This Hydroponic system is a large NFT 'table' made by Nutriculture and is know as the 601 Multi Duct. These systems come in various sizes and configurations, this 601 is about 2m x 1m with a 125L reservoir. With this system a submersible pump (maxijet 500) is positioned in the tank at the drainage end and pumps nutrient solution up the middle of the tray through 1/2" supply tube where it splits at the top through a tee piece into 4 outlet fittings (2 x tee's and 2 x elbows) where the solution enters the top of the tray. From here the solution flows down the tray and drains back into the tank. The tray is supported by a stand at the top end and the tank at the drainage end giving the table a slope of 1 in 50. This type of recirculating hydroponic system is great for growing all types of plants, I'll be using it this year to grow my favorite mini plum tomato called 'Floridity'.
After setting the system up and fitting all the pipe work i run through a solution of Hydrogen peroxide at a dilution rate of 50ml per 10L for about 4 hours. This will sterilise system killing any bad bacteria that may be lingering from last year. Once the system is clean i lay down the spreader mat which helps to keep the flow of nutrient solution even down the table.
Now i fill the tank with water and add Vita-Link 'Easy Grow' at a EC of 2.0 and pH of 5.8. Once the tank is well mixed i turn the irrigation pump on. The Nutrient solution will flow quite rapidly if you have the pump on full so it has to be adjusted down using an inline flow control tap which i position near the pump in the tank. I turn the tap to adjust the flow rate so the solution lands in the first channel as shown in the picture. Once the flow rate is set i leave the pump running 24/7.
Now the system is running i get it ready to be planted into. Using a black corriboard i cut holes out where i want my plants to be. Notice i stager the planting to allow good water flow down the table. Once the holes are cut i cover the whole table and tank with black and white sheeting (white side facing up) to help insulate by reflecting and light away from the root zone and tank. I cut an X on each hole to allow the plants to be planted through the black and white.
On planting i have tied the roller hook string around the 4" blocks like i have when i set up the 604 gro-tank with the cucumbers and hung the hook from the roof supports. This will allow me to train the vine up the string for support. Now the plants are in and the nutrient solution is flowing all i do now is monitor the solution in the tank every few days to keep the pH and EC in range. As the nutrient solution is recycled i expect to completely change the solution every 7-14 days. Cant wait for my first harvest which i expect will be in 8-10 weeks!
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