Hydroponics FAQ

What is hydroponics?

In practice all this really means is all the nutrient minerals that a plant needs to live and grow are added to the water in the form of a complete nutrient package. Once the nutrients are in the water, there is no longer any need for the root environment to have any other properties other than good oxygen, moisture content and drainage for good root development. This effectively means that all of the plants nutritional requirements are met by the introduction of water based feed rather than from the rooting media. Growing hydroponically generally delivers 30%-50% extra yield with much faster growth rates than alternative growing methods. A typical crop turnaround period (from cutting to harvest) is between 12-14 weeks

Is growing in hydroponics easy?

There are hydroponic systems tailored to every level of ability, each one capable of delivering great results we are happy to advise so please call us. What's the best medium for flood & drain? This is debatable. Rockwool is the preferred method in the States and clay pebbles are preferred in Europe. Both work very well. It's up to you.

What is the best type of hydroponic system?

The one that suits you best! This is an entirely subjective choice as each person will prefer a different set-up and have different requirements (i.e. number of plants, height of system). Call us to discuss your personal requirements and we can advise you personally.

How do I know whether to use hard or soft water feed?

Officially, hard water is anything over pH 7. In practical terms, for growing plants hydroponically hard water feeds should only be used for very hard water generally with a pH above 7.8 and a cF value above 8-9. Soft water feed should be used in all other cases and the water will need to be pH adjusted with either nitric or phosphoric acid.

How do I test and adjust my pH?

Electronic pH pens are available from £39.00 upwards. Many people still like to use manual indicator kits which are easy to use and foolproof. These kits are available for £4.50. Water should be de-chlorinated (left to stand to allow the chlorine to evaporate) for 12 hours before testing.

Why do I need to test my pH?

When growing hydroponically, the nutrients are more available to the plants if the pH is between a range of 5.4-6.7.

What's the ideal water temperature for my nutrient?

Your nutrient solution should be between 20-23 degrees Celsius

Do I need to adjust my pH for my soil garden?

Simply, No! The nutrient availability pH range in a soil environment is much larger so pH adjustment is not necessary.

Should I use Nitric acid or Phosphoric acid for adjusting my pH?

This is your choice. It's just another option for you. Generally, Nitric acid is used in the vegetative stage and phosphoric in the flowering stage.

How often should I change my nutrient solution in my hydroponic system?

When the plants are young, every two weeks should suffice. With small nutrient tanks you may want to do it more often. When the plants are bigger, (eating and drinking more) it's best to change the solution every week to ensure optimum results.

Should I adjust my pH every day?

In recirculation systems (NFT, Flood & Drain) the pH will fluctuate on a daily basis. This is normal. Do not adjust the pH every day, rather every two or three days to avoid build-up of phosphoric acid in the system.

Do I need to introduce oxygen to my nutrient solution?

Although not necessary, addition of oxy-plus (liquid oxygen) can often be of benefit in increasing yield and helping the plant perform in demanding environments.

What is the best way of introducing oxygen?

Both the use of oxy-plus and air pumps and air stones are good ways of introducing oxygen. Use of air stones will also help keep the nutrient solution moving maintaining consistency and reducing stagnant water.

Do I need a nutrient heater?

These can be useful, especially in the colder months. They will prevent the nutrient solution from getting too cold when the lights are off. This will not be a problem when the lights are on. Maintain nutrient temperatures between 20-23 degrees Celsius.

Should I be using PK 13/14?

PK 13/14 is a phosphorous/potassium boost for mid to late flowering. This product should increase yield and weight of fruit and flowers. Add to your bloom feed.

Do I need an airstone in my nutrient tank? Why?

Most good hydroponic systems maintain enough oxygen content in the nutrient solution due to their design. This makes addition of airstones non-essential although they can be beneficial in keeping the solution moving at times when it is not in circulation around your system. This keeps the solution evenly mixed and always well aerated.

What's the best lamp to use for vegetative growth?

For early vegetative growth, fluorescent tubes work well but light loving plants need more light progressively as they get bigger. Generally, High output Grolux and Halide lamps are the most popular although Sodium work well too. We are happy to offer technical advice so please call us or come to the showroom for more help.

What's the best lamp to use for flowering my light loving plants?

Either a Grolux or Sodium lamp (or combinations of the two). Both work very well with the Grolux being the preferred choice of most customers at the moment.

What are the benefits of a Light Rail?

Your garden can be made larger using the same amount of light and electricity effectively increasing your yield per Watt.

How close should I have my 250w/600w light to my plant?

It may depend on factors like size and height of grow room and whether you have an extraction system. As a rough guide, with young plants, approx 4ft is a good start point. When the plants are big and strong, you may be able to get your light 2ft or even closer without burning. It is important to keep your plant healthy so always err on the side of caution.

How close should I have my 1000w light to my plant?

When the plants are young, 4-5ft. When they are big and strong (2ft plus tall) 2-3ft.

Should I be using a heat shield with my light?

As well as acting as a heat shield, they are designed to produce an even spread of light over your garden. They reduce hot spots under the lamp without reducing yield. It could be argued that everyone should be using them. Certainly people with multiple light sources should use them.

What are the advantages of open-ended reflectors?

Many reflectors on the market today are of gullwing type design with two wings and open ends. These reflectors are very popular and tend to work very well as most of the heat generated by the lamp itself comes out of the end of the tube. This design allows the heat to escape and allows the light to be closer than many closed end reflectors.

I want to put a timer on my light system. How should I do this?

On fluorescent systems, a standard digital or mechanical timer will suffice. On H.I.D. (High Intensity Discharge) lights such as 250W and larger Halide and Sodium systems, a normal timer would blow without the use of a JCO relay. These relays are used in conjunction with a normal timer and allow you to switch up to three or four lights on the one timer system. Relays and contactors start from approx £35.00.

What are the advantages of Cool Shades?

The Cool Shades sold at hydro1stop are of the 6-inch tubular type. These are very efficient at reducing heat as an extractor is attached directly to the end of the tube so the heat is sucked straight off the lamp. You do lose a bit of light, but it does mean that your lamp can be lowered directly onto your plants. Quality is often improved due to the reduction in heat.

How often should I change my bulbs?

For high output Sodium and Halide lamps, you should change your lamp at least every 9 months. This is because the performance of your bulbs steadily diminishes from three weeks after initial firing. From this point it is a straight line down in terms of performance versus time. Due to the low price of lamps these days, you often lose more yield than the cost of a new lamp if you leave replacement longer than this.

My growroom smells what should I do?

hydro1stop do not recommend Ozone generators for odour reduction. We do recommend carbon filters for complete odour elimination. These connect to the extraction system in your growroom. Contact us for further advice on size requirements and installation.

What's the ideal room temperature for my growroom?

When your lights are on, the ideal temperature for your growroom should be 24-27 degrees Celsius (in the shade) for most light loving plants. When the lights are off, the temperature should be between 21-24 degrees Celsius.

How much air exchange do I need in my grow chamber?

There are many factors which can affect your requirements (i.e. headroom) so please call us to discuss your requirements we are sure to find the best solution for your exact requirements. As a rough guide, 20 plus air changes per hour are necessary. The less headroom you have and the more lights you have, the more air exchange per hour you need.

How often does my carbon filter need changing?

Carbon filters generally last at least a year. Most of the larger sizes will last at least 18 months after which time a cheap refill may be obtained over the counter.

Should I use Mylar or Black & White sheeting?

Both have very high light reflective properties. Mylar reflects more light but also reflects more heat as it is ultimately a heat reflective material with virtually 100% heat reflection. Therefore Mylar can be a problem in small growrooms or rooms without good air exchange making them a bit too hot in summer.

Are the Hydro1Stop grow tents completely light proof?

A faint glow can be seen through the outside walls, but not enough to even read by. A second layer of sheeting would eliminate all light.

Do I need an extractor?

You may not need extractor, but you will always get better results with one and it will pay for itself very quickly in extra yield and better quality.

How good are the carbon filters?

The filters sold at Hydro1stop are 100% effective. We are committed to selling the best products and the highest quality.

Why don't you sell Ozone generators?

We are as yet unconvinced as to the safety of this equipment as ozone is hazardous to humans when inhaled.

My temperature gauge says my room is too hot, but my plants seem fine. What should I do?

If the plants are healthy and are growing every day, then there's probably not too much to worry about. All temperature readings should be taken in the shade. If you are still concerned, call us to discuss the problem, we will be happy to help.

Do I need an input fan on my growroom?

In a one light situation with one extractor, an input fan is generally not required. In a two or more light situation, it is usually of benefit to install an input fan as it will help cool your room, although this is not always essential.

What is the ideal night-time growroom temperature for my light loving plants?

For optimum growth rates, it is best to keep night temperatures between 21-24 degrees Celsius. Below 21 degrees Celsius may affect your yield although not your plant health.

Is air movement necessary in my growroom?

If using high output lights some air exchange will be necessary. Either natural venting or forced venting with an extractor.

Would I normally have to run my extractor all the time?

When using high output lights (250 Watt and above) to achieve optimum results run your extractor all the time whilst your light is on.

How can I quieten my extraction system?

Acoustic ducting is available from Hyrdo1Stop and will significantly reduce the noise made by the air entering and leaving the fan which is the primary source of noise with most fans. Silencers are also available and for larger gardens, acoustic fans rubber mounted inside acoustic boxes are also available.

I have a 250w light. Do I need an extractor?

Not essential, although better results will always be achieved using one. In tight confined spaces, it may be essential. Call us to discuss your requirements, we are happy to help

Can you fit a carbon filter to a closet extractor?

Yes you can! The closet extractor has a flow rate of 160m3/hour. This matches nicely to the CF160 carbon filter sold at hydro1stop. Both have 100mm connections and 100mm ducting is available by the metre.

My leaves are curling up. What's happening and how can I stop this?

Leaves curl up at the margin and tip in an attempt to retain water. If they are curling up, this would indicate slight environmental problem: Either your light is a little too close to the plant or your oscillating fans are drawing too much moisture from the leaves. To remedy this problem, move your light up and make sure oscillating fans are not blowing too heavily on the leaves.

My leaves are curling down. What's happening and how can I stop this?

Similarly to upwards leaf curling, the plant is trying to retain moisture by reducing its leaf surface area. A downward curl would indicate that your nutrient solution is too strong. To remedy this problem, reduce feed strength, move your light up and make sure oscillating fans are not blowing too heavily on the leaves.

My big bottom leaves are losing colour. What's wrong, and how can I stop this?

This would be quite normal in a high light situation. The large leaves at the bottom of the plant will lose colour as they get old and younger leaves nearer the light will take over as the main leaf engines of the plant.

I have rusty spots/marks and light colouring on my leaves. What is wrong?

Check for bugs, especially on the undersides of the leaves. If no bugs are present it could be an environmental or nutrient problem. Take immediate demands off the plant (move light up, check nutrient strengths, and pH. Relieve stress) Make sure you call us for advise and support.

My new shoots are all light coloured. Is this a problem?

It could be. Check your nutrient solution or make a new solution. If this is OK your light may be too close or your night temperature too cold. Call us to discuss your problems, we are always happy to help.

My plants have stopped growing. What should I do?

Check everything! It could be anything from light heights to feed strengths. Call us to discuss the problem, we are always happy to help

What's the best medium for rooting cuttings?

Small rockwool cubes are the most popular medium as they tend to give 100% results although other mediums can be experimented with such as coir in net baskets in an attempt to reduce rooting time by using a looser medium.

How much light do I need to root my cuttings?

A fluorescent tube or two is generally all that is required over a propagator. This is ideal as the cuttings will not get too hot and they provide enough light to root all cuttings. Too much light when the cuttings have no roots will force them to keel over in the propagator.

When do I start feeding my plants in compost?

This will depend on what compost you are using. The All Mix sold at hydro1stop has enough organic feed within to last the plant 4-8 weeks depending on the amount of light

My cuttings will not root. What's going wrong?

Make sure your cubes are not too wet and the cutting is firm in the cube (not wobbly!). Ideal humidity is 75-85% RH. Ideal temperature is 21 -27 degrees Celsius.

Do I need a propagator to start my cuttings?

Yes. You will have too many problems maintaining a high humidity without one.

Do I need a propagator to start my seeds?

A propagator is only needed to crack the seed shell. Once the tap root emerges from the crack, they can be put straight under the light in cubes or pots. Cracking the shell may alternatively be done on tissue paper negating the need for a propagator.

Can I root my cuttings in rockwool and then plant into soil?

Once cuttings are rooted into small cubes, they can generally be transplanted into almost anything or any kind of system including directly into a pot of soil.

How do I increase my yield?

The most important factors in a successful garden are

1. Good stock

2. Lots of light

3. Good air exchange.

These are the first three things that need to be addressed. If you are happy with these you are now an experimental gardener! Please feel free to try different feeds and booster products in an attempt to find what works best for your plants and your garden. All products sold at hydro1stop are tried and tested and we recommend all of them. Check the home page for news of new products. A good active hydroponic system will always increase yield.