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Frequently Asked Questions at Hydro Pacific
What Is Hydroponics?
The word “hydroponics” comes from Greek and means literally "water working." Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants in liquid that is highly oxygenated and nutrient enriched, rather than in soil.
In an outdoor garden, microorganisms, fungi, sun and water decompose organic matter into the basic nutrient salts that are then taken up by the roots. With hydroponics, irrigation water is enriched with these nutrient salts, delivering a nutrient solution that is perfectly balanced directly to the plant roots.
To support the plants, a hydroponic system requires an inert medium like fiber, sand or stone to anchor the roots. Hydroponic mediums are very porous to maximize circulation of air and water necessary for a healthy plant.
Since hydroponically growing plants have their nutrients delivered directly to their roots, they don’t have to spend time and energy developing lots of long roots. Since they can devote themselves to growing leaf, flower and fruit, yields are higher (30-50%) in a well-managed hydroponic garden.
How can I tell if I’m over or under fertilizing?
Signs of over fertilization can be seen first on the new growth. You’ll see “burning” (yellowing, browning and drying out) on the tips of the plant even before they curl down. Another sign is chlorosis or yellowing of the foliage.
Under fertilization affects the older growth of the plant. Nutrients move upwards toward the new growth first, so if there is a deficiency the undergrowth will yellow and, if not treated, turn soft and fall off.
What are the different nutrients that a hydroponic garden must have?
All plants, however they are grown, need 16 basic elements to grow. The top three, which are expressed by the numbers on fertilizer bags, are Nitrogen Phosphorous and Potassium ( N P K). The other 13 elements are the micro-nutrients, which are usually plentifully present in garden soils, so most people are not familiar with them. Hydroponic nutrient formulations include balanced mixes of all sixteen nutrient salts.
We recommend using preformulated hydroponic nutrients that you mix with water and add to your system. Pre-formulated nutrients come in powders and liquids. Call Hydro Pacific for advice on how you can customize the mix for specific crops and different phases of growth (such as one mix for vegetative growth and another for flowering/fruiting phases).
How can I dampen the noise from my grow room's duct fans?
Here is a DIY way to really cut noise from wall or ceiling mounted fans. Besides the fan and mounting hardware, you will need:
o Insulation foam adhesive strip
o Heat-shrink tubing (from any electronics shop)
Cut the tubing to about three quarters the length of the mounting screws and shrink them onto the screws with heat. Voila! Rubber coated screws to dampen the transmission of the fan’s vibration to the wall.
Next, stick the foam tape along all four edges of the fan that will be facing the wall. All sides must be covered! Mount the fan on the wall, compressing the foam tightly to make an airtight seal with the wall.
How do I use neem oil?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, which has been used for thousands of years in India. Neem oil is non-toxic to animals or people but deadly to insects and molds. Neem oil is systemic, meaning the plant absorbs it and spreads it throughout its structures. It is most effective as a preventative, where you spray your crop at certain times, whether or not you see pests, but is also effective after trouble has started.
Since neem oil is an oil, it doesn’t mix with water and so can clog sprayers and leave plants sticky with oil. To avoid these problems, the oil must be suspended in water before being applied. Here’s how to do it:
In a quart of warm water, put 1.5 tsp of cold-pressed neem oil and one tsp of liquid dishwashing soap. Shake well. If it still separates, add a little more soap. Spray liberally on all plant surfaces.
Call Hydro Pacific for recommendations on how often and when to use neem oil.
The word “hydroponics” comes from Greek and means literally "water working." Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants in liquid that is highly oxygenated and nutrient enriched, rather than in soil.
In an outdoor garden, microorganisms, fungi, sun and water decompose organic matter into the basic nutrient salts that are then taken up by the roots. With hydroponics, irrigation water is enriched with these nutrient salts, delivering a nutrient solution that is perfectly balanced directly to the plant roots.
To support the plants, a hydroponic system requires an inert medium like fiber, sand or stone to anchor the roots. Hydroponic mediums are very porous to maximize circulation of air and water necessary for a healthy plant.
Since hydroponically growing plants have their nutrients delivered directly to their roots, they don’t have to spend time and energy developing lots of long roots. Since they can devote themselves to growing leaf, flower and fruit, yields are higher (30-50%) in a well-managed hydroponic garden.
How can I tell if I’m over or under fertilizing?
Signs of over fertilization can be seen first on the new growth. You’ll see “burning” (yellowing, browning and drying out) on the tips of the plant even before they curl down. Another sign is chlorosis or yellowing of the foliage.
Under fertilization affects the older growth of the plant. Nutrients move upwards toward the new growth first, so if there is a deficiency the undergrowth will yellow and, if not treated, turn soft and fall off.
What are the different nutrients that a hydroponic garden must have?
All plants, however they are grown, need 16 basic elements to grow. The top three, which are expressed by the numbers on fertilizer bags, are Nitrogen Phosphorous and Potassium ( N P K). The other 13 elements are the micro-nutrients, which are usually plentifully present in garden soils, so most people are not familiar with them. Hydroponic nutrient formulations include balanced mixes of all sixteen nutrient salts.
We recommend using preformulated hydroponic nutrients that you mix with water and add to your system. Pre-formulated nutrients come in powders and liquids. Call Hydro Pacific for advice on how you can customize the mix for specific crops and different phases of growth (such as one mix for vegetative growth and another for flowering/fruiting phases).
How can I dampen the noise from my grow room's duct fans?
Here is a DIY way to really cut noise from wall or ceiling mounted fans. Besides the fan and mounting hardware, you will need:
o Insulation foam adhesive strip
o Heat-shrink tubing (from any electronics shop)
Cut the tubing to about three quarters the length of the mounting screws and shrink them onto the screws with heat. Voila! Rubber coated screws to dampen the transmission of the fan’s vibration to the wall.
Next, stick the foam tape along all four edges of the fan that will be facing the wall. All sides must be covered! Mount the fan on the wall, compressing the foam tightly to make an airtight seal with the wall.
How do I use neem oil?
Neem oil is a natural pesticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, which has been used for thousands of years in India. Neem oil is non-toxic to animals or people but deadly to insects and molds. Neem oil is systemic, meaning the plant absorbs it and spreads it throughout its structures. It is most effective as a preventative, where you spray your crop at certain times, whether or not you see pests, but is also effective after trouble has started.
Since neem oil is an oil, it doesn’t mix with water and so can clog sprayers and leave plants sticky with oil. To avoid these problems, the oil must be suspended in water before being applied. Here’s how to do it:
In a quart of warm water, put 1.5 tsp of cold-pressed neem oil and one tsp of liquid dishwashing soap. Shake well. If it still separates, add a little more soap. Spray liberally on all plant surfaces.
Call Hydro Pacific for recommendations on how often and when to use neem oil.
