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Anyone into Hydroponics?

Rod

Rod

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Todd
I just recently got into hydroponics. After growing in soil, and dealing with pests, over watering, under watering, nutrient problems, etc, I decided to give hydro a try. I built my own DWC (deep water culture) system for less than $30. I'm amazed by how fast the plants have rooted and how vibrant and healthy they are.

I'm using an indoor grow tent with a Platinum LED light. Will be nice to be able to grow strawberries, tomatoes, etc in the winter time! :)

I also have a green house outside, which I'm considering converting over to hydro. Anyone else grow using hydroponics?
 
My brother does, but I don't know anything about it personally. He grows several different vegetables. I call it his weed farm because he hates it when I do that.
 
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I'll try and get some pics. I'm using an indoor Apollo grow tent (4x2x5), which allows for two plants comfortably using my DWC setup.

I built a DWC system, by purchasing two 5 gallon buckets from Lowes. Drilled holes in each for the air line (I used a 4" air stone for each bucket). Bought an air pump from Amazon (the kind you use for fish tanks), along with the two net pots which fit on top of the buckets. I used Hydronton (clay pebbles) as the growing medium (opposed to soil, rockwool, etc). The DWC bucket system is about $25/ea to build. The tent was $120 I think. I went all out on the lighting, as I wanted the best I could find, yet remain energy efficient, so I went with Platinum LED. So far the setup does a great job. I started with soil in smart pots at first, however found myself dealing with a ton of gnatts (because of the soil). It's also messy. With the DWC setup, I don't need to be concerned about checking it every day to ensure the plants are getting water. Also, nutrients are now really easy to manage. About once a week, I have to change the water in the buckets (which is really easy). Other than that maintenance is really simple.

It doesn't take up much space. The footprint is 2x4 feet x 5 feet tall. The larger the tent, the more lighting you need. This equates to more money.

My next grow is going to be peppers, actually habaneros. For some reason, my habaneros will not grow outside. Looking forward to seeing some serious progress indoors. Contest anyone? :) It's also great for starting plants. I'm thinking about starting tobacco in the tent, and then transitioning to soil outside.

I spent days researching how to setup an effective system. For some reason, no one really clearly shows how to setup hydro the right way. If anyone is interested, I would be happy to create/post plans w/ pictures.
 
So in effect, you're taking out all the variables involved and also extending the growing season, I like it. No bugs to worry about, no dirt/soil manipulation and a consistent growing temperature?
 
Also, if you're in an office, be careful when googling DWC or Hydroponics..............that is unless you're in Colorado/Washington :)
 
Have a now unused beer cellar that I've toyed with the idea of converting into an year round garden. Temp control would be the most difficult challenge but not undoable.
 
bfreebern said:
Also, if you're in an office, be careful when googling DWC or Hydroponics..............that is unless you're in Colorado/Washington :)
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Yes. It can be freezing outside, and you can still grow inside. I keep my house around 72F year round, and I have no problem growing.
 
smellysell said:
Have a now unused beer cellar that I've toyed with the idea of converting into an year round garden. Temp control would be the most difficult challenge but not undoable.
Click to expand...

Unused? Where did all the beer go?
 
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