way to use their product including how much of each part and mixing instructions.

[@wetwerk2178]

In any growing situation, plants need 17 elements to grow and be healthy. We provide 14 of these in our growing mediums and recipes. Mother nature handles the other 3. For hydroponics you can use nearly any form of liquid "plant food" but for high quality hydroponics, ie aeroponics setups like this tote, you want highly soluble products to avoid clogging your sprayers. People with small tubing in drip fed applications would also benefit from these. Hydroponic nutrients are labeled as such because they can be used reliably in the many incarnations of hydroponics. However, they are viable in any other medium as well. Soil, peat, coco, etc. However, the same cannot be said in reverse. Due to issues with clogging, only the most particular organic solutions will reliably operate in an aeroponics situation. But, for instance, any compost tea would work great in a deep water culture hydro setup. Seek out: soluble salt based nutrients. premixed in water. or in their dry (salt) state.

[@soldierscotty1959]

I do not ph anything till after the nutrients are added. They change the ph. So you ph after your nutrients.

[@devonr7497]

Can you top off your plants with a little bit of nutrients if you stir it in and dont mess with the roots of course, pretty sure i already know the answer is no but... If it is no, then i will have to redo all my water within the first week when starting from seed because you need very low ppm for the first week but after the first week you need over double ofc... How do i resolve this issue thanks for your time guys

[@jasonmerritt9265]

Yes ph after nutes this guys a goof

[@rblyle382]

How often do you have to do this?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Depends on the plants. You should change it when the plants have drunk about half the solution.

[@gezamadarasz6889]

Why do we need to change the water in the reservoir? If the fertilizer is depleted, just add more. Where does the contamination or salt buildup comes from?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The plants take up the nutrients they need leaving the rest. The nutrients are balanced by the manufacturer so that there is the correct balance for most plants in most growing conditions. Hopefully the plants will take up most of what is there, but there will always be some left behind. If you let the unneeded nutrient build up by just adding more, the excess nutrient will eventually begin affecting how the plant takes up the other nutrients. By draining and replacing the solution you get rid of the excess. The salt buildup comes from some of the nutrients coming out of solution. This could be because they became concentrated above the saturation point, or it could have been a chemical reaction between improperly mixed nutrients, or it could be that the pH has changed to the point that the nutrient is no longer soluble.

[@wetwerk2178]

You're right. The salts can be further diluted if the ec of the nutrient solution raises too high. Manufacturer's recommend weekly changes. We have always gotten away with bi-weekly changes and have rarely pushed further. Usually it is best for a novice to run new solutions regularly, to avoid issues or the need for added equipment. At Wet-Werk, a BlueLab EC wand is a staple for daily use.

[@Skidmark75]

While changing the water, how long can the roots stay out of the water before it becomes a problem?

[@MajimeTV]

it shouldn't take you so long that your roots dry.

[@Skidmark75]

@@MajimeTV right. But, how long?

[@MajimeTV]

@@Skidmark75 It depends on the plant but basically don't leave it like that more than 18 hours. It shouldn't take you that long.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

They can be out for several hours as long as there is not a hot dry wind. Changing the nutrients will not let them dry out that much.

[@familiareyes5210]

Do we leave the pump running 24/7 or do I put it on a timer?

[@MoondancerRec]

Creo que el menciono ponerle un temporizador (Timer) y menciono los tiempos, pero puedo estar equivocado.

[@BoostedNW]

24/7

[@gezamadarasz6889]

Thanks for your very good response regarding the use of vinegar. I did not realize that it is produced by bacteria and some might remain when I purchase it. However, to use it, I should be able to kill the bacteria by boiling it for 15 minutes, unless it is a superbug, that even a nuclear war will not kill. The reason it is an issue with me because I have to use a lot of PH Down to bring it down to the acid range since the water here is so alkaline. There are no hydroponics supply stores around here, so shipping liquid is expensive. Bulk vinegar would be more economical.

[@wetwerk2178]

You might try treating your water with reverse osmosis. A two-stage system can run under $100. Reverse osmosis water purifiers will reduce the pH of water. Because reverse osmosis removes the minerals in water the water will then react with carbon dioxide upon exposure to air to form carbolic acids, thus lowering the pH. The resultant pH will depend on the initial water chemistry. It cannot be predicted.

[@MoondancerRec]

I used sulphuric acid when I started out from an old car battery (ggg!) and according to the book I had it is one of the best acids to use for bringing PH down. And very little was actually needed to keep my PH under control.

[@Outdoor_Don]

If all the nutrients are being mixed together, why can't you fill the tote with water and then add the 3 nutrients one at a time into the tote?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

By mixing them separately and making sure they are well mixed before you put them in you do a couple of things. You don't shock any roots with a super concentrated nutrient. Also, you make sere the first nutrient is at a lower concentration in that area when you add the second. If the nutrients come in contact with each other in too high of concentrations they can react which may cause a non-dissolve-able precipitate or chemical combination that the plant can't use.

[@andrewdillard1942]

How would you clean the tote and Sprinkler system with out Hindering the roots and with that system have you ever had a Sprinkler get clogged if so what was your solution

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We just drain it and refill. I usually tilt the container to get more of it out since about 1/2 inch of water is below the drain. When it is empty I pour in a gallon or so of plain water to flush it out. Then refill with nutrient solution. I have had a spray nozzle get clogged. After unscrewing the nozzle you can take a pin and try to push the offending item out of the narrow part of the nozzle. Some times I just unscrew the nozzle, rinse it in plain water, put it to my lips and blow out the clog.

[@MegaSnubb]

They had hydroponic systems back in 1970? Crazy

[@wetwerk2178]

Water culture and hydroponics are much, much older than that. The industrial revolution and plastics have brought this technology into the everyman's home garden, as well as many scientists' efforts to understand plant nutrition over the past 200 years. The Babylonians and the Egyptians both used water culture. In Babylon, their hanging gardens were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

[@adhdeity]

My man got the blues clues shirt 👕 on 😂

[@Paul97749]

Il manque le plus important, (le résultat ) est-ce que cette méthode produit peu, beaucoup ou presque pas de patate ?

[@gordongoos8995]

Perhaps a clear drain tube would show how high the nutrient solution is??

[@poor_impulsive]

yeaaaaah, i tried in the past... they end up getting too much light exposure, which leads to growths/moldy unwanted things.... but it does work... but lifting the lid and having a look is just as good. You dont want light getting to your water/nutrient mix... causes growths in the right conditions

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

@Anthony Driver is right. It will cause algae to grow in the tube. I always keep at least one spot empty in the system and make sure that spot is on a side. Then inside the tub I use a grease pencil to mark the correct water level. I can then use the empty spot to see the water level and top it off, or do pH tests, etc.

[@poor_impulsive]

Family Plot great idea... didnt think of that. Way better than having to lift the lid and potentially disturb roots. Thanks for that tip ^_^

[@samuellacombe2103]

What is the diameter of the neoprene plant holders?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

The neoprene plant holders are 3" in diameter. They are sold in the same diameters available for the net cups so they fit snugly.

[@samuellacombe2103]

@@FamilyPlotGarden Thank you!

[@billcoley8520]

Young fellow. I have a suggestion that later in life you will think me for.. don’t lift anything heavy by yourself. Especially like you did that water and at a twisted position. I was a lineman for a power company for many years, plus I was a so called hero in my own mind. In other words I never ask for help when lifting things. Now at age 60 I’ve had 3 lower back surgeries

[@WATCHINGTHEWATCHERS]

Bend those knees.

[@raymonddumas9334]

don’t lift anything heavy by yourself. I know, I have to take my girlfriend with me to the urinal.

[@h.cab.1465]

You said you keep a cinnamon bag on top of the pump just in case?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

I think he said to have a filter bag over the pump to keep the roots out.

[@rockyfalcoa9713]

How to change the nutrient solution in a hydroponics/aeroponics system (fast forward): 3:27

[@frankiesun09]

Those plants should have been way bigger 2 months later... What happened? Not enough light? Not enough water? Can you explain Please?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

They were in a low-ish light situation. We were using a grow light that was too small. We have moved them to a large window and they grew much faster.

[@joshuamakinson5949]

@@FamilyPlotGarden ROOT ROT

[@cheflife420]

👍

[@probegt75]

Idk know why they waste time adding nutes using the pipette just dump it all into one bucket the add both buckets of water to the tote

[@devonr7497]

Can you top off your plants with a little bit of nutrients if you stir it in and dont mess with the roots of course, pretty sure i already know the answer is no but... If it is no, then i will have to redo all my water within the first week when starting from seed because you need very low ppm for the first week but after the first week you need over double ofc... How do i resolve this issue thanks for your time guys

[@birungikenneth889]

how often do you change nutrient solution

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

We change it every week. The tomatoes suck up the nutrients quickly. I have a system at home that I use to grow lettuce and it can go for several weeks without a change. It just depends on what you are growing.

[@birungikenneth889]

i wish i can see your design how it works .

[@probegt75]

Birungi Kenneth Didn't you watch the same video as the rest of us? He tells you at the beginning....maybe lay off the ganja

[@proulx62]

What is your watering interval? Do you use a short period timer or is the pump left on constantly?

[@xmachine7003]

@@proulx62 constantly

[@billcoley8520]

Why not trim the roots back so they can grow again

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Plants grow enough roots to support the top and also grow a top that can be supported by the roots. If you cut the roots back they will not be able to absorb enough water and nutrients to support the top. The top will wilt until the roots can regrow the ability to absorb enough nutrients to support the top. If the plant runs out of stored nutrients before they regrow the plant will die.

[@adamjones7497]

Those pot plants look funny.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Tomato plants seem to do that.

[@atomizer2665]

@@FamilyPlotGarden That 1G 2M 3B mix isnt ideal for toms, its lacking N and seriously lacking K. You get much better yields if you supplement with potassium nitrate (KNO3). Gh nutrients dont stain the roots, its an old wives tale.. its caused by overwatering ;)

[@BoostedNW]

@@FamilyPlotGarden its funny, my tomato plants look like pot plants for some reason

[@JesusRodriguez-nc4fp]

Read the instructions on the back of those flora products it’s 5ml per 1 gallon not 1ml per 1 gallon the. Measurements were off

[@runargraneng4237]

2.5 to 15 depending on stage. www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/flora-series-rec.pdf

[@Paul97749]

Il manque le plus important (le résultat) est-ce que cette méthode produit peu, beaucoup ou très peu de patate ? On a rien vue, il manque le dessert

[@leighjenkins5601]

PH after nutrients. Rookie.

[@devonr7497]

Can you top off your plants with a little bit of nutrients if you stir it in and dont mess with the roots of course, pretty sure i already know the answer is no but... If it is no, then i will have to redo all my water within the first week when starting from seed because you need very low ppm for the first week but after the first week you need over double ofc... How do i resolve this issue thanks for your time guys

[@billcoley8520]

Strong back weak mind.

[@Sombisto]

Why not using a pump to fill back the tank? You might get a hernia picking up those heavy buckets.

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Good idea

[@billcoley8520]

I use the pump to empty and fill the tote.

[@charliewhittaker4913]

@@billcoley8520 Been looking into how to do that? Is it that easy?

[@billcoley8520]

c whitt yes it is. Fill your buckets up and have a spare pump with a long hose on it. Drop it in your bucket plug it in and save your back. Look. I was a lineman for a power company. I’ve had 3 lower back surgeries. Everything I lift now has wheels on it.

[@josephkoopel8483]

🤔?? how to mix 20 litres 5 Buckets of professor's nutrients GROWTH STAGE Organic Grow Organic Grow Fast FLOWERING STAGE Organic Bloom Organic Flower Boost Organic Terpene Gold

[@hybridcheef110]

He read the dosages wrong. its not 1ml per gallon lol. its 1 teaspoon which is 5ml. so he should of put 50ml in a 50 gallon tote.

[@jb3033]

He is mixing for a bloom phase not a clone or vegatative phase, so at that point u don't need as much nitrogen in ur mixture

[@wetwerk2178]

A 50gal tote would use a minimum 250ml of FloraGro at all times. 5ml per gallon x 50 gallons is 250ml. Always follow the directions on your nutrient bottle labels.

[@yadirbear]

Your last name, Dekarske sounds like a Basque last name.

[@ake1ro]

Roots are nice and healthy??? Come on man.....Roots are suffering!!!

[@didier3457]

HELLO, WHY ARE SUFFERING??

[@legenarymaster3696]

God I hate long awkward moment like in the beginning

[@xo-bagz9069]

bruh said the roots look good ummm nah they dont they dark n black looking lol but ig im 5 years late eitherr way lol

[@timmccalla7298]

I can never understand why it's so common people making videos like this that can't read directions. you're so far off on your solution mix. I mean what the heck? if you're instructing somebody at least figure out how to read a dosage chart.and mix properly

[@effyou128]

This is aeroponics NOT hydro Hydro is dwc rdwc this is areo!!!!

[@paulusviljoen8426]

How often do you replace the water?

[@FamilyPlotGarden]

Depends on the plant. For the tomatoes we change it weekly. For lettuce or lighter feeders it can go longer.