autodosers
THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE of peristaltic pumps in an autodosing system is the nutrients can be placed below the injection point .”
Water-powered Injectors
Water-powered injectors are triggered by the flow of water going through the injector . These types of injectors also have a solenoid or pump connected to the water line . When the controller triggers that solenoid or pump , it forces water through the injector , activating the waterpowered pump within the injector , and injects concentrated nutrients into the solution .
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic pumps are electric pumps that are triggered via electricity to the pump . The biggest advantage of peristaltic pumps in an autodosing system is the nutrients can be placed below the injection point . This reduces the chance of a spill or an over-concentrated solution in the rare case of an electrical failure or injector failure . This also allows for much larger volumes of the concentrated fertilizers to be used , which reduces labor in the long run . A peristaltic pump is typically a more expensive option but is usually a better longterm investment .
THE SAMPLE RESERVOIR
The sample reservoir is a small reservoir that holds some of the nutrient solution for monitoring . The probes from the controller / monitor take the readings from the sample reservoir . As adjustments are made , fresh solution is circulated into the sample reservoir and monitored again . Some autodosing systems do not have a dedicated sample reservoir , instead taking samples from the main nutrient solution reservoir .
AUTODOSER ADVANTAGES
There are two main advantages of using an autodosing system in an indoor garden : saving on labor and heightened consistency . A horticulturist may spend an average of 20-30 minutes per day monitoring and adjusting the hydroponic nutrient solution . Over the course of a grow cycle , an autodoser can free up many hours of the grower ’ s time and the gardener may choose to spend that extra time increasing the efficiency of other areas in his or her garden .
Heightened Consistency
The biggest advantage of using an autodosing system is not the labor savings , but the heightened consistency . Plants respond best to consistent conditions . Problems in an indoor garden usually occur when atmospheric conditions or the parameters of the nutrient solution change suddenly or fall outside of the desired range for an extended period . Experienced growers understand that consistency is the key to unlocking an indoor garden ’ s full potential . Autodosers offer the best available solution for maintaining consistent nutrient solution parameters . Hydroponic growers typically measure nutrition concentration by using ppm , total dissolved solids ( TDS ), or electrical conductivity ( EC ) monitors . A gardener normally has a desired range in which he or she wishes to keep the nutrient concentration . Daily monitoring with ppm , TDS , or EC monitors allows a grower to adjust the nutrient solution ’ s concentration when needed to maintain levels within the desired range . Unfortunately , the concentration of nutrients and the pH of a nutrient solution can fluctuate out of the desired range in a relatively short period of time . Sometimes , this occurs quickly enough that even daily monitoring and adjustments will not correct the inconsistent nutrient and pH values . In extreme situations , a sudden change in the pH or nutrient concentration can cause stunted growth or even nutrient lockout . Many autodoser controllers can be set to monitor and make adjustments as often as every five minutes . This ensures the nutrient solution ’ s parameters are kept as consistent as possible at all times . With a consistent nutrient concentration , the plants will always have what they need when they need it . Also , by maintaining a consistent pH value , the plant ’ s ability to uptake those nutrients will not be compromised .
Avoid Human Error
Another factor to consider is human error . It is not uncommon for a grower to make a mistake or to overcompensate when adding nutrients or pH buffers . Implementing an autodosing system reduces the likelihood of human error and leads to more consistent nutrient levels and a balanced pH for the duration of the plant ’ s life .
58 grow cycle