The true art to getting a quality product from hydroponics
The keys to the finest of the fine product is all about work.
You must change those hydroponic tanks every 7 days. I know someone, let’s call him Mr P as he’s a perfectionist, who changes the solution every 1-2 days. His hydroponic product is outstanding as a result.
Under fertilising (if you are not sure) is the way forward…once over-fertilised there is no going back with hydroponic plants. The can detect the level of fertiliser by the depth of green on the plant. I like a moderate green but some people go for dark dark green. This promotes great growth but there is a distinct danger of over-fertilising and a debate wether you can flush out all the chemicals at the end.
Only careful experimentation will find the perfect EC levels for you plants, but I always recommend keep it on the moderated side.
Flushing is the final key, the longer your flush the better the hydroponic product. I flush for 2 weeks min, ideally 4 weeks. I have flushed for 9 weeks and the results were excellent but not effective from a cost-of-lighting.
Plants too close to the light
I really have to talk about this subject.
Back when I started hydroponic growing, on ill advice I had my lights way too close to the plants. Try a 250W about 12 inches from the tops of baby plants. That’s just plain crazy.
Now I aim for 36 - 48 inches away from the baby plants, 48 ideally if you have space.
You can cover around 3 square metres with a 250W light, much more than you would expect. The plants will stretch if light is inadequate, so don’t worry.
Too close to the light and the plants will stunt and stress…you’ll see the problems more during flowering.
Come flowering, I try to keep the light 36″ away also, too close and it nukes the flowers. Tying plants down helps if the strain can take it. I’ve always been a fan of 400W and 600W lights for flowering, because they might stress the plants less than a 1000W.
A good tip is to use a old 400W or 600W bulb for the initial flowering stages, this gives the plants time to get used to the new wattage. Then move to a brand new 600W bulb for maximum flowering.
