Time to Change Your Hydroponic Reservoir: Avoid Salt Lockup

Hydroponic Nutrient Reservoir
The water in this reservoir is not fit for a hydroponic system.

Reservoir changes are an essential part to all hydroponic systems.  The reservoir is where your oxygenated water and nutrient solution rests in between feedings.  You can read up on res changes if you are unfamiliar with them.  Depending on the size of your reservoir, hydroponic growing system, and nutrient solution your reservoir should be changed every 7-14 days.  Recirculating hydroponic systems need to be monitored closely for signs indicating its time for a res change.  If you procrastinate too long, your plants may become victim to the dreaded salt lock up.  Look for these 5 signs to ensure you don’t wait too long!

1. Discolored Reservoir Water – Hydroponic systems usually have nutrients and potentially an insecticide like Azamax mixed into the reservoir.  After recirculation the solution picks up extra things you do not want to continually recirculate through your system.  If your nutrient solution is not the color it was after you mixed it, it may be time for a res change.

2.Dead bugs – Dead bugs can have germs and carry diseases you do not want transfered to your plants.  If you see floating dead bugs in your reservoir water, change it!

3. Wrong PH/High PPM – If the PH of your water is too high, you could damage your plant’s root system.  You can get products that will adjust your PH, but use them in moderation.  There could be a greater problem you are missing out on if you continually lower your PH with solutions.  A high PPM can lead to nutrient burns and salt lockouts.  You can add plain water to offset a high PPM, but a reservoir change is in place if you made your nutrient solution too strong.

4. Plants are deficient in one nutrient, but over fertilized by another – Using multi part nutrient solutions can give a grower a lot of precision.  If you notice your plants are showing signs of deficiency for potassium, but look over fertilized, they could just need a different ratio of nutrients.  A reservoir change will allow you to start your nutrient mix from a fresh pallet.

5. Two Week Rule – If you have been using the same res water for more than two weeks, its probably time for a change.  Letting your res water evaporate and get low can also spike your PPM.  Don’t let a huge reservoir fool you!  You still need to monitor your PH and PPM because the nutrients do not evaporate out of the water.

Motivation from MaximumYield.com

In the latest issue of Maximum Yield there was an article about high yields in tight spaces.  The article is motivational for new gardeners who may be discouraged to start an indoor garden.  A simple indoor garden can provide cheap organic food for a family.  It’s economical and eco-friendly. The gardener knows exactly what is going into the food.  The knowledge of the food’s growth can ensure there are no harmful chemicals or pesticides being used.  Despite the food and agricultural industry’s best attempts to bring families clean food, sometimes there are contaminations.  Think of all the times you have heard about major food recalls on the news.  These kind of things seem to be fairly rare and random, but there are ways to protect your self.

High Yields in Tight Spaces : Where a Little Can Mean a Lot

“Ever consider container or vertical gardening? Container gardening is an intriguing option for anyone living in tight quarters, as they are compact and easy to move around. Indoor container gardening is a natural extension of an outdoor garden. Any size home is a great space that will accommodate all kinds of plants. ”  – Aubree Gail Gagne

Read the rest of this great article at Maximum Yield.