I am starting my first hydroponic grow (drip system) and can not seem to find an literature on the amount of time and flow I should use. Should the pump run 24/7, during light hours only, or in timed intervals?
Timed intervals. Because the roots like to dry out (to get oxygen) between waterings. I don't use a drip system, so I can't suggest intervals. Maybe someone that does can chip in, otherwise call a nursery/grow shop/hydro store and ask them.
There are 2 types of drip systems,recovery and non-recovery.In a recovery drip system the run off is recollected and used again so attention to ph is critical as it will altered from existing .In the non recovery there is less attention needed.Anyhow 10 minutes on every hour is a starting point,really depends on plants needs..You can fine tune the on time by observating run off and dropping the time to eleviate the run off if using a non-recovery.If you use a air stone in your solution tank then you will get more then adequate oxygen to the roots,dont let the roots dry out in a drip system.
i run a drip systym with a single resevoire. i have my timer set for every half hour. half hour on-off. has worked great for me.
Thanks for the info! I think that I will try something along the lines of the 1/2hr on 1/2hr off. Since the PH is so critical in this type of system then a continous PH monitor would probably be a wise investment. Also I understand TDS, but what I don't know is what the TDS of the nutrient solution should be. I know it is going to be different depending on your solution's TDS before adding the nutrients, but where do you get the proper # on what the TDS should be. The only thought I have is to measure the TDS when the solution is freshly batched and use that # as a base for that particular batch. Is this correct or am I out to lunch?
