Some helpful hydroponics tips

I thought I would share some things learned over time.  Some the hard way.

*  When adding nutrients after a complete or partial cleaning, use a milk jug to mix the entire batch of nutrients in one gallon of water.  This allows the ability to shake and mix very well without having to stir the entire reservoir which can be quite messy!  Add a couple gallons of fresh water and turn the aerator back on.  Slowly add the one gallon mix to the reservoir.  Fill the remainder of the reservoir with water and slowly stir if needed.  This tip can greatly speed up the process as well as insure the nutrients are much more thoroughly mixed.

*  If using tap water from a treated source, let it stand for 24 hours with the container lid removed.  This will allow chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals to dissipate preventing any reactions with the plants or nutrients.

*  Reuse your media by soaking soak in a bath of 1/4 cup bleach to five gallons of water.  Rinse well with cool water and let dry before bagging.

*  Check your pH at a minimum every other day.  Daily after 1/2 the expected use time.

*  Record each of your actions in a journal for easy reference.  You will be amazed at how often you need to recall a nutrient change, harvest, light change, germination length, or transplanting method. I set up my journal specific to each batch from seed germination through final tear down and cleaning.

More tips to follow.......