What is a good inexpensive hydroponic system for the first time user?

Our WaterFarm, AquaFarm and PowerGrowers are all good systems for a beginner. Nearly any plant can be grown, and if you later decide you would like to have some additional units, they can be linked together and expanded with our controller.

What is the best system for starting cuttings?

Our RainForest Series does an excellent job for starting cuttings.

Which is the best system for growing smaller plants?

You can use any of our systems, though the AeroFlo produces the most rapid and dramatic results.

What is the best system for growing tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers?

These plants have longer growing periods and need enough space for adequate root development. Our best systems for these crops are the Farm Series, PowerGrowers and the Dutch Pots.

Can I turn my system off at night to conserve energy? Should I run it continuously or cycle it at intervals?

All systems can be left off at night once the plant roots are long enough to reach the nutrient level in the reservoir. Longer cycles depend on the type of system you have:

AeroFlo systems: The cycle can be set to run continuously during the day and coming on once or twice during the night on 15 to 30 minute intervals.

Dutch Pot systems: Set the timer to come on for .5 hour/ off 1.5 hour during the daylight cycle once the plant has a good root system. These systems use cocopeat which holds moisture and nutrients in the root zone.

Farm Series: Set the timer to come on for 1 hour/ off 1 hour during the daylight cycle.

RainForest systems: These units are run continuously, especially if you are trying to root cuttings. If you are growing plants, they can be shut off in the evening once the roots have grown into the nutrient solution.

How do the Dutch Pot systems differ from the WaterFarm systems?

Each WaterFarm, AquaFarm and PowerGrower can be used as a stand alone system, or several can be connected together. There is a growing chamber and a nutrient reservoir for each unit. They use an air pump to deliver nutrients and have Grorox as the medium. The Dutch Pot is a single chambered system which is drip fed by an in-line pump. Drainage from all units returns to a single reservoir. In the Dutch Pot, smaller grade media such as cocopeat may be used without fear of particles entering the nutrient stream and clogging pumps.

What is the Controller, and what does it do?

The Controller is a large external nutrient reservoir, which can supply make-up nutrient to as many as eight Farm Series or Power Grower modules. It provides an additional supply of nutrient solution as the plants move into their rapid growth phase. The larger Texas Controller can be used to supply up to 16 Farm Series or Power Grower modules, or it can be used in conjunction with the RainForest System.

Our "Systems Instructions" page is a good source of information on how to set up and run various systems.

Can you recommend a simple solution for keeping growing media out of drains?

General Hydroponics' PolyWool was designed for this purpose. It also retains moisture. It is recommended for moisture loving plants, especially in very hot and dry environments.

The hoses on my WaterFarm have gotten dirty. What's the best way to unclog the system?

The easiest way to clean the drip ring and pumping column is to soak the pieces in hot water. You can add 1 Tablespoon bleach per Gallon as a cleanser. After soaking, plug one end of the drip ring and run hot water into the other end. This forces water out of the drip holes and removes any deposits. Some people keep an extra pumping column and drip ring that they swap out during every cleaning. The used pieces are soaked in bleach solution, rinsed thoroughly, dried, and stored for the next cleaning.

How do I deal with algae build up in my hydroponic system?

The best method is prevention. If you keep the solution away from light, i.e. keep the lids closed and all openings sealed, you can prevent algae from growing. If you already have algae in the system you can remove it with a brush, or use hydrogen peroxide (3ml of 3% H2O2 per gallon of solution) to remove it. If there are particles floating in the nutrient solution, be sure to flush the reservoir and growing chamber with ample water, and then start with a new batch of nutrient. If the problem is severe, make sure you have the algae completely flushed out to avoid the risk of clogging some of the flow lines in the system.

Information in this section provided by General Hydroponics