ACCESSORIZING YOUR GROWROOM
pH and EC Monitors – Measuring pH and EC in
traditional or hydroponic growing methods is important.
Luckily, there are plenty of useful accessories to help you
understand these factors—new technology has allowed
for affordable, extremely accurate digital-testing pens and
automated dosing equipment.
pH and EC measuring pens are generally durable, easy to
use and a reliable means of monitoring small- to mediumsized crops, while larger monitors and controller modules
allow growers to completely automate the nutrient solution and pH adjustment processes.
Climate Control
Once you understand your growroom’s environment, the
next step is to try to replicate the natural environment for
your selected plant species. This involves the controlled
regulation of lighting, temperatures, airflow, and relative
humidity and carbon dioxide levels.
With hydroponic systems, we also need to ensure we
provide an ideal setting for plants’ root masses, including
maintaining optimal reservoir temperatures, dissolved
oxygen concentrations, and pH and EC levels. By selecting and optimizing the appropriate accessories, you can
fine-tune your horticultural variables and get the very best
harvest from your plants’ genetics.
“
By selecting and optimizing
the appropriate accessories,
you can fine-tune your
horticultural variables and
get the very best harvest
from your plants’ genetics.”
Heat Mats – Depending on your location, the first
accessory to assist with climate control is a propagation
temperature fixture for starting seeds or cuttings. In
colder climates, this generally involves heat mats. When
selecting your heating accessories, we recommended first
ensuring you have a thorough understanding of your
current and future climatic conditions, along with the
desired conditions of your chosen plant species.
Premium heating equipment should always include a
variable thermostat, although measures can be
taken to prevent under- or overheating. Some
manufacturers recommend placing an insulating
layer below the mat to increase temperatures, or
between the mat and your propagation dome to
reduce substrate temperatures. A warmer substrate
will increase underground chemical activity, and a
lower ambient air temperature will slow transpiration. For best results, keep your rooting medium
between 75 and 80°F, and the air temperature
40-50°F cooler than the substrate.
Water Heaters – When using aeroponics,
deep water culture (DWC) or a recirculating
hydroponic system, a water heater may be
required depending on your climate or
growroom location. A well-aerated reservoir
should be kept at an optimal temperature of
60-72°F. If your reservoir temperature is any
lower, plant growth may be stunted. If your
temperatures reach any higher than 80°F, less
oxygen is available for plants and the roots will
become more susceptible to rots, wilts and pest
attacks. Always ensure your water heater has a
built-in thermostat controller and remains fully
submerged. If a heater dries out, it can burn out
and quickly become a fire hazard.
86
Maximum Yield USA | December 2015