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Category: Tips & Guides

Adding Nutrients To Aquaponics
Aquaponics combines raising fish and growing crops in a system and the fish waste serves as the plant’s nutrient. The plants also filter the water for the fish. However, sometimes the fish waste that serves as a plant’s nutrient may not be enough, and adding nutrients to your aquaponics system may be required.
This is why it is important you test your nutrient solution often to know if any nutrient addition will be necessary. This will help you prevent nutrient deficiencies in your aquaponics system. Adding nutrients to your aquaponics system when necessary will also boost the yield of your plants.
So, continue reading to learn about adding nutrients to your aquaponics system.
Aquaponics Nutrients
Nutrients are essential for plants growth and as we said earlier, the fish in your aquaponics provides these nutrients. The fish food you feed your fish usually contains all the appropriate nutrients required by your plants and it’s been supplied to your plants from the fish waste.
However, this fish waste may not contain the required nutrient quantity needed by your plants to grow efficiently. This is why supplemental nutrients may be required. So, adding nutrients to your aquaponics system is for the purpose of balancing the low level or low amount of nutrients provided by the fish food.
Testing
Before we look into adding nutrients to your aquaponics, the first thing to do is to test your nutrient solutions. This will help determine which nutrients are deficient and if they need nutrient supplements. Also, you will be testing for temperatures, pH range, and electrical conductivity. All these parameters need to be tested in your aquaponics system for nutrients to be absorbed appropriately. There are different testing kits available for you to be able to do all this required testing.
- PH Range
It is important for the pH level of your nutrient solution must be in range. This is required for optimal nutrient uptake by your plant and also for your fish survival.
If the pH level is out of range, plants will be unable to absorb nutrients appropriately. This is in turn causes the water to be polluted as this prevents the ammonia from converting to nitrates. It can also expose your fish to diseases.
- Temperatures
When the temperature of your fish surrounding is too low or too high, it will cause your fish to become stressed. At the same time, it will affect your plants’ growth.
Inappropriate temperatures range can as well cause harm to the beneficial bacteria responsible for the conversion of ammonia to nitrates. When this happens, it can be quite detrimental to your aquaponics system.
- Electrical Conductivity
Inappropriate electrical conductivity can slow the growth of your plants. Thus, decreasing the quality of your plant’s growth. It can also make the growth of your plant very fast which may be bad for some plants that will enter into the bolting phase quickly.
Aquaponics Nutrient Supplements: Adding Nutrients To Aquaponics
The most common nutrient deficiency that usually occurs in an aquaponic system is calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. These are part of the most essential elements required in your aquaponics system.
So, depending on the nutrient element missing, here are the following ways of adding nutrients to your aquaponics system:
1. Calcium
The calcium deficiency can be solved effectively by spraying calcium solution over your plants. Mix calcium chloride with water and start with 4 teaspoons per gallon. Afterward, you can up the dose if need be. Ensure you spray once every week.
1. Phosphorus
Using rock phosphate is one of the most easiest and common methods of adding phosphorous to your plants. Adding this supplement directly to your plant beds will allow for instant absorption. However, ensure you protect your plant bed from direct sunlight to get a successful result.
Adding shellfish bones to your fish tanks can also increase the supply of phosphorous as well as calcium.
1. Potassium
Spraying and food additives are two ways of adding potassium to your aquaponics system. Spray potassium chloride onto your plants and repeat this process at least once a week. For food additives, add kelp meal concentrate to feed your fish. This will serve as a source of potassium.
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1. Iron
To supply iron to your plants, a type of iron that can be easily absorbed by your plant should be used. You can use chelated iron and one excellent type we recommend is the Fe-DTPA. When using this, ensure your pH range is 7.5 or lower.
Aquaponics Nutrient Deficiencies: Symptoms
The most common deficiencies that may occur in your aquaponics systems are that of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. So, here are their symptoms:
- Potassium Deficiency: the symptoms include wrinkled and cupped leaves and this is usually noticed in older leaves.
- Phosphorous Deficiency: you may begin to notice the leaves’ veins turning purple color. Brown spotting on leaves and spindly growth may be another sign of phosphorous deficiency. Stunted growth especially during the early stage of plant growth can be another symptom of phosphorous deficiency.
- Calcium Deficiency: deficiency in calcium will result in stunted growth and brown spotting on the young stem and on the leaves. You may also notice the leaves cupping and interveinal chlorosis. The plant that is a fruiting variety will exhibit blossom end rot.
- Magnesium Deficiency: the symptom of magnesium deficiency is interveinal chlorosis that will begin from the older leaves. You may also notice some white to brown necrotic spots.
- Iron Deficiency: deficiency of iron is very easy to discover. You will notice interveinal chlorosis on all the young growth of your plant. The severity of the interveinal chlorosis can be so obvious that it displays an almost white appearance in the affected plant area.
FAQ’s
Can you add nutrients to an aquaponics system?
Aquaponics combines the two technologies of aquaculture and hydroponics. Aquaculture is a form of farming that relies on the capture and rearing of aquatic animals for food, while hydroponics uses the nutrient-rich water in which plants are grown to nourish them. In the past, aquaponics has been mostly used by small scale farmers to produce organic vegetables, but now it can be used in commercial settings as well. With its high efficiency, low maintenance, and high yield, aquaponics has become a viable option for urban dwellers who want to live green and healthy lives. If you want to add nutrients to your aquaponics system, you can.
How do I add nitrogen to my aquaponics system?
Nitrogen is added to the water in an aquaponic system, either through the use of fertilizers or by adding air that contains nitrogen. Adding a fertilizer with nitrogen can be done at any time during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer added will depend on how much of the crop you are planning to grow and how much fish you are planning to raise. Air containing nitrogen is typically available at all times but you may need to add it more often during the summer months.
What type of fertilizers can I use in an aquaponic system? There are many different types of fertilizers for an aquaponic system. The most common ones are: Organic Fertilizers These fertilizers are usually derived from plant materials and are usually free of harmful chemicals and other substances. There are many different organic fertilizers available depending on what you are planning to grow and the crops you are raising.
What plant deficiencies are common in aquaponics?
Aquaponics is a fascinating and fun way to grow food. But it’s also a complex and high-maintenance hobby that requires some understanding of the basic science behind it, as well as knowledge about plants and nutrition. There are many different ways to use aquaponics, from small urban systems that can fit on a balcony or rooftop to large commercial systems that can be installed in a warehouse or even a factory.
The key to successful aquaponics is finding the right balance between water and fish. The water needs to be shallow enough to keep the fish from drowning. But you also don’t want to let the fish out of their tanks so that they will be able to eat the plants. You should be able to see the bottom of the tank at all times, so that you know exactly what’s going on in there. You also need to be sure that your water supply is clean. This means that you shouldn’t use tap water. It should be treated with chemicals to kill any bacteria that may be in it.

Conclusion
The most common nutrient deficiency in aquaponics is iron. Adding nutrients to the aquaponics system is mostly required in large-scale operations. This is because most aquaponics systems will do well on their own without requiring supplemental nutrients.
Always monitor the pH levels of your nutrient solutions so your plants can absorb nutrients appropriately.
July 30, 2021
What Size Net Pots To Use
What size of net pots to use in your hydroponic system may be one question bothering your mind. Not too worry because we’ve got the answer for you here.
Growing with net pot is one crucial part in your hydroponics. Net pots will help support your plant as well as keeping the grow medium from clogging your system.
Net pots come in different sizes which means not all of them are made the same way. For this reason, it is important you select the appropriate size that will suit your plant’s growing needs. So, this is why we will be answering what size of net pots to use for your hydroponic system.
What Are Net Pots?
Net pots are mini plastic pots made to have a net framework and they are mostly used in hydroponic systems. They are used to support the different plants in a hydroponic system and they are made from a firm plastic mesh. They will also help with drainage and good airflow in your hydroponics system.
You can use net pots with or without growing media. With growing media, you can use rockwool, Hydroton pebbles, coco peat, and even soil.
Net pots will allow you to move or relocate your plants comfortably without causing any damages. These net pots are mostly reusable and can be used to grow different plants in a hydroponic system.
What Size Net Pots To Use For Hydroponics
The size of your net pot matters in hydroponics. if you get the wrong net pot size, it can hinder the growth of your plants. Various net pot sizes are available for purchase with different shapes and sizes.
The major sizes you may come across are 2, 3, 3.75, 5, and 6 inches net pot size. In order to choose the accurate net pot size, the first and most important thing is to consider the size of the plant you will be growing. Also, take account of how the plants’ full size and weight will be when they reach harvest time.
Small plants and leafy greens will fit into small net pots. While bigger or heavier plants will fit bigger net pots and the bigger net pot will provide a bigger base to support your plants. Bigger net pots will as well hold your grow medium.
The net pot size for some plants such as pepper and squash is 4 to 6 inches net cup. While the net pot size for lettuce is 2 inch net cup. If you can obtain a 1 and a half inch net cup for lettuce, that will be great. Other small herbs can also use 2 inch net cups.
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Use Narrow Net Pot Sizes
You should choose net pot size that the holes are narrow rather than wide. This is so your grow medium does not slip through any of these holes and into your system. If too much grow medium slips through the holes, they start to reduce and your plant does not get enough anchor that can hold them steady.
Therefore, choosing a narrow net pot cracks will not only hold your grow medium better, but it will also provide adequate base support to hold your plant steady.
Use Net Pot With More Lips
Some net pot comes with a couple of lips while others come with many lips. Always purchase net pots that have more lips or cracks. This will help hold your plants upright (especially heavy plants).
If you make use of a net pot with few lips, when your plants become heavy they are more likely to tip over into your system.
The root ball of your plants will sit at the base of your net pots: while the roots will come out at the lips on the sides of your net pots. The net pots are usually hanged into the nutrient solution or they simply get misted by the water solution.
However, if you’re using a NFT system where water will have to flow and pass the root, then your root should come out below the net cups. This is important for your plant to thrive when using the NFT system.
Net Pot Lids
When shopping for net pots, you should also add net pot lids to your list. Net pot lids are also important because they will help shield light from entering into your grow medium. Net pot lids are safe to use and they will not block light from reaching your plants.
If light enters your grow medium that is already moist from nutrient solution, it can cause algae growth. So, to prevent this, use net pot lids.
If you’re gardening outdoor, net pot lids will as well prevent debris and rain from entering your hydroponics system.
How To Use Net Pot
Using net pot is really easy. Follow this procedure to use your net pot to grow your plants:
- First, you select the plant or seedling you wish to grow and choose the appropriate net pot size for them.
- Next, you fill the bottom of the net cup with your preferred growing medium. You can fill the grow medium halfway or just a little halfway.
- Then you can fit in your rockwool cube with the plant. Ensure your grow medium surrounds the plant so your plant can sit upright and prevent light from entering the sides.
- Put your net pots inside your hydroponic system and watch your plant grow. As the root grows, they will grow out the net potholes.
FAQ’s
What size net pots do I need?
Net pots are generally used for growing seedlings and small plants. They are the same size as the planting tray they are placed in. Most seedlings require a net pot that is no more than two inches deep. The deeper the pot, the better it will be able to support the root system of the plant.
When the seedling has reached about 6-8 inches tall, the net pot can be removed.
Most garden centres sell plastic net pots. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colours, and they’re cheap
How do you plant net pots?
Planting a net pot is much easier than planting a regular container. The only thing you need to do is cut the pot in half lengthwise. Plant the halves in a hole in the ground and fill with soil. If you are not going to plant your net pots directly into the ground, you can use a special potting soil called “potting mix” or “soil mix”. You can find these in garden stores.
Net pots work best when they are planted deep enough to hold a large amount of soil. This way, your roots won’t be able to go into the air and get tangled up with other plants’ roots. If you don’t plant your net pots deep enough, it’s possible that weeds could grow up through the holes in the bottom. In this case, try to put holes in the bottom of the net pots or place them on top of some sort of weed barrier.
When using potting soil, make sure it’s a good quality soil.
The soil should be moist but not soggy. If they dry out too much, it’ll cause root rot.
Why net pots are used?
Net pots have a very specific purpose, which is to create a micro-climate around the plants. Plants require specific conditions for their survival and growth. These conditions include temperature, moisture, light, humidity, air circulation, and air movement. When you have a large amount of plants inside your home or office, it is impossible to provide all these conditions at once. For this reason, it is necessary to use pots with a lid.
These lids act as a container to keep the moisture in place and prevent evaporation. There are many different types of pots available on the market, but it is important to understand that not all pots work the same way. We will take a look at some of the most popular types of pots and how they work.
How do net pots work?
The first thing that you should know about net pots is that they are very similar to greenhouses. They are both used to create a controlled environment for the plants. However, the main difference is that net pots have a lid. The lid acts like a greenhouse, keeping the humidity and heat in place. The temperature inside the pot will be affected by the air conditioner and heating system. When the temperature rises, the moisture in the pot evaporates and escapes through the holes in the lid. This allows you to control the temperature and humidity around the plant. The lids are made of glass or plastic, which means that they can be placed in direct sunlight. However, the lids also have holes in them.
What Size Net Pots To Use: Final Say
What size of net pot to use in your hydroponic garden matters a lot. Ensure you always select the best quality net pots so they can last you for a long time as they can be reused.
With that said, we hope you’re now able to decide how to choose the best net pot size for your various hydroponic plants.
July 30, 2021
Why Is My Lettuce Bitter?
Why is my lettuce bitter? This is one frequently asked question by different lettuce growers especially newbie that experience a bad tasting lettuce at the end of their harvest. We’ve got the answer for you here and possible solutions and prevention to go about bitter lettuce.
The crispy juicy lettuce is a very easy plant to grow. However, the leave turning bitter is one common issue any growers may encounter. The good thing is there are definitely things you can do to avoid them turning bitter and we will enlighten you on this.
So, let’s dive in to see why your lettuce is better and what to do to solve the problems.
Bitter Lettuce
The bittern lettuce is usually experienced with its leaves. There’s no denying that the lettuce leaves’ appearance always looks inviting and all: well, you may become disappointed when you have a bite from a lettuce salad or a wrap.
Why Is Lettuce Bitter?
Heat is the most common reason for bitter lettuce but there are many other conditions that can predispose your lettuce to turn bitter. When you understand the reasons why lettuce may turn bitter, then you can make plans to prevent future occurrences.
1.    Heat Stress
Lettuce is a cool-season crop, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow them outside the cool season. Heat is one of the most common and leading causes why your lettuce is turning bitter. As the temperatures rise, the lettuce plant begins to mature and start producing flowers and seeds rather than leaves.
This process is called bolting and it’s a natural unstoppable process that occurs when the temperature rises.
2.    Water
Lettuce leaves are water-loving plants which is why they are full of water! Those huge and succulent leaves require water to remain rigid, full, and tasty. Therefore, if your lettuce plants are watered less often, they can become bitter. When you begin to notice brown leaf edges, then that’s a sign of water deprivation.
So, ensure you water your lettuce plants often and avoid their soil becoming too dry.
3.    Nutrition
Lettuce needs adequate nutrition to grow well. The plant is a very fast-growing plant. Thus, it will require all the resources to grow smoothly and any slight deficiency will make the plant bolt. So, lack of nutrition will retard the growth of lettuce and make your lettuce leaves turn bad-tasting.
Ensure you feed your lettuce plant with regular nutrition. However, don’t overdo it because too much fertilizer, especially excess nitrogen can also cause bitter tasting lettuce.
4.    Bad Soil
Another cause for bitter-tasting lettuce is bad soil. Lettuce plants need optimum draining soil and loose soil. This is because of the shallow and thin roots lettuce has. If the soil does not suit the lettuce plant, they will become stressed and begin to bolt.
5.    Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Disease
Aster yellows are one common lettuce disease that can cause lettuce to turn bitter. The lettuce inner leaves will begin to lose color and the outer leaves will look stunted. This can cause the entire lettuce plant to become weak and not useful.
6.    Lettuce Variety
Lettuce plants belong to a wide range of species and there are over 100s of lettuce varieties and types. They have over 20, 000 other family members.
We have many other lettuce varieties that are not used in homes and cannot find their way in our domestic lives. This type of lettuce variety is from the Lactuca virosa.
The variety we consume is the Lactuca sativa. This type ranges from mild to sweet taste. However, their bitterness can still be activated if they are predisposed to conditions that will make them turn bitter.
Bitter Lettuce Prevention
Here are the following things you can do to prevent a bad-tasting lettuce:
- Grow in Semi-Shade: Simply grow them in a semi-shade area and ensure you always keep them cool during hot seasons. You can also plant your lettuce under taller plants that will cover or shade your lettuce plants. You can plant them under tomatoes or crops that are trellised.
- Healthy Soil: Maintain healthy soil and feed the soil with the appropriate nutrient. Add and cover the soil with some mulch to your soil especially hot season and during winter.
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- Use Containers: when you grow your lettuce using containers, it allows you the comfort of simply moving them to a shaded place when needed.
- Shade Cloth: you can purchase shade cloths and create some shade around your garden to block some sun.
- Water Regularly: never deprive your lettuce plants of water as they will need all the moisture they can get. This is important especially during hot seasons.
- Grow in Cooler Months: even though it’s possible to grow lettuce outside cooler months, growing them during cooler months will make your crop last longer.
Bitter Lettuce: What To Do With It?
If at the end of it all you end up with a bad tasting lettuce, here are some things you can do to relief the bitterness:
- Run your lettuce leaves under cool water and put the head in a crisper immediately. Keep it in the crisper for 48 hours and bring it out rinse in cold water again. Then take away the outer leaves and cut the root and tips. The bitter taste should be gone and you can serve right away.
- You can also cook your lettuce to get rid of the bitter taste and mix it with something sweet such as spinach or silverbeet.
Note that lettuce leaves cannot be frozen or dried as they must be used immediately.
So, rather than letting that bitter lettuce go to waste, you can simply revive it by following the above tips.
FAQ’s
Why does my lettuce plant taste bitter?
There are a number of reasons your lettuce could be bitter.
First, it may be too much or too little water. If you are not watering it daily, the plant needs more water. It may also be that the plant has not been getting enough light. If you are in a basement, you will need to provide additional light by using a light box, fluorescent lights, or other means. If you find that you are not able to get adequate light in your basement, you may want to consider relocating your lettuce plant outside, where you can provide adequate sunlight.
How do you fix bitter lettuce?
It’s one of the most common problems that crops face in our backyard, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably tried many different things to help with it. My usual method is to cut off the worst parts, but then I often end up throwing them out.
You can add vinegar. I don’t mean just any old vinegary taste. I mean the kind of vinegar that makes a salad pop with flavor.
Why is my hydroponic lettuce bitter?
I’d bet that it’s because of something in the water. I think you may be looking for a chlorine filter or a carbon filter. Chlorine kills bacteria and will kill off the bacteria in the water.
Bitter taste is often associated with the presence of oxalic acid in the plant. It’s produced as a defense against bacteria and fungi that are feeding on the plant.
This can be caused by either over-watering or by over-fertilizing. If you fertilize with nitrogen-rich materials, then it will increase the concentration of oxalic acid. Keep the soil moist but not soggy; too much moisture can lead to root rot. I have a few pots of lettuce that have been growing for 3 weeks and they have started to get bitter. I have had the same soil mix, same lighting, and same water source for all 3 plants. The soil was changed weekly and everything else has remained constant.
How do I make my lettuce not bitter?
Lettuce is naturally bitter, which is why we eat it with some sort of dressing. The bitterness comes from oxalic acid, which is very soluble in water. In general, the more the leaf has been dried, the less bitter it will be.
Some types of lettuce are less bitter than others. You can also rinse the leaves in a bowl of water to remove some of the bitterness. If you’re concerned about the amount of salt you’ll be adding to your salad, it’s best to add some lemon or lime juice to cut the bitterness before adding the salt. We usually recommend rinsing the lettuce in cold water for 30 seconds to 1 minute before dressing. A quick rinse should get rid of most of the bitterness. You can also use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce after washing.
Final Say On Why Is My Lettuce Bitter?
So, there you have it on why your lettuce is turning bitter. Follow our tips on preventing your lettuce from turning bad so you can enjoy a better tasteful lettuce meal.
July 29, 2021
How Many T5 Lights Do I Need For Veg
How many T5 lights do I need for veg is one question most growers ask themselves. Veg is the vegetative period in a plant’s growth and during this period, they require optimal light to flourish. If you’re making use of a T5 light, you may want to know how many light bulbs to use during the veg period.
It is important you supply the right light intensity for your plants’ veg stage so they can result in abundant yield. This is why we will be discussing how many T5 lights do I need for veg growth. So, continue reading to learn about this.
What Is Veg?
Typically, all types of plants go through the vegetative stage, and during this stage, they require more blue light. For this reason, a veg bulb or grow light must provide cool white lights that have more blue wavelength. So the color temperature value on the Kelvin scale should be around 6000K to 6500k.
Veg such as basil, lettuce, herbs, etc only goes through the vegetative period. However, some other plants transition to the flowering stage and eventually the fruiting stage. The fruiting stage usually requires the red color temperature with values of around 2700K to 3500K.
T5 Veg Light
T5 is a tube-shaped fluorescent light that has a diameter of 5/8 inch. It is one of the best grow lights you can use on any type of plant especially the veg plant. This is because they will go easy on your plants at the same time providing good light for your plants’ growing needs.
Even though they are not as powerful or intense as other grow lights like LED, they are still very efficient. They are capable of carrying your plants where they need to go and offer even more benefits.
T5 lights are generally a great choice for veg plants. They are also known to emit very little heat. Thus, T5 for veg grow light can also be used on fragile plants like on seedlings and clones. T5 lights are also low power consuming and very efficient, thereby allowing you to save cost on the electricity bill.
How Many T5 Light Do I Need For Veg?
How many T5 lights you need for veg will depend on a few things. We have different varieties and sizes of light fixtures. T5 grow light generally comes in two various lengths and it will come in 6 or more bulb configurations.
The common lengths of T5 grow lights include 2 and 4 feet long. The bulb configurations also include 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 bulbs per fixture.
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So, when we are talking about how many T5 lights are required for veg, we will be looking at the number of bulbs to use. If you wish to grow just a couple of plants, you can use 1 or 2 bulb set that has the height of 2 or 4 feet long.
However, if you’re growing a lot of plants, using a bulb set up of 8 or 12 bulbs with a height of 4 feet long is recommended. This implies, the bigger the size of your plant mass, the more bulbs you will require for your veg.
Also, you want to ensure color temperature for your bulb begins with a 6,500 Kelvin bulb for the vegetative stage growth.
There are now T5 grow lights that have multiple spectrums which are great for your plant growing needs. They will boost the quality of your T5 harvests and even offer more benefits.
Flowering With T5 Fluorescents
The next growth stage of a plant after veg is the flowering stage. Not all plants enter the flowering stage. But the ones that do, will require a specific light spectrum to transition into the flowering phase. If you don’t provide your indoor plants with a specific spectrum for their flowering stage, they may not transition into the flowering stage.
So, when using T5 fluorescent for your plant flowering stage, you will need to go with a 2700 Kelvin bulb. This will give you a white or yellowish spectrum light spectrum which will stimulate the growth of the flower.
Beforehand, most growers will need to switch to HID or intensify the 2700 Kelvin lights on their plants to transition to or complete the flowering stage. But now, things are different because growers now have the option of choosing a single grow light to complete both the veg and flowering growth stage of plants.
Manufacturers have now introduced different T5 that has different phosphorus coating that imitates certain wavelengths just like LED does! These special T5 fluorescent bulbs work just like LED does by providing wavelengths centered around 6400 (for veg) and 2700 (for flowering) Kelvin.
T5 Fluorescent Placement
T5 fluorescent grow lights are safe to be placed close to your plants because they are low heat emitting lights. You can position your T5 grow light around 1 to 12 inches depending on the light intensity your plant stage requires.
Anything above 12 inches is not recommended because the T5 grow light will begin to lose its intensity. As your plant matures, you can now move the T5 grow light closer for better light intensity.
You can as well use this fluorescent grow light for your fragile seedlings and clones. T5 grow light will go easy on your fragile seedlings and clones so they are safe for use. However, you should place them around 6 to 10 inches away from your tender plants. You can later increase the distance when they begin to mature.
FAQ’s
Can I use the T5 as a grow light?
Yes, you can use the T5 tubes in your grow light. They work just fine. They’re very efficient and have some great benefits. The most obvious benefit is that they provide more consistent light output than an incandescent bulb or CFL. That means you don’t have to pay attention to the light level all the time. It’s also easier to adjust your light levels because you can adjust the amount of light you put out over a wider range. T5s are also pretty much guaranteed to last forever. A T5 will last 30 years or more if you take good care of them.
How much area does a T5 cover?
The T5 covers a 2 feet by four feet area.
Are T5 lights full spectrum?
The T5 is a light with 5 LEDs in one, which means it’s full spectrum.
How many T5 grow lights do I need?
The number of T5 lights depends on your expected crop volume.
If you’re planning on producing 100 lbs of tomatoes per square foot, then you need at least three T5s (one per each of the three rows). But if you’re only going to be producing 50 lbs of tomatoes per square foot, then you need two T5s (one per each row).
How many watts is a T5 grow light?
The T5 is a very popular light. It’s one of the most common lights you’ll find in any cannabis grower’s shop. The reason for its popularity is because it gives you a lot of power, but it’s not too powerful. A lot of people buy the T5 and then they use it with their older HPS or CFL lamps.
It’s a good compromise between power and price. You can get an 18-watt T5 for around $60 on Amazon. A T5 is also used in many grow rooms that don’t have access to electricity. In this case, a T5 is mounted on a motorized ballast. When the ballast runs, the light turns on.
How long do T5 grow lights last?
There are several factors that can impact how long your T5 Grow Light will last. First, it depends on the quality of the bulb itself. If it’s a cheap Chinese lightbulb that is known for having a short lifespan, then it may only last about 3 months to 6 months. However, if you get a good quality lightbulb, it should last much longer.
The second factor is the environment your bulbs are in. If they are exposed to dust, heat, and humidity, the lifespan will be reduced. The third factor is the power output of the bulb. Bulbs with higher wattages will typically last longer than those that have lower wattages. For example, an 800w lightbulb will last much longer than a 600w lightbulb. It’s also important to note that many of the high-quality brands of T5 grow lights also come with a warranty. This means if your bulb breaks or malfunctions within the first year of purchase, you can simply return it and receive a replacement.
Final Say On How Many T5 Lights Do I Need For Veg
How many T5 lights you will need for the veg stage will largely depend on the size of your plant. We hope the information we have listed above will guide you on how to use the right number of T5 bulbs for your plants to flourish.
July 29, 2021
LED Light Distance From Canopy
If you’re into indoor gardening, you should know that using grow lights is one key to growing successfully. One of the best grow lights to use is the LED lights and another important criterion is the grow light hanging distance. So, if you’re wondering what LED light distance from the canopy is ideal, we’ve got the answer for you here.
If you position some grow lights too low to your plants’ canopy, they might burn your plants. On the other hand, if you hang them too high, they will grow weak and get stretched because they aren’t receiving adequate light intensity.
This is why you must be enlightened on the right hanging distance from your plants’ canopy. So, let’s get right into it.
Grow Light Height
We have various grow lights in the market and you need to know exactly the type you have and their features. We have light-emitting diodes (LED) lights, high-intensity discharge light (HID), fluorescent lights, and so on.
Each of these lights has its different characteristics. Some emit more heat and some emit lesser heat. Also, some of these grow lights offer a better spectrum than the other, and so on. But generally, LED grow light is known to emit minimal heat. This doesn’t mean LED lights can be hung very close to your plants as their spectrum can be very overwhelming and may cause your plant to bleach.
Each of these lights needs to be positioned at different heights from your plants’ canopy. So, let’s take a look at the LED light distance from your plants’ canopy.
Know The Right LED Light Distance From Your Plants’ Canopy
Now, let’s look at how close your LED grow lights should be to your plants. It may be a little tricky deciding what distance your LED light should be from your plants’ canopy. This is because all the various LED light brands vary.
However, you can look through and follow the manufacturers’ manual first to see how your plants fair. After trying the manufacturers’ LED light distance instruction and you feel there’s a need to readjust your light, you can go ahead and do so.
But let’s take a look at some general tips and requirements you can use in deciding the LED light distance from your plants’ canopy:
- A general rule advises you to position your LED grow light 12 to 30 inches from your plant canopy.
- LED light distance also varies with your grow light wattage and how powerful the light source is. A higher light wattage that has a powerful light source should be hung far from the plants’ canopy and vice versa.
- The type of plants (either low light or high light plant requirement) will determine the distance of your LED grow light. Low light requiring plants can have their light placed high above the canopy and high requiring plants can have their light placed close to the plant.
- Another criterion to deciding how to hang your LED grow light is reflective walls. Using reflective walls will reflect the light back to your plants thus limiting light loss from placing the grow light high. Therefore, you can position your LED light higher and not worry about light loss because they will mostly be reflected back to within your grow room or tent.
How Far Should LED Grow Lights Be From Plants In Each Growth Stage
Again, you should have in mind that when it comes to LED light placements, there’s no general rule. Different LED lights have their style and manufacturers’ instruction which should be tried first. So, we can now go into how far LED lights placement should be for each growth stage.
For various plant stages, LED light placement will differ as your plant transition. If you’re using dimmable LED lights, you can simply dim the intensity for different stages. However, if you’re not making use of a dimmable LED grow light, then you have to adjust the heights as your plant transitions to different stages.
So here are the LED Light placements suggestions for your various plant stages:
1.    LED Light Distance From Plants’ Canopy For Seedling Stage
The seedling stage of a plant is its most fragile stage. Thus, they will require a gentler light approach. This implies they require a lesser light intensity at their early stage and should be placed higher from the seedlings canopy.
We recommend you do a canopy distance of about 24 to 36 inches and this will depend on the strength of your LED grow light. As your seedlings begin to germinate, you can now move your grow light closer. This will be around 2 or 3 weeks after they have started sprouting.
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2.    LED Light Placement For Vegetative Stage
During the vegetative phase, your LED light should be placed closer to the plant canopy. They will require light for photosynthesis and plant maturation. Increasing their light intensity at this stage will encourage strong and healthy stems and roots.
3.    LED Light Placement For Flowering Stage
The final stage of the plant growth cycle is the flowering stage and this is where fruit production commences. At this stage, your plant will require the LED light should be at their highest intensity for them to harden off.
However, as you increase the LED light intensity by bringing it close to your plant. You want to keep a close eye on them. Your plants’ response will always indicate their satisfaction or displeasure with light intensity. So, do the right adjustments immediately you notice any changes in your plants.
LED Light Distance From Plants’ Canopy For Clones
For LED light distance for your clones, you will need to place them closer to your plants’ canopy. This is because clones require intense light for their development.
You can position your LED grow light around 14 to 36 inches from your plants’ canopy. This distance will depend on the strength of your light and their maturity.

FAQ’s
How close should my LED light be to my plants?
It depends on your situation. There are many factors involved in growing plants. How much sunlight do you have? What kind of plants do you want to grow? What size do they need to be? Do you want to grow them in soil or hydroponics? Do you want them to grow tall or short? Some plants need lots of sun to get their nutrients, some need less.
I would say to start small. You don’t want to get in over your head and end up in a situation where you have no idea what you’re doing. You can always add more later, if you find you need it. LED lights are generally used for indoor growing, as they are cheaper than natural lighting and can be controlled to adjust the amount of light that they give off. There are different kinds of LED lights, but the most common type is an LED strip light.
I would say your lights should be at least 18 inches above the tops of the plants. You can adjust this as you see fit. However, this does not mean that you need to put the light exactly 18 inches up from the top of the plants, or even from the bottom of the pots. The more distance you have between the plant and the light, the better. It will also be a lot easier to move the lights around when they are further away from the plants. I would say your lights should be at least 18 inches above the tops of the plants. You can adjust this as you see fit. However, this does not mean that you need to put the light exactly 18 inches up from the top of the plants, or even from the bottom of the pots. The more distance you have between the plant and the light, the better. It will also be a lot easier to move the lights around when they are further away from the plants.
How high should my lights be above my plants?
Lights are an important part of the growing process. If you don’t have enough light, your plants will grow slowly and not develop their full potential. The light must be as close to the plant as possible.
This means that if you are using a fluorescent or HID fixture, you want to raise the fixture at least 12 inches above the soil level. If you are using a T5 or T8 fluorescent, you want to raise the fixture at least 18 inches above the soil level. If you are using a metal halide or high-pressure sodium, you want to raise it at least 6 inches above the soil level.
Do plants grow faster under 24 hours of light?
No. The reason why they don’t grow faster is that plants have an internal clock, which regulates their growth and development according to the length of day. Plants are designed so that they can develop optimally with day lengths between 12 and 14 hours.A 24-hour day will prevent them from growing at their optimum speed. Plants have a circadian rhythm that regulates their growth and development according to the length of day.
LED Light Distance From Canopy Final Thoughts
The hanging distance for your LED light is crucial to your plants’ development. Ensure you get the correct LED light placement for your plants so they can flourish and won’t miss out on the best yield.
July 26, 2021
Grow Light Vs Regular Light
More people are indulging in indoor gardening and creating the ideal growing environment will enhance the growth of your indoor plants. Understanding the difference between grow light vs regular light is important so you can provide your indoor plants’ lights for their growing needs.
Both lights will supply your plants with lights but the light intensity or efficiency they will supply your plants are dissimilar. So grow lights and regular lights are designed in a different manner.
If you’ve ever wondered about what difference is there between grow light vs. regular light, we will enlighten you in this post. So, let’s begin.
What Is A Grow Light?
Before we look into grow light vs. regular light, let’s firstly discuss what a grow light is. A grow light is referred to as an electrical light specially designed to grow various plants. The primary function of grow light is to imitate the work done by sunlight which will ensure your indoor plants grow adequately.
These grow lights emit specific colors that stimulate plants’ growth. However, not all lights are designed to produce the same light spectrum and they all have a different wavelength of light.
So, some people may wonder if grow lights can be replaced with the regular lights we use at the home, office, etc. Well, the answer is yes, while in some cases it’s no.
What Are Regular Lights?
We have a wide range of regular lights which are basically designed as an artificial light source for illuminating dark spaces. People make use of regular lights almost on a daily basis and they help us clearly in the dark.
They are used to lighten up a room, office, etc as the sun begins to set and as the day goes dark. Regular lights are also used in the garage, the entrance of your door. Some are even used within your vehicles and so on.
Grow Light vs. Regular Light
It is possible to make use of both grow light and regular lights bulbs to grow your indoor plants. But what is the difference between grow light vs. regular light? Here are some comparisons between the two lights:
1.    The Intensity Of Power Between Grow Lights Vs Regular Lights
When it comes to power or light intensity, grow lights offer more power than a regular light bulb. You can find various grow lights with different light intensities in the market.
Now, light intensity is needed to enhance the rate of photosynthesis. This guarantees that your plants have adequate light energy to grow. So it is paramount you provide your plants with the right dose of power intensity.
2.    Spectrum Of Light
Light comprises of different wavelength that makes up the spectrum of light. So, all types of light bulbs produce a certain wavelength. However, not all types of light bulbs will produce the appropriate wavelength that will mimic the sunlight which is required for plants’ growth.
Most grow lights are specially designed to emit the right wavelength that will enhance almost all the growth stages of your plant. However, when it comes to a regular light bulb, they may only be efficient for certain growth stages of your plant.
3.    Heat Dissipation
Heat is an important factor to consider when deciding the type of grow light to use on your indoor plant. If the heat emitted is too much and placed close to your plant, it can cause harm to them. However, you can position your lights at a safe distance from your plants.
The fact is most regular lights produce more heat compared to grow lights. So, if you’re using regular lights for growing, ensure you position them at a safe distance.
4.    Durability
The durability of grow light is usually shorter compared to regular light. This is because grow light tends to burn out quickly.
5.    Energy Efficiency
Most regular light bulbs are energy efficient. On the other hand, most grow light will consume a lot of energy. However, there are certain low energy consuming grow lights you can go for.
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Different Grow Lights
We have 3 main types of grow lights and they include:
1. Fluorescent Grow Light
Fluorescent grow light is one great light used to supply light energy spectrum to indoor plants. They are low emitting light, thus making them safe to be placed close to plants. The low emitting heat fluorescent light is also suitable for fragile seedlings and clones.
However, most fluorescent lights are not as intense as HPS or LED lights but they will do a fine job with your growing plants.
1. Light-emitting Diodes (LED)
Light-emitting diodes are one of the most efficient grow lights you can use for your indoor plants. They are more focused and will give your plants optimal light intensity. LED grow light will supply your plant with a wide range of light spectrum for them to grow adequately.
The light can even be positioned a little far from plants and still give your plant good lightning.
1. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)
High-pressure sodium is also known as high-intensity discharge (HID) is another type of grow light you can use for your indoor plants. Although they will require much distance from plants because of their high emitting heat, they will still supply your plant with good lights for their growing needs.
Other Types Of Grow Light
- - Incandescent Bulb: this type of light has been in existence for a long time. Incandescent bulbs are not so great because the light spectrum they produce is inefficient for plants’ growth. Thus, they aren’t appropriate for plants, especially during photosynthesis. However, they have been replaced with more efficient, durable, and safer options.
  - Halogen: halogen lights are not so great but they will still supply your plant what they need to grow.
FAQ’s
Can I Use a regular light as a grow light?
Regular bulbs are fine for growing plants, but they’re not very efficient. The efficiency of the plant growth is directly related to the amount of light you put out and the length of time you expose the plants to that light. You can get a lot more bang per watt with an LED array or fluorescent tube. LEDs are a bit more expensive, but if you’re trying to save money (which is understandable) then LEDs will be your best bet. You’ll probably want to look for a fixture that mounts the light on a heat sink, so you can get a little extra cooling for your plants.
Can any LED light be used as a grow light?
In general, no. LEDs have a maximum current rating (for most), which means they cannot be operated at high power levels (which is the only way to get high light output). That said, you can certainly use LEDs in an environment that doesn’t require very high power, but they’re not really intended for that purpose.
Is a grow light better than natural light?
When you’re growing plants indoors, you don’t want to be dependent on the sun. There are a few options for indoor gardeners who need sunlight to help with their plant growth. A grow light is one of them. Grow lights are used to mimic the conditions found in nature, which makes it an ideal option for growing plants indoors. Grow lights allow you to use artificial lighting, which makes it a much more practical option than natural sunlight. This also means that you can have full control over when you turn your lights on and off. You can choose to turn your lights on during the day or at night, which gives you the best time to work with your plants. Grow lights also mimic the natural light cycle. Plants respond to changes in the natural light cycle by growing at different times of the day. By using grow lights, you can make sure that your plants get the right amount of light.
Whats the difference between a grow light and a regular light?
The big difference is that in a grow light, the spectrum of the light is tuned to the needs of a plant to stimulate photosynthesis. This means that the reds are higher, the blues lower, and the greens in between. It’s not the same as a regular light which has a continuous spectrum.
The light spectrum for plants is more like that of the sun than a regular light. And the way that it works is that the blue part of the spectrum (which is the part of the light that plants need to grow) is stronger than the red part.
Grow Light Vs. Regular Light: Conclusion
Grow light and regular light are definitely two different lights that perform different functions.
Grow lights are designed for plants needs while regular lights are meant for daily use in most homes. But regular lights can still provide a certain light spectrum for plants’ growth but they aren’t as efficient as grow light.
July 26, 2021
How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles
Hydroton clay pebbles are a great growing medium to use in your hydroponics systems. If you’re wondering how to use Hydroton clay pebbles in your hydroponic garden, we will let you know in this post.
Hydroton clay pebbles are widely used by hydroponic and aquaponics growers as well as some soil gardeners. We have listed all you need to know about Hydroton clay pebbles as well as how to use them in your hydroponic garden. We also look at their benefits and downsides to using them. So, let’s get right into it.
What is Clay Pebbles Hydroponics?
Hydroton, also known as lightweight expanded clay aggregates or pellets. They are known by many names. You may come across these names in stores or other places under the names such as Hydroton pellets, clay balls, hydrocorn, leca clay, etc. These names are all the same thing from the same production standpoint.
They are made from heating clay up to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit until they pop (just like popcorn) and expands into a lightweight permeable growing medium.
These clay pebbles may come in circular balls of different sizes and they will support your plant with good airflow and water. They are popularly used in the ebb and flow or flood and drain system, but they can be used in other types of hydroponic systems.
How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles (For Hydroponics)
1. Rinse Thoroughly
The first thing you want to do is to rinse or wash your Hydroton clay pellets thoroughly. This step is very important because the clay balls have plenty of dust. This may cause the clay pebbles to rub against each other thereby accumulating dust and cause friction in your system of transport.
1. Soak The Pebbles
The next step is to soak your clay pellets for at least 6 hours and at most 24 hours. This will make water absorption easier for your plants as the clay balls would have already been filled with water.
1. Plant
Proceed to planting by spreading your seeds over the clay pebbles. Make use of small net pots halfway filled with pebbles and cover the seed with more clay pebbles. You can also transplant seedlings into your hydroponic system by using Rockwool to germinate your seeds.
As your plants grow, you should remove them and rinse from once in a while. This will prevent toxic build-up that can clog your plants and prevent them from absorbing nutrients. If you notice any whitish residue at the top of your plants, that’s a sign you need to rinse your plant and clay pebbles.
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1. Nutrient Application
Once you’ve washed your clay pebbles, proceed to add your nutrient solution to your reservoir. Then your system is ready to go.
How To Use Hydroton Pellets (For Soil)
Hydroton clay pebbles are mostly used in soil gardening to attain excellent water retention and airflow. Let’s look at 3 ways Hydroton balls can be used in soil:
1. Used Alone Or As Soil Mix: in soil gardening, Hydroton can be used alone or mixed in soil (in the ratio of 30% Hydroton and 70% soil). This will enhance the water holding capacity of your soil.
2. Add To The Base Of Soil: another way to use Hydroton in your soil garden is to add them at the base of your growing container. It should be below the layer of your soil and this will increase its draining mechanism.
3. Crush: you can also crush the clay pebbles and mix them with soil. This will help keep your plants hydrated as well as improve air circulation.
Benefits Of Using Hydroponic Pebbles
Here are some benefits of using Hydroton clay pebbles:
- Reusable & Cost-Effective: Hydroton clay pebbles can be used over and over again. Thus, making them durable and cost-effective.
- Excellent Water Drainage: even with their top-notch water and nutrient retention, they also have excellent water draining capacity. The pores in the pebbles allow for space-enhancing which gives their drainage property. They also give room for optimal airflow.
- Neutral pH: you need not worry about any reaction or impact by these clay balls because they are neutral to pH. You can use them in combination for your soil or hydroponic garden foundation.
- Sterile: expanded clay pellets are a sterile growing medium that will help keep bacteria and insects at bay during plant growth. They are also environmentally friendly.
- Non-sticky & Easy To Harvest: Hydroton clay balls are non-sticky. Thus, they are easy to pull out during harvest or when you want to rinse them.
- Crushable: they can be easily crushed if you want to enhance water retention for your plants’ germination.
Downsides To Hydroton Pebbles
Even though Hydroton clay pebbles offer great benefits, there are still some downsides to them. They include:
- Heavy: From our knowledge of clay, they are usually quite heavy. Therefore, Hydroton clay pebbles are also heavy especially when you use them in an ebb and flow system.
- Dusty & Requires Rinsing: Clay balls are always dusty and it’s necessary for them to be washed before use. If you fail to wash them before use, the dust will clog your system and cause blockage which is a big issue.
- Drainage: Even with Hydroton clay pebble top-notch draining mechanism, it can also be its con. Clay balls are capable of draining so well that they can actually dry out rapidly. But this is not a big if you always maintain a constant flow of water and nutrient.
FAQ’s
How do you use clay pebbles?
Clay pebbles are an excellent medium for growing a wide variety of plants. To grow a plant you need to have something to absorb nutrients, water and light. Clay pebbles provide all of these things. They are porous, allowing air, water, and light into the earth to reach the roots.
If you mix sand with clay pebbles, it will be easier to work with. You can also use a mixture of gravel and clay pebbles. The clay pebbles are a great soil amendment. In addition to their ability to hold moisture and nutrients, they also add small particles of rock to the soil. This helps prevent erosion by holding down the soil and reduces the amount of runoff water. Clay pebbles are also very beneficial to the soil because they absorb nutrients. So, by adding clay pebbles you can improve the soil. If you are growing vegetables, you can use clay pebbles in a pot or tray as a medium. They are inexpensive and easy to use. If you are growing plants for a large space, clay pebbles are ideal because they are light and can be mixed together easily. You can also use clay pebbles in your garden beds. You can add them at the base of a plant or under it.
Do I need to soak clay pebbles?
Clay pebbles should be soaked in water for several days before being used in the garden. If you do not follow these steps, your plants will likely die because of lack of nutrients.
Plant seeds in pebbles are very simple. You can plant your seeds in pebbles by putting the pebbles in a flat container or pot and covering the seeds with sand. Then fill the container or pot with soil. Water the pebbles and cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings start sprouting.
Can you put clay pebbles on top of soil?
Yes, you can.
Can you reuse clay pebbles?
Yes, you can. There are a few ways to reuse clay pebbles. The first method is by simply making more clay pebbles out of your existing ones.Or, simply sprinkle them in soil and let them sit.
Gardeners have used natural materials like clay, pebbles, sand and gravel to make beautiful containers for plants for centuries.
How do you sterilize pebbles?
I use a solution of water, bleach and hydrogen peroxide. It’s a simple mixture that works for me.
How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles: Final Say
We can see there are many great benefits to using expandable Hydroton clay pebbles. They offer excellent drainage properties and good aeration. They are also long-lasting and reusable which makes them more cost-effective.
So if you’re thinking of how to use Hydroton clay pebbles, look through our guide and enlighten yourself on all you need to know. Happy growing folks!
July 26, 2021