Hydroponics - Wick System

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates how to set up a simple hydroponic wick system. The process includes selecting and preparing materials like a reservoir, pots, cotton wicks, and a nutrient solution made from specific fertilizers. Step-by-step instructions cover cutting and preparing the system’s components, mixing the nutrient solution, and setting up the wicking medium. The video also emphasizes the importance of light management and monitoring the system to ensure plants receive the right amount of water and nutrients. This method is ideal for growing plants without soil, using a self-watering system to nourish plants efficiently.

Takeaways

• 😀 A hydroponic wick system is a simple and effective way to grow plants without soil.
• 😀 To set up the system, you'll need a reservoir (e.g., oil container), pots, cotton wicks, and tools such as a hacksaw and craft knife.
• 😀 The pots need a snug fit with the reservoir, and you can create a template to cut circles for a proper rim to suspend the pots.
• 😀 Lightproofing the system is essential to prevent algae growth in the nutrient solution; use dark paint to cover the reservoir.
• 😀 Mixing the nutrient solution requires three fertilizers: blue con, calcium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate in precise proportions.
• 😀 A 20-liter nutrient solution requires 1.2 tablespoons of blue con, 0.65 tablespoons of calcium nitrate, and 0.35 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate.
• 😀 Wicks should be long enough to reach the nutrient solution in the reservoir to ensure adequate absorption by the plants.
• 😀 The growing medium must be well-draining; avoid soil or peat moss as they retain too much moisture and may cause root rot.
• 😀 The ideal medium combination includes cocopeat (both coarse and fine), optional clay pellets, and vermiculite for better results.
• 😀 For proper wicking, use materials like t-shirt strips as wicks and ensure they reach the water in the reservoir to provide nutrients to the plants.
• 😀 Before planting, test the system to ensure moisture is being pulled up into the growing medium, indicating that the wick system is functioning correctly.

Q & A

What is the wick system in hydroponics?

The wick system is a simple hydroponic method where water and nutrients are drawn up to the plant roots using wicks, without the need for soil. The wicks are typically made from absorbent materials like cotton and placed in a nutrient solution reservoir.

Why is it important to paint the reservoir container in a dark color?

Painting the reservoir dark is essential to prevent light from entering and promoting algae growth in the nutrient solution. Algae can contaminate the solution, reducing the efficiency of nutrient delivery to the plants.

What fertilizers are used in the nutrient solution for this system?

The nutrient solution uses three types of fertilizers: 12-12-17 (a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), calcium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts).

How do you prepare the nutrient solution for the wick system?

To prepare the nutrient solution, you mix 20 liters of water with 1.2 tablespoons of 12-12-17 fertilizer, 0.65 tablespoons of calcium nitrate, and 0.35 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate. These are dissolved in a tea bag for easy filtration and to avoid sediment.

What is the role of the cotton wicks in this hydroponic system?

The cotton wicks in the hydroponic system draw the nutrient solution from the reservoir up into the growing medium, keeping the plant roots consistently supplied with water and nutrients.

Why is it necessary to use cocopeat and vermiculite in the growing medium?

Cocopeat and vermiculite are used because they are lightweight, absorbent, and provide good aeration for the plant roots. They help maintain a stable medium that prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged or suffocated.

Can you use regular soil in the wick system?

No, using soil or peat moss in the wick system is not recommended because they retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. Only the small amount of peat moss that comes with seedlings is acceptable.

How long should the wicks be in relation to the plant pots?

The wicks should be long enough to reach from the medium in the pot to the nutrient solution in the reservoir. They must be able to draw up enough water to keep the plant hydrated for the duration of its growth cycle.

What is the purpose of using a tea bag to suspend the fertilizers in the solution?

The tea bag is used to contain the fertilizers, allowing them to dissolve slowly in the water while preventing any solid particles or sediment from contaminating the nutrient solution.

How can you check if the wick system is working properly?

You can check the wick system by observing whether the growing medium remains moist. If moisture is visible in the medium, it indicates that the wick system is properly transferring water and nutrients to the plant roots.