basics 2

Perlite

expanded clay balls

Some plants being propagated in aeroponics

Grodan Rockwool is the worlds best, and comes in cubes, slabs, and loose floc. Growool, Australias own brand is reasonable quality, and comes in the same forms but not necessarily in the same sizes

Growing Media

Perlite - White granule manufactured in a kiln. It is free from any disease because of the heating process as it is made. It holds around the same amount of water as soil, but more difficult to over water. It suits hand watering in normal pots and saucers, wick systems and Automatic Valve systems

Expanded Clay - Terracotta coloured clay ball made in a kiln. Like perlite, it is sterile, and holds water for around 1- 4 hours. It is most suitable for Trickle feeding, and flood and drain systems.

No media - Aeroponics - Aeroponics usually use small netted pots filled with clay balls for support, but the roots generally are in the air where the nutrient can be sprayed onto them.

No Media - Nutrient Film technique - The roots lie in the channels, and soak up nutrient from the flowing stream. The roots are never under water, and get their oxygen from the channel. (If submerged, roots may rot)

Rockwool - Spun from liquid rock, this product looks like insulation. It is similar and made from horticultural components. (insulation has fire retardant chemicals and water repellents so are unsuitable for Hydroponics) Used for propagation, and as slabs this is popular in Europe, and is used mostly for Hobby growers in Australia.

Vermiculite - Vermiculite is a highly absorbent material able to hold around 200 times its own weight in water. It is added to Perlite and soil mixes if the mix has to hold water longer than normal. Note Perlites that hold water poorly are generally cheap and grey, not white. Look for a White perlite such as Chillego brand in Australia.

Others: Absorbastone is mined in Queensland and is similar to Versarock. Both have failed to catch on. Scoria is popular in New Zealand and Victoria, but limited availability makes it difficult to buy in other states. Coconut fibre comes in bricks and has proved promising, however, take care as I have had some problems. Use a Coco specific nutrient, as it does make a difference, and rinse really well. If fungus attacks on plants this may be coco related and use Microkill ( a friendly bacteria)

Nutrients

We have a range of nutrients. Most of the brands get more expensive as they get more effective. They include Powergro, General Hydroponics, Coco Feed, Optimum, Ozimagic, Europonic, as well as others. As a hobby grower, most people start with our own inexpensive brand, and move up to others if they wish to see more advanced results. Prices range and I do not wish to spend too much time on prices here, however, cheaper powders are available as well, but you get what you pay for. Commercial Nutrients are made for the farmer, and come under a different price structure. But for now, an example of cost.....

Our basic nutrient is available in several sizes.
$12 (makes 100litres) refills $8 (must have original containers)
$20 (makes 200litres) refills $15
$50 (makes 1000litres) refills $45
$150 (makes 5000litres) refills $125

I can use this nutrient as an example. It is an A and B pack, where the A part contains the main calcium and iron, and the B part which contains mostly everything else. The calcium has to be kept separate in the concentrated form to keep it from solidifying. All you need to do is add to every litre of water, 5ml of A, stir the liquid and then add 5ml of B. This will give you a nutrient solution that is the right strength for most applications. If mixed with most town water supplies the pH will be around 6-6.8 which is fine if you have no pH testing. We suggest testing the nutrient is around this range is good for peace of mind, but if you develop any problems with the plants have the pH checked at a Hydroponic or Pool shop. You should be able to get a simple test kit under $10 at a Hydroponic Shop, or a Pet store or Pool shop.

Fluorescents are great for small young plants. This is an example of one of the attractive wooded packages.

Veggie lights are for young plants or supplements to sunlight.

Agro lights have a distinct yellow colour and come in a variety of reflector designs.

Lighting

Many people enjoy excellent growing all year long under grow lighting. You can use the lighting to get faster growth (18 hours per day of light), or grow in areas that have insufficient light. Examples might be

Fluorescent - Useful for seed raising and cuttings. Also used when some light is available, such as a living room, and the fluorescent can be used to enhance growth by running for 18 hours per day. Can be less effective for larger plants. From $50

Our Veggie lights - for use where sunlight is not providing plant growth and plants need a boost. As pictured 250Watt $99

AGRO type lights - These replace sunlight and can control the time plants flower or fruit by reducing the length of the day. We have an information sheet on this here

A 400 Watt covers around 1m x 1m,
costs around $200 (call for latest specials)

A 600 Watt covers around 1.5m x 1.5m,
costs under $260

A 1000W Super-Gro metal halide covers around 1.6x1.6m, costs under $380 (call for latest specials)

A 1000W HPS agro covers around 1.8m x 1.8m.costs under $460 (call for latest specials)

For lighting advice contact us on the site, call us on 07 5527 4155 or look at our information page

Website and all material Copyright 1999 Scott Andrew, Nerang Hydroponic Centre and hydrocentre.com.au
Not to reproduced in any form with consent of owners