Q. When to use hard water feed and when soft water?
A. Measure the pH of the water you plan to use for your cultures. If the pH is over 7.5 and the EC value above 0.8 - 0.9 then use hard water feed. In all other cases, soft water feed should be used. When using soft water feed, adjust your water pH with either pH Down Dry or pH Down Liquid.


Q. How do I measure and adjust the pH of my water prior to use?
A. For a correct reading of the pH, the water should be de-chlorinated i.e. left to stand exposed to allow the chlorine to evaporate for 24 hours before attempting pH reading. The easiest way to read the pH is by using an Electronic pH pen or by using the pH indicator kit (both options available at our store).


Q. Why is it necessary to measure the pH in hydroponics?
A. pH value in hydroponics and aeroponic cultures is very crucial. In such cultures, the pH range should be anywhere between 5.4 and 6.7. Only at this range do the nutrients become available to the plants. Outside this range, the plants are unable to absorb any nutrients through their roots.


Q. Is it necessary to measure the pH in soil cultures?
A. The answer is No. When growing in soil, the pH range for maximum nutrient availability to the plants is much larger than in hydroponics.


Q. What temperature should I keep in my nutrient tank?
A. The temperature of the nutrient solution should be between 20 - 22o C or 68 - 71o F. A small (50W) aquarium heater can be used for the cold winter days. Just set its thermostat to the desire temperature and you are set.


Q. When to use Nitric acid and when to use Phosphoric acid to lower the pH of the nutrient solution?
A. It is advised that you should use Nitric acid in the vegetative stage and phosphoric in the flowering stage of the plants. An alternative of course, is to use the pH Down in Dry form.


Q. Should I replace my nutrient solution regularly?
A. Replace the nutrient solution of the system every two weeks for seedlings and young plants. As plants grow bigger, it is advised to replace the solution every week for better results in terms of yield and plant health.





Q. The pH fluctuates every day. How often should I adjust it?
A. The pH will fluctuate daily if using recirculation systems like Drip Systems, NFT and Flood & Drain. Do not be alarmed. This is normal. Adjust the pH every two or three days instead of daily to avoid build-up of acid (phosphoric or nitric) in the system.


Q. Which lamp should I use during the vegetative stage of the plants?
A. In general, 2000 lumens per square feet would be about as low as you want to go when growing indoors. If you get below this mark, plant growth will certainly slow down, and internode/stem length will excessively increase. Metal Halide (MH) lamps are the best choice for the vegetative stage. A good alternative is to use compact fluorescents rated at 6500K but be sure to exceed the 2000 lumens per square feet.


Q. Which lamp should I use during the flowering stage of the plants?
A. High Pressure Sodium (HPS) is the best choice during this stage. An alternative solution is to use compact fluorescents rated at 2700K. When in flowering stage, the more light you provide the plants, the bigger will be the yield.


Q. How close should the lamp be to my plants?
A. Although this depends on the ambient temperature of the room, the lamp should be placed as closed to the plants as possible. Place your open palm over the growing tips of your plants. Adjust the height of your lamp to the point where you feel no heat. It is ideal to keep a HID light 45 - 90cm above the tops of your plants. Lower wattage lights 150w or 250w can be as close as 30cm but a 1000w light should at least be 75cm away to prevent undesirable burning.


Q. What is the temperature range that I should aim for my room?
A. When lights are ON, try to keep the temperature between 25 - 28oC and when they are switched OFF between 20 - 22oC. Placing your growing system in a well ventilated area will help you to achieve this.





Q. Should I use a reflector with my light system?
A. Using a reflector with your light system is a must. Reflectors redirect the light towards the plants thus avoiding light wastage. Remember, more light means healthier plants and bigger yields.


Q. How often should I change my bulbs?
A. When using HID light system such as MH or HPS, it is advised to replace the bulb every 9 - 12 months. Compact Fluorescent bulbs should be replaced at least every year.


Q. Why are the leaves curling up? What is wrong?
A. When leaves curl up it means that the plant is losing too much water. This can be caused if the light is too close to the plants or if the humidity is very low. To correct this problem, place the light higher and prevent air from heavily blowing directly on your plants.


Q. Why are the leaves curling down? What is wrong?
A. When leaves curl down it means that the nutrient solution is too strong. To correct this problem, weaken the solution, place the light higher and prevent air from heavily blowing directly on your plants.


Q. The lower big leaves are turning yellow. What is wrong?
A. Do not be alarmed. This is normal. Bottom leaves will turn yellow and eventually die as the plant grows bigger and less light is available to its lower leaves. Older leaves will soon die to allow young leaves to thrive and collect as much light as possible.


Q. There are rusty spots/marks on my leaves. What is wrong?
A. Turn the leave upside down and check carefully for bugs. If the leaf is bug free, move the light higher, check the strength of the nutrient solution and the pH and adjust if necessary.


Q. The new shoots are turning yellow. What is wrong?
A. If the new tips of the plant are turning yellow or losing color, you should check the nutrient solution. In case of a strong nutrient solution, it is advised to make a new solution in order to prevent the problem from continuing to the lower parts of the plant as well. If the strength of your solution is OK, then check if the light is too close to the growing tips or if the temperature during the night is too cold.