HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common ways to boost the dissolved
oxygen content in a nutrient solution, but it is also one of the most debated
additives in the hydroponic community. Hydrogen peroxide naturally occurs
in rain water and has played an intricate role in plant and microbial evolution
since the beginning of time. Unfortunately, many growers overapply hydrogen
peroxide, and that is counterproductive. A high concentration of hydrogen
peroxide will create an oxidization effect, which kills beneficial organisms. So,
growers who wish to use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution as an oxygen
booster should do so in moderation. It should also be mentioned that the bene-
fits of using hydrogen peroxide to boost dissolved oxygen are short-lived. This
makes hydrogen peroxide more of a band-aid instead of a permanent solution
for maintaining dissolved oxygen levels in a hydroponic system.
“PUMPING
MORE AIR
does not necessarily
equate to a higher
dissolved oxygen content.”
A NEW METHOD FOR INCREASING DISSOLVED OXYGEN
A new technology specifically designed for increasing dissolved oxygen is
emerging in the hydroponic industry. This new technology involves oxygen
emitters that use electrolysis to generate molecular oxygen.
When an electric current passes through an ion-containing
solution like water, the electrolysis separates oxygen from
hydrogen. This process delivers more oxygen to the solution
than an air stone and an air pump. Electrolysis devices are not
limited by the available oxygen in the air; instead, they create
pure oxygen that can easily be absorbed back into the water
as dissolved oxygen. The other big benefit of these electrolysis
devices is they do not increase the temperature of the water.
Using an electrolysis device is the best method to ensure the
hydroponic nutrient solution will consistently maintain its
maximum dissolved oxygen capacity.
Without an adequate level of dissolved oxygen, the
beneficial microorganisms will perish and open the door for
anaerobic pathogens to take hold. Temperature and salinity
(dissolved salts in the solution) are the largest physical
factors determining a solution’s maximum dissolved oxygen
capacity, and temperature ultimately dictates the maximum
capacity for dissolved oxygen content. Any adjustments
to the temperature and the nutrient concentration can
affect the solution’s maximum dissolved oxygen content.
However, there are several ways, ranging from air stones
to electrolysis devices, for a grower to ensure their solution
stays oxygenated. Of course, the only way a grower can truly
know how much dissolved oxygen is in the nutrient solution
is by using a dissolved oxygen meter. Regularly monitoring
the dissolved oxygen content should be one of a hydroponic
gardener’s top priorities, right up there with monitoring
the pH and nutrient concentration. When used together,
a dissolved oxygen meter and an electrolysis device can
allow a grower to find and maintain their nutrition solution’s
maximum dissolved oxygen saturation point.
ADDING BENEFICIAL MICROBES
TO YOUR PLANTS HAS
NEVER BEEN
EASIER
CALL F
FREE SA OR A
940-393 MPLE
-9213
Maximize nutrient uptake from seed
to harvest for bigger, healthier roots and yield.
HYDRO-ENHANCE.COM
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