The following is a hydroponics and grow lights primer covering the basics of the systems and methods commonly used for growing plants using hydroponics based systems. Our hope is to give you enough information to get you started with evaluating the different systems and with choosing the right one for you.
Hydroponic systems include: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); Drip (or Top) Watering; Aeroponic; Cloning; and Ebb & Flow (flood & drain) methods. Basically, all systems feature a reservoir and some type of container for the plant(s) to grow in, such as pots, trays, etc. What differentiates them is how the nutrient solution is delivered to the roots.
Media-based systems use some form of growing media or plant nutrients, which provide support for the roots. There is a greater selection of media-based systems to choose from to accommodate diverse plants and plant sizes. Water culture systems can be used either with or without grow media. These systems, however, require regular attention since growth rates are high. Abundant and good-quality fresh water and electricity must be readily available. Also, rapidly growing plants need to be maintained. Vines require trellising and fruit and flowers must be harvested in a timely manner. Some popular water culture systems are raft nutrient film technique and aeroponics.
There are three primary grow lights choices; Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium (HPS), and Fluorescent. Fluorescent grow lights gives off low heat, lower light output and is primarily used to start seedlings and cuttings. New T5 and T8 high output systems are now available that produce enough lumens to grow various plants to maturity. Metal Halide grow lights are green/blue/violet-oriented in the spectrum depending upon the Kelvin temperature, and is the best light when natural light is not available and particularly during the vegetative growth stages. High Pressure Sodium grow lights are red/orange-oriented in the spectrum and the superlative lamp for secondary or supplemental lighting and promotes budding, flowering and fruiting.
One of the biggest and most important investments you will make as a hydroponic grower will be your grow lights. The quality and type of your grow lights may very well determine how successful your hydroponic garden is. The grow lights used for hydroponics are just as safe as any standard lighting in your house, but it still pays to be cautious when setting up and using these lights. Here are a few tips you can use to make sure your grow lights don't pose a hazard to you and your garden.
1. Make sure your grow lights don't have damaged cords
In the interests of cost, it can sometimes be tempting to purchase lights on eBay or from a friend second hand. It is very common for these kinds of lights to have worn cords and exposed wiring, often covered with nothing more than flimsy electrical tape. Besides increasing the risk of fire, an exposed cord may also cause electrical shock if touched, which can easily result in a trip to the emergency room. For your own safety, make certain that the electoral wires are not exposed and always purchase your grow lights brand new when starting or expanding your hydroponic garden. Buying new might even save you money in the long run because you will have to replace them less often.
2. Neatly Organize Your Cords
If your cords are placed in a tangled mess on your walkway, they might pose a tripping hazard. If they are placed too close to certain high heat lights, they might expose the wires and create a fire hazard. Cords should be placed away from lights and anywhere else that might cause damage. If you have several lamps, it might be a good idea to use tape to bundle the cords together so they are not splayed all over the floor.
3. Don't Have Your Grow Lights On Continuously
Which the exception of seedlings, which can benefit from twenty-four hour light, it is generally a bad idea to leave your lights on all the time. The purpose of grow lights is to simulate natural sunlight and leaving the light on all the time will not only cause harm to your plants, it will also unnecessarily run your electrical bills up and increase your risk of fire. For most plants, you should use a timer to expose your plants to light eighteen hours a day and darkness six hours a day. If you want to expose your seedlings to constant light, choose a low heat light source to minimize risk, such as fluorescent grow lights or LED grow lights
4. Don't expose your indoor grow lights to water
The most common grow light related accidents happen with water. Electricity and water don't mix, so you need to be extra cautious when using both to make your hydroponic garden function. Make certain that all your reservoirs and tanks don't have any cracks or tears that might causes water to leak out and reach the wires. Don't give any water that drains from your plants the opportunity to touch anything electrical in your garden. Also, make sure to place your electrical ballast on a shelf mounted high on the wall where splashing water cannot reach it.
Both Psmith & Michael Straumietis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Psmith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Entertainment Guide and Travel and Leisure. Bruce Jenkins is writer for , a reseller of hydroponics, grow lights, plant nutrients, organic and soil based growing. Psmith's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Michael Straumietis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gardening, Gardening and Internet Marketing. Michael Straumietis is co-founder of Advanced Nutrients and an expert in hydroponics, plant nutrition & soil sciences. If you would like to know more about. Michael Straumietis's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.