These cucumber plants are now just over 3 weeks old and are ready to go onto their final system which use the Nutrient Film Technique or NFT.
The most important thing about getting plants ready for any hydroponic system is that they are well established in their propagation block having loads of healthy white roots.
These are the Gro-tanks I will be using, the small one is the 205i and the other is a 604. They are made in UK by Nutriculture who make 5 different variations in size. The top tray is where the plants are placed and the reservoir underneath holds the nutrient solution. The 604 holds 60L and the 205i holds 20l. The idea behind NFT is that the plants on the top tray spread out their roots into a thin film of nutrient solution which is constantly flowing. The solution is recirculated from the reservoir, down the tray and back into reservoir at the other end. The roots eventually grow into a thick mat nourished by the nutrient solution and highly available oxygen all around them.
The NFT Gro-Tanks have one delivery tube where the nutrient solution is pumped onto the tray. To ensure even distribution of water on the tray capillary matting know as 'spreader mat' is rolled out. 1 layer is enough and a small over lap in the middle is fine. Once this has been laid out I fill the reservoir with water.
Once the tank is filled I submerse the pump and attach the delivery tube and turn it on. The pumps have an adjustable flow rate and need to be slowed down so the solution lands in the middle of the first diamond.
After a few mins all the spreader mat should be wet. If you find some dry spots then poke the spreader mat down into the channels to wick up the solution. If there is little or no solution flowing in any of the channels make sure the tank is on a level floor and the flow rate is right until the solution is reaching all parts of the tray.
If you flow rate is too high then you solution will puddle. This will cause the plants roots to get over watered which may cause them to be starved of oxygen. Too much flow will also cause the rockwool blocks to get completely saturated which will get you plants off to a poor start.
These cucumber plants are now just over 3 weeks old and are ready to go onto their final system which use the Nutrient Film Technique or NFT.
The most important thing about getting plants ready for any hydroponic system is that they are well established in their propagation block having loads of healthy white roots.
These are the Gro-tanks I will be using, the small one is the 205i and the other is a 604. They are made in UK by Nutriculture who make 5 different variations in size. The top tray is where the plants are placed and the reservoir underneath holds the nutrient solution. The 604 holds 60L and the 205i holds 20l. The idea behind NFT is that the plants on the top tray spread out their roots into a thin film of nutrient solution which is constantly flowing. The solution is recirculated from the reservoir, down the tray and back into reservoir at the other end. The roots eventually grow into a thick mat nourished by the nutrient solution and highly available oxygen all around them.
The NFT Gro-Tanks have one delivery tube where the nutrient solution is pumped onto the tray. To ensure even distribution of water on the tray capillary matting know as 'spreader mat' is rolled out. 1 layer is enough and a small over lap in the middle is fine. Once this has been laid out I fill the reservoir with water.
Once the tank is filled I submerse the pump and attach the delivery tube and turn it on. The pumps have an adjustable flow rate and need to be slowed down so the solution lands in the middle of the first diamond.
After a few mins all the spreader mat should be wet. If you find some dry spots then poke the spreader mat down into the channels to wick up the solution. If there is little or no solution flowing in any of the channels make sure the tank is on a level floor and the flow rate is right until the solution is reaching all parts of the tray.
If you flow rate is too high then you solution will puddle. This will cause the plants roots to get over watered which may cause them to be starved of oxygen. Too much flow will also cause the rockwool blocks to get completely saturated which will get you plants off to a poor start.
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