Feed frequency & volume
Feed requirements will depend on medium and system type, stage of growth, air temperature and humidity.
NFT (no media)
Feed outlet flow rates must ensure the entire root mat is covered. During daylight, the pump can be operated either continuously or intermittently e.g. 10-20 feeds per hour. Feed frequency can be less at night. Be wary of sudden increases in air temperature because increased transpiration and evaporation can cause roots to dry out if under watering or pump failure occurs.
Perlite, Vermiculite, Expanded clay
Water sufficiently to ensure the entire root mat is fed and flushed. Generally feed once every 1-3 hours during daylight, and use a lower feed frequency at night.
Soil / Coco Coir / Rockwool
These media are typically used in ‘run-to-waste’ systems. As they are prone to water-logging, over-watering must be avoided as it can cause oxygen starvation, pest invasion (fungus gnat), and fungal diseases. Soil and coco coir can be improved in this regard by adding up to 30% perlite or expanded clay. Feed requirements will vary as the plant matures. Some guiding principles are:
Nutrients or plain water: For coco and Rockwool, use nutrients at each watering. For soils with high capacity to retain nutrients (high CEC), it may be beneficial to use nutrients at just each alternate watering. This will help minimize salt build-up and the need for frequent flushing.
Feed times: To avoid water-logging, generally do not feed at night (lights-off period). Begin feeds at the beginning of daylight and cease at least 2 hours before night.
Feed volume: Nutrient feed volume should produce about 10-20% run-off out the bottom of the pot i.e. Collect 10-20ml at the drainage point for every 100ml of feed volume. Run-off helps ensure plants obtain a correct balance of nutrients and that the root-zone and medium is flushed of nuisance salts and thoroughly watered.
Feed frequency: As a rule-of-thumb, generally feed once per day, or once every other day. To determine if plants are ready for feeding, lift the pot (or slab) to check if it feels light. Alternatively:
• For soil, only feed once the soil feels dry up to about 1 inch (25mm) below its surface.
• For coco, feed if the color of the coco’s surface has begun to lighten or feels dry. Note, when plants are more mature (mid-to-late veg and throughout bloom), some growers prefer to feed several times per day. Assuming water-logging and its associated issues are avoided, more frequent waterings help minimize root-zone salt build-up (and lock-out) and the risk of deficiency symptoms.
Flushing
Flushing is done to remove deposits of salt precipitates, general dirt and algae from the root zone, medium and other system parts. Pay particular attention to flushing the root zone and feed circuit. Inspect filters, inlets and feed outlets prior to replenishing the system with fresh nutrient. These are prone to becoming blocked with solid material dislodged during the flushing process.
Recirculating systems
Flushing is done immediately after the nutrient is discarded. First, do any necessary manual cleaning, such as the removal of any obvious build-up. Then partly fill the reservoir with fresh water and operate the pump to flush the feed circuit, medium and root zone. Flushing can be enhanced by spraying with a garden hose. Discard the waste, then repeat the process until the waste water is clear and its EC is equivalent to that of the input water.
Run-to-waste systems
As a general rule, coco coir and soil systems should be flushed weekly, and Rockwool flushed every second week. The frequency ultimately depends on factors such as stage of growth, salinity and temperature.
If flushing can be scheduled to occur when the nutrient reservoir is empty, then the existing system hardware can be used. Place low alkalinity water (pH 5-6) in the reservoir and operate the nutrient pump until the EC of the run-off water is no higher than about 0.5mS above that of the water in the reservoir. This is generally achieved once about 3 times the normal feeding volume is used. It can be a benefit to do additional flushing with a garden hose if the surface of the medium is readily accessible.
If the nutrient reservoir cannot be emptied to conduct flushing, it is beneficial to have another dedicated reservoir and pump for flushing. This can be connected to the existing feed circuit at a junction controlled by a 3-way valve. The valve is simply diverted to the second reservoir whenever flushing occurs.
© Andrew M Taylor (FloraMax)
FAQs
Generally feed once every 1-3 hours during daylight, and use a lower feed frequency at night. These media are typically used in 'run-to-waste' systems. As they are prone to water-logging, over-watering must be avoided as it can cause oxygen starvation, pest invasion (fungus gnat), and fungal diseases.
How long should you flush in hydroponics? ›
Most experts recommend at least a week, and as long as 2 weeks of plain water or using a flushing agent. If you're growing in coco, however, you'll probably be fine with a week or less.
How often should I flush coco coir? ›
Soil growers should flush the longest, at 1–2 weeks. Coco coir growers should flush for a shorter time, around one week or less (watch to make sure your plant doesn't turn too yellow too fast, because coco does not hold on to as much extra nutrients).
Is FloraMax good? ›
Does FloraMax use high quality ingredients? FloraMax utilizes the highest grade of ingredients available for plant nutrient products. Further, these are carefully balanced to avoid any unnecessary excess. This ensures the nutrient solution “runs clean” without blocking drippers or emitters.
How often do I feed my hydroponic plants? ›
If you drain, clean and remix the nutrients every 7 to 10 days, it's okay to top off with fresh water daily. As plants consume nutrients and water, the nutrient strength in the hydroponic reservoir will change. GENERALLY, nutrient strength should run between 800 to 1500 parts per million (ppm).
How many times do you flush per day? ›
A new WaterSense high-efficiency toilet could save a family of four over $300 per year on their water and sewer bill. Review the table below to see how much a toilet upgrade could save you per person in your household. 1. National estimates say that each person flushes the toilet approximately five times a day.
Do buds still grow when flushing? ›
Plants, however, do not stop growing when they are being flushed. Rapidly expanding buds can be seen even while the flush is removing nutrients. High nutrient levels are not typical in nature, so when nutrients are encountered, all are welcome.
Do buds fatten up during flush? ›
All in all, as long as you provide an ideal environment for your plants you won't be disappointed in their buds. In addition to these, you can try other techniques such as plant training and flushing before harvest, to further fatten up your buds.
Do you feed nutrients every time you water in coco coir? ›
In comparison, because coir's ability to hold and exchange nutrients with the plant is much greater than most soils, the buildup of salt is reduced in the coir based media. Therefore, by feeding with the nutrient solution at every watering, you can maintain relatively uniform chemical conditions at the root zone.
Do you feed nutrients every time you water? ›
Feed requirements will vary as the plant matures. Some guiding principles are: Nutrients or plain water: For coco and Rockwool, use nutrients at each watering. For soils with high capacity to retain nutrients (high CEC), it may be beneficial to use nutrients at just each alternate watering.
USE ONLY AS DIRECTED
Use Flowering Enhancer throughout the flowering / fruiting phase. Add to existing nutrient solution at 2ml/L (1½ tsp/gal) then stir well. Use this solution for every watering.
Is FloraMax organic? ›
The FloraMax range incorporates a sophisticated blend of both organics and inorganics. FloraMax uses the latest “purified” organic compounds to provide a clear competitive advantage in terms of improved plant structure, enhancement to trichomes and oils, and fast, predictable cropping speeds.
Are bio diesel nutrients organic? ›
BIO DIESEL NUTRIENTS PACK / ORGANIC HYDROPONIC NUTRIENTS
Bio Diesel products offer an organic solution to synthetic fertigation through biological driven processes, working with the natural microbiome and plant symbiosis to achieve maximum nutrient uptake of all minerals through beneficial biology.
When should I flush my hydroponics? ›
The vast majority of growers flush their plants during the flowering cycle, just before harvest time. This is done right at the end of the flowering cycle, when the plant still contains enough nutrients to survive for a few more days without the grower supplying additional fertilizers.
Can you overfeed hydroponic plants? ›
1) Poor Nutrient Management
Overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn, stunted growth, and even plant death. Conversely, underfeeding can result in nutrient deficiencies, weak plants, and lower yields. It is essential to properly mix your stock solutions and closely monitor the EC and pH levels to avoid such issues.
How often should I change the water in my hydroponic system? ›
The best time to change your hydroponic water entirely is after you've topped it off enough times to fill it fully. For an average-size hydroponic system, you'll likely need to change your water every two to three weeks.
How long should a flush take? ›
Some toilets have a dual-flush feature – two different buttons releasing a different quantity of water – but no matter the type of toilet, its design uses water, and help from pressure and gravity, to push any waste in the bowl down into the toilet trap. It's an entire process that typically takes about 15 seconds.
Is 1 week flush enough? ›
Timing Is Key: When To Flush Your Plants
If you're growing in soil, begin flushing between one and two weeks before harvest. If you're growing in coco, flush your plants for up to one week prior to harvest. If you're growing in hydro, your plants only need to be flushed for one to two days.
How long does it take to flush water lines? ›
Typically it takes 30 minutes to 60 minutes to flush the water mains on each street. What should I do if my water is discolored after flushing of water mains? Water is often discolored after water main flushing, but this should not last long.
How long should water run in hydroponic system? ›
Here's an example of a watering schedule for a drip hydroponic system growing lettuce, a common hydroponic crop for drip hydroponic systems: Seedling Stage (Days 1-7): Water every 2-3 hours for 15 minutes during the light cycle. Vegetative Stage (Days 8-21): Water every 4 hours for 15 minutes during the light cycle.
