If you're going to build a hydroponics system, it's best to beginwith a container to use as a reservoir. For homemade systems, it'sbest to use a fish tank or a similar object. Once you find asuitable reservoir, you must paint it black. The black pain willmake your reservoir light proof, because if light enters thereservoir it will promote the growth of algae. It is also a goodidea to score a line on your reservoir once it is painted( use aknife, and scratch off paint in a straight line from top tobottom), which allows you to monitor the amount of water in yourreservoir. Some people may not have to score their reservoir ifthey use a floater (Styrofoam), which indicates the amount of waterin the reservoir by sinking. However, the line will give a view ofthe nutrient solution level.
Styrofoam should be used in your homemade reservoir. Beforeinstalling the Styrofoam into your reservoir, you should use a tapemeasure to measure the reservoir, from inside of the reservoir fromone end to the other. Once your reservoir is measured, cut theStyrofoam 1/4" smaller than the size of the reservoir. TheStyrofoam should fit nicely into your reservoir, and have enoughroom to adjust to changing water levels. Making your ownhydroponics system also requires you use net pots, and you shouldcut holes in the Styrofoam for the placing of the net pots. A holeshould also be cut into one end of the Styrofoam to allow for theairline to run into the reservoir.
When creating your own hydroponics system, it is also important toconsider how many plants you want to grow. The amount of plantsgrown should depend on the size of the garden you build and thetypes of crops grown. Plants should also be space appropriately soeach plant receives a generous amount of light. It's also importantto choose a strong pump for your hydroponics system. A strong pumpshould be able to provide enough oxygen to sustain plants. It'sbest to employ the help of a professional when choosing a pump froma hydroponics supply store. Giving the professionals informationabout the size of your reservoir should make it easier for them tomake a recommendation.
After installing a pump attach an airline to the pump and attachingan air stone to the other end of the line. It's important to makesure your airline is long enough to travel from the pump into thebottom of the reservoir. If the airline is not this long, then itshould float in the middle so oxygen bubbles can get to the roots.The line should also be the right size of the pump you choose, andmost pumps come with the right size airline. It's advisable to usea one-gallon bottle to fill your reservoir, which allows you tofigure the capacity of your reservoir.
Lighting is very important if you're building a hydroponics systemindoors. If the system is inside, you'll have to provide artificiallighting for your plants to thrive. The size of the garden willdetermine how many light fixtures and how many watts will be neededto provide proper light. It's a good idea to visit a lightingstore, where you will be able to receive more information on lightsto use for your system. When plants are in growth phase, they willneed high intensity discharge lamps. When plants are in bloom,high-pressure sodium lights increase yields and will grow denserand heavier flowers. Using fluorescent lighting is also an option,but fluorescent lights don't offer the same amount of lumens as theothers. Fluorescent lights are better suited for starters andseedlings and for growers with ventilation problems. Fluorescentalso burns cooler than other lights, which allows you to place yourplant closer to the light source without damaging them.
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Tips on Making your Own Hydroponics System
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