Bill

Bill-

That is an excellent question that I should have covered in my previous
answer. There are basically two ways to get the nutrient solution to the
roots until the roots grow long enough to reach the bottom of the NFT
channel. You can raise the level of the nutrient solution in the NFT system
so that it comes in contact with the starter cubes, or you can make an
intermediate water culture system. We use a water culture system at our
facility which is basically a large plastic tray with a piece of Styrofoam
floating on top. The Styrofoam has holes the proper size to hold the cups so that the bottom of the cup is in the nutrient solution. Simply aerate the
nutrient solution and let the seedlings float around until the roots grow
enough to be placed into the NFT system. Depending on the plants, the roots should be long enough in just a few days. If you decide to raise the water level in your NFT system, you need to return the water level back to normal as soon as the roots are long enough. (Be careful that you have enough room in your reservoir for the excess nutrient solution when you lower the level).

P.H.

Dear Professor -

I have a simple question. I am considering buying a h.p.s. light fixture, I'm figuring on buying a 400w lamp, but I keep seeing 430w lamps sold with 430w Son Agro bulbs, my question is: in your experience is it worth it to spend the extra $50 and if I'm not satisfied with the results of the Son Agro bulb will I have a difficult time finding a 430w HPS bulb to replace it? thank you for your kind assistance.

Chris

Chris -

At Simply Hydroponics the 430 agro bulb is a $20 upgrade from a standard 400 HPS bulb. In my opinion the extra money is well worth it. The 430 puts out more light than a standard 400 (53,000 lumens Vs. 50,000 lumens) and has 30% more light in the blue spectrum as well (which helps with the vegetative growth of your plants). The 430 watt HPS bulb was designed from the ground up specifically for agriculture. We have had many customers that have switched from the 400 to the 430 and they all rave about the results, and NONE have gone back to the straight 400. To be honest we haven't sold a straight 400 HPS system in months. If for some reason you are unhappy with a 430 SonAgro, a straight 400 bulb can be used in the same system.

P.H.

Professor-

I'm working with  hydroponic forage, have you some information about it?
I'm producing hydroponic forage (Zea mays, Sorghum, Lablab purpureus). Thanks.

Carlos R.

Carlos R.-

I have to apologize and hang my head in shame, I don't have any
information to share about the crops that you are growing. I can only give
you some very obvious advice that you find out what conditions these
particular plants like and then duplicate these conditions with your
hydroponic system(s). I,m sorry I couldn't be of more help, but I will post
your question on our website and ask that anyone with the information you need can contact me and I will pass it along to you. How about it people? Anyone have any information for Carlos?

P.H.

Professor -

Would fiberglass work for a green house?

Martin

Martin -

I have seen many greenhouses that use corrugated fiberglass panels.
They come in many different colors and varying degrees of transparency.
These fiberglass panels cost more than some other methods of greenhouse covering (like plastic), but they last for years. You will need a pretty good structure to attach these panels to, usually constructed of wood.

P.H.

Excuse me Mr. Professor -

Could you please give me some information on how to grow lettuce using a hydroponic system which can be made out of things like ice cream containers, and also some general information on how to grow a  lettuce and possibly even a tomato.

Snowpea

Snowpea -

You can grow lettuce in just about anything that holds water. Make
a "float" out of Styrofoam that fits the container that you plan to use.
CLICK HERE for general info about water culture. If you want to do another method of hydroponics you could use the containers in a hand-water bucket system. This type of system will also work well with
larger plants like tomatoes. CLICK HERE for general info about
this type of system.

P.H.

To the oh so smart Professor -

What do you do when there is a leak in your hydroponic system and all the water comes out? Just out of curiosity- not that it's happened to me.

Darcy

Darcy -

What do you do if your hydroponic system springs a leak? Most people
cuss, get a mop, cuss some more, clean up the water (while cussing) and
after that most people would fix the leak and get on with their lives.

P.H.