Hydroponic cheat-sheet

1. The Hydroponic Cheat sheet
In a hydroponic system, the grower is responsible for providing all of the nutrients as a
mixture in addition to supplementing.
Check out the Best Crops for Hydroponics on Upstart University.
(Small systems can use single part liquid formula)
NUTRIENTS & WATER QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS
Ca
NO3
NO3
SO4
Mg
N
P
K
Sustain dissolved oxygen levels & temperature:
You’ll need to add 3 mixes:
Hydroponic compatible plants:
Important
Supplements:
Manage
Levels:
SO4
Mg Fe
Epsom
Salt
Chelated
Iron
Greens Herbs Fruiting
Crops
Root
Crops
pH
+
Raise:
Add liquid
pH up
pH
-
Lower:
Add liquid
pH down
EC
+
Raise:
Add nutrients slowly &
in small amounts.
Recommended nutrient suppliers:
Chem-Gro, Hydro-Gardens, Hort Americas
FLUSH BY VOLUME
1 Flush large tanks (over 100 gal) every month Flush small tanks every 2 weeks
FLUSH BY TIME
You will occasionally need to supplement your
hydroponic system. Treat your system with these:
4
1 Top off the tank.
Flush tank
3 Repeat steps 1-2 until:
=
Total
replaced
over time
2
+ 25 gal
Total
Track
amount
added.
25 gal + nutrients
75 gal 75 gal 100 gal
5 Refill tank
100 gal + nutrients
has
micronutrients
~ 5–10 ppm 62 - 75º
!
Epsom
Salt
NPK
Calcium
Nitrate
1/2 the total
tank capacity

2. EC Ranges
Low
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
High
2
-
3
0.8
-
1.2
1.8
-
3.0
1.6
-
2.2
1.8
-
2.2
2.2
-
2.6
2.0
-
5.0
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
Cold
Hot
55
-
70º
65
-
80º
65
-
80º
65
-
80º
55
-
70º
55
-
70º
55
-
70º
Temperature (ºF)
Low
Light
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
High
Light
12
-
18
10
-
18
12
-
18
14
-
18
12
-
∞
14
-
18
14
-
18
Light (hrs)
RECOMMENDED RANGES FOR POPULAR CROPS:
A
L
K
B
C
M T A
L
K
B
C
M T
A L K
B C
M
T
Arugula
A Lettuce
L Kale
K Basil
B Chives
C Mint
M Tomatoes
T
4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.0
Acid Alkaline
6.0 - 7.5
5.6 - 6.2
6.0 - 7.5
6.2 - 6.8
6.1 - 6.8
6.0 - 7.0
5.5 - 6.5
pH
Ranges
A
L
K
B
C
M
T

3. DO’S
Don’tS
After cleaning reusable media,
rinse and dry before planting.
Food-grade peroxide is food
-safe as long as it is diluted
correctly (32:1 water to peroxide).
UV
Using UV & ozone to sterilize can
constantly kill biological material in
your system. Use on solution
between reservoir and plants.
Flush and clean supply and drain
lines frequently (every few days
or so depending on your system).
Clean facilities and equipment
daily.
Do a visual check every time you
enter your farm.
Clean filters regularly—they can
become clogged.
Check pumps and emitters—these
lose efficiency over time.
Don’t mix CaNO3 with MgSO4 and NPK. It will react with the magnesium sulfate and create
precipitates, which are not plant-available.
Don’t add iron while the UV is running. This will also create precipitates. Turn off UV for
24-48 hours prior.
Don't apply sterilization production directly to plants, as they may harm or kill them.
Don’t use bleach on your plants or in the reservoir. The plants will die.
Don’t use lemon juice!
Bleach can be used if done correctly, but too much or not rinsing residues can harm plants.
!
!
!
!
!
!
Sterilize and sanitize your system
components between crop
cycles. Remove all organic
matter.
Limit light exposure to any nutrient
solution (cover your reservoir, use
evaporation caps, etc.), which will
help limit the growth of algae and
lower labor costs.