Author: Web Hydroponics

Nutri-Plus Final Drive: The Perfect Finisher!

Written by Web Hydroponics on February 3, 2015. Posted in Blog.

Have you been looking for a product that gives your plants exactly what they want and need at the end of flowering? The perfect finisher that will give you high yields? Something that stacks up to the Monster Bloom and Overdrives of the world but isn’t as expensive? The answer is Nutri-Plus Final Drive. Nutri-Plus Final Drive is a mix of stones (NPK), essential vitamins and other organic compounds that plants want at the end of their flowering stage. It is the perfect formula for the perfect finish for your plants. Not only that, but it will keep your wallet full and your plants will love it!

3 Essential Elements in Nutri-Plus Final Drive

Nutri-Plus Final Drive contains high levels of magnesium, which is crucial to facilitate the synthesis of amino acids and cellular proteins. Magnesium is also one of the most important elements when it comes to the production of chlorophyll. It is the engine room behind photosynthesis in plants. Without magnesium, chlorophyll is unable to capture light energy needed for photosynthesis to happen. It is also used by plants for the metabolism of carbs and stabilizing cell membranes.

Nutri-Plus Final Drive contains high levels of Vitamin C, which is important to increase the efficiency of the photosynthesis and allows the plants to better resist heat and light stress. It is known to be an antioxidant, which is what helps the plants deal with various environmental stresses, but it is also essential to plant growth, as they cannot grow without it. Vitamin C is the protection your plants need against any issues that could affect the all important end-of-flowering stage.

Nutri-Plus Final Drive also contains the all-important Vitamin B. Vitamin B is essential for the improving the growth system of a plant, which results in stimulation of root development, formation of buds, flowering and fructification. Vitamin B supplements results in stronger plants which results in higher yields.

We recommend using Nutri-Plus Final Drive during the final phase of flowering, anywhere from weeks 5-7, for a 7 week bloom cycle and week 7 for a 10 week bloom cycle.

For more information on Nutri-Plus Final Drive, visit the manufacturers website here.

For more detailed information about the Nutri-Plus Final Drive feed schedule, check out this link.

-Web Hydroponics

Carboload vs Carborator: Not All Hydroponic Plant Sugars Are Created Equal

Written by Web Hydroponics on January 30, 2015. Posted in Blog.

If you’re a sugar junkie like me, you can’t go a couple hours without at least thinking about where that next sugar fix is coming from…will it be a Reese’s Cup from the gas station or a super ultra grande mocha latte from the Starbucks down the road? I am easy to please when it comes to sugary desserts or anything chocolate, but I know that not all sugar is the same. Some sugar comes from fruits, vegetables and grains. These life-giving, essential sugars provide a slow release of energy that keeps us going all day – not just a temporary energy spike for junkies like me. A healthy garden also benefits from sugar. With carbohydrate products like Carborator from Nutri-Plus and Carboload by Advanced Nutrients, plants and beneficial bacteria derive energy that triggers increased plant growth and record breaking harvests.

Carboload by Advanced Nutrients Established a Demand for Carbohydrates for Plants

In recognizing the huge advantages of complimenting any hydroponic garden fertilization program with sugar boosters, it is no mystery that innovative hydroponic plant nutrient manufacturers offer carbohydrate products for plants in their lines. One of the most widely recognized, classic carb products for plants, Carboload, comes from the very controversial plant nutrient manufacturer: Advanced Nutrients. This product earned lots of respect from the indoor gardening community, established the demand for carb products for plants and set a benchmark in quality. Despite the steep pricing and crazy marketing of Carboload, cutting edge growers were made aware that plant additives with high quality simple and complex carbohydrates could promote the development of beneficial bacteria and push plant growth to new levels.

Carborator by Nutri-Plus sets a new Benchmark in Sugar for Hydroponic Gardens

Building on the knowledge and success achieved by Carboload and other carbohydrates for hydroponic plants, the agronomists and chemists at Nutri-Plus developed a new benchmark in high quality carbohydrates for plants. Nutri-Plus Carborator is a high powered energy source for plants and microbiology that brings together a superior blend of monosaccharide sugars to improve plant health and quality while increasing crop yield. By combining the highest grade of glucose, maltose and xylose, the team at Nutri-Plus produced a plant growth additive that uniquely benefits plants during all stages of growth.

Nutri-Plus Carborator has the Highest Percentage of Xylose then Carboload

All plants benefit from carbohydrate supplements, but not all sugar supplements generate equal results. Nutri-Plus Carborator is not a byproduct of cane sugar or molasses. It is uniquely high in Xylose; a rare, expensive and powerful wood sugar, known to encourage growth of plant tissues. Because of its unique chemical composition and origin, the Xylose in Carborator is ideal for building up plant energy reserves throughout the entire growth and bloom cycles while delivering critical energy boosts in late bloom; when plant carb production has stopped and plants rely exclusively on carbohydrate reserves.

The verdict is in…if you want to save money and get even better results compared to a big name brand, you can’t go wrong with Nutri-Plus Carborator. Looking at the ingredients and price alone should make it worth a purchase, so we recommend you give it a try in your next cycle.

-Web Hydroponics

The Nutri-Plus Hydroponic Plant Nutrient Program Yields Results that Exceed Expectations – Part II

Written by Web Hydroponics on December 8, 2014. Posted in Blog.

After succeeding with the essentials of the Nutri-Plus plant nutrient program (Grow AB, Bloom AB and Thrive), indoor gardening enthusiasts can push their plants and their beliefs to the limit by introducing a variety of magical foliar additives, powerful bloom-boosters and other essential plant growth supplements that exceed all expectations.

Propagation with Nutri-Plus includes Root Plus Rooting Gel and Nutri-Plus Start

In propagation and the first week of growth Nutri-Plus Start (1-3-1 with hormones) delivers the powerful kick start every solid plant nutrition program requires. Start is versatile additive that can be used to condition propagation media as well as a core plant nutrient for young cuttings in the first week of growth. Root Plus rooting gel was created specifically for the propagation of cuttings. This gel includes a delicate balance of growth hormones, B1 vitamins, amino acids and an organic antiseptic; these elements secure effective healing of the stem while supplying all essential nutrients and hormones for accelerated root development.

Fusion of Organic Acids and Mineral Nutrients in Nutri-Plus Black and Gold

Throughout the first six weeks of plant development, Nutri-Plus Black provides a base of organic acids and minerals that optimize nutrient assimilation while vitalizing the root zone and fortifying the plant’s immune system. During flowering Nutri-Plus Gold (0-2-1) accelerates nutrient translocation and absorption while providing a variety of trace elements and antioxidants that optimize sugar production in a foliar mist. As a huge innovation the team at Biofloral (Exclusive North American distributors of Nutri-Plus) reports that they are about to introduce a pair of game-changing new products: Pure Black and Pure Gold. These Nutri-Plus products are said to contain the highest percentage (almost 100 times greater than the nearest comparable) of the highest grade Humic and Fulvic acids available in indoor gardening today. Pure Black and Pure Gold are sure to set a new standard in organic acid plant supplements – to use with any plant nutrient program.

Nutri-Plus Foliar Supplements are Ideal Complements to a well-balanced Plant Nutrient Program

Nutri-Plus‘s unrivaled line-up of foliar plant supplements set a benchmark in hydroponic plant nutrient programs and provide immediate impact on your plants health and vitality – without affecting conductivity and pH levels in the res. For the first two weeks of development, complementing your plants nutrient program with a generous foliar dose of Nutri-Plus Green (1-1-1) will prevent early yellowing of leaves while providing young cuttings with a healthy broad-base mineral supplement that is easily absorbed by the leaves. For use at any stage of development, Nutri-Plus CM Plus (3-0-0) stands alone as a specialized foliar calcium and magnesium plant supplement. Most experienced growers understand and never underestimate the importance of calcium and magnesium as part of any complete plant development program. Many programs offer calcium and magnesium supplements, but few offer such a clean, and highly dissolved cal-mag supplement that can be used as a foliar spray and will be quickly absorbed by your plants.

Nutri-Plus is a favorite of ours at Web Hydroponics and we’re happy to share the many benefits of this great line. Try it today!

-Web Hydroponics

Best Hydroponic Grow Room Tips for Increasing Yield

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 28, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Hydroponic growers know that to produce a bigger yield it is important to make sure plant nutrients and health are well taken into consideration. Producing bigger and better quality crops with shorter harvesting cycles can be challenging, but, with the best hydroponic tips at your disposal, any grower can achieve increased yields for improved harvests. Hopefully these grow room tips helps you become a better grower or if you already know all this stuff, it helps reinforce that you’re doing things the right way!

Hydroponic Gardening Tips #1
Keep A Growers Journal

To improve your chances of successful crop, it can be beneficial to write in a grower’s journal. When you apply changes or try new plant nutrients to a weak or unhealthy crop it is important to record the results to make sure they are not re-used if unsuccessful. This journal can also be used to track any changes of watering, nutrients, lights, pH levels, and plant health on a day to day basis. Using this as a guide, a grower may be able to pin-point certain methods that may increase plant health and in-corporate these into their hydroponic gardening system.

Hydroponic Gardening Tips #2
Keeping Water Levels in Check

Water is another deciding factor when it comes to plant growth. Water is needed to help the plants grow, although if too much water is used a plant’s root system may become susceptible to rotting – causing plant death. To ensure the right amount of water is used, a grower may need to check the plant after watering. A plant that becomes more vibrant in the leaves may require additional watering, while a plant that wilts soon after would require less watering. Plants that are over watered in hydroponic gardening systems tend to not respond as well as others when additional plant nutrients and plant stimulants are given. The healthiest water to give a plant is Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. RO water allows your plants to take in nutrients more efficiently when compared to tap or filtered water.

Hydroponic Gardening Tips #3
Use Your Pruning Shears

To help growers successfully produce a bigger yield it can also be important to prune your plants. Plants that have leaves or stems that are rotting, withered, or useless, tend to use more energy and plant nutrients to try and increase growth to these areas. This wasted energy can cause a decrease in plant health overall, thus causing slow growth. Pruning additional leaves and stems that are dead, weak, or rotting can help to increase and promote healthy growth, resulting in an increase in crop yields.

Hydroponic Gardening Tips #4
Choose the Right Plant Nutrient Program for Hydroponic Gardening

Another hydroponic gardening tip that can help to produce a bigger yield is choosing the right plant nutrients. Conventional garden fertilizer may not include the proper ratio for hydroponic setups. Purchasing a plant nutrient program that is optimized for hydroponic growing can dramatically increase your chances of a bigger yield. These fertilizers can usually be purchased from a reputable hydroponic retailer, and are important to help promote plant growth. Maintaining the correct nutrient strength (EC or PPMs), the correct pH and the correct temperature (65 to 75 degrees) and humidity levels are equally critical in making the most of your high quality hydroponic plant nutrient. It is highly recommended to get a trusted and reliable controller set to monitor all of these variables in your hydroponic grow room.

Hydroponic Gardening Tips #6
Use CO2 Generators Carefully

CO2 generators are amazing tools for boosting plant growth, but, when used by inexperienced growers, the dangers are very real. If in-correctly used crop death and severe fires or explosions can set-back your garden and your own safety as well as the structure of the house. The condition of your hydroponic system could be the least of your worries! When a CO2 generator is in use, it is recommended that a grower should increase plant nutrients and light within the system. Measuring the conditions within your hydroponic system is also advisable. Plants exposed to CO2 levels can usually handle up to 1500 parts per million if conditions are optimized. Before using these generators, it is important to know the risks involved, and have a vast understanding of how they work to minimize plant damage.

-Web Hydroponics

Hydroponic Plant Nutrients: Getting Started

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 24, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Hydroponics is an innovative and sophisticated form of agriculture that offers advanced productivity in terms of yield size and quality, with ultra-efficient use of water and plant nutrients in a highly controlled environment. Despite the great advantages of hydroponic gardening over conventional soil-based gardening, this method of indoor growing has its challenges. Maintaining healthy growth and vitality in your hydroponic garden requires control of all the elements (light, temperature, humidity, water, pH, nutrient strength) as well as the right blend of plant nutrients.

Hydroponic Plant Nutrients: Take Control of Your Plant Health

Finding the right blend of plant nutrients and fertilizers is an important part of the equation when it comes to optimal health and optimal results with the plants in your hydroponic garden. There are many factors that should be taken into consideration to help promote plant health; with regard to balanced plant nutrients, the basic NPKs (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) and a wide assortment of key plant nutrients including Calcium and Magnesium are vital for healthy crops. Without these essential nutrients, plants cannot and will not grow – accordingly resulting in a weak and potentially costly outcome.

Macro and Micro Plant Nutrients for Hydroponic Gardens

Plant nutrients are divided into 2 separate categories which include micronutrients and macronutrients. Macronutrients can be either primary or secondary. Primary macronutrients consist of potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N), while the secondary plant nutrients include minerals like sulfur (S), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). The primary plant nutrients found in the soil are usually exhausted due to the amount required for a plant to grow, while secondary nutrients are usually taken in slowly over time. As micronutrients are trace elements, a plant requires a small mix of these nutrients in small quantities. Calculating the amount of hydroponic plant nutrients that are required within a setup allows for the plants to absorb enough to make them grow faster and healthier for a larger harvest.

Blue Lab pH Pen is used to monitor pH levels

Hydroponic Plant Nutrients and pH

Another factor to keep in mind when aiming to make the most of your plant nutrient program is pH. When plant nutrients are added to a hydroponic setup, the pH level will change throughout the nutrient absorption process and will need to be monitored constantly. It is said that a pH reading of 5.8 to 6.2 is ideal for hydroponic gardening and should be kept around this level. Some hydroponic plant nutrients include buffering agents that limit pH fluctuations. Beginner gardeners may perceive this as an advantage, but experienced growers know that masking pH fluctuations robs the grower of a valuable plant health indicator. For example, rising pH levels are expected in a healthy garden, at certain stages. If pH is dropping, it is a sure sign that something is wrong.

Water Quality, Plant Nutrient Strength and Conductivity

Water quality is another critical element in optimizing your plant nutrient program. If your water contains a high concentration of mineral impurities, it leaves little room to add quality minerals to your nutrient solution. Overloaded nutrient solutions with high nutrient strength and high electrical conductivity (EC) can be detrimental to your crop yield and plant health. Although quality hydroponic plant nutrients are essential in a successful hydroponic crop, too much fertilizer and too high EC or nutrient strength could impede the plant absorption levels. As such, over fertilizing is not recommended. Starting with pure RO (Reverse Osmosis) water is the best way to avoid over fertilizing and offer your hydroponic garden the best quality plant nutrient solution.

-Web Hydroponics

Induced Flowering with 36 Hours of Darkness and Blossom-Plus, Bud-Plus and Final Drive

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 14, 2014. Posted in Blog.

It is a matter of fact that plants go through massive hormonal and obvious physical changes when they transition from the vegetative growth stage to flowering. In nature this transition is slow and smooth as daylight hours fade with minimal daily changes throughout an entire season. For indoor hydroponic gardeners it is always exciting – in a god-like way- when powerful HID grow-lights are shut down, light-hours are cut from 18 to 12 and plants are forced to transition from veg to flower in a week. Taking this time-saving strategy one step further, expert hydroponic gardeners have a highly effective method of triggering this hormonal change in 36 hours – 36-hours-of-darkness.

It is documented that induced flowering will occur by completely shutting down all indoor garden lighting for 36 hours (between veg and bloom). By turning off the grow-lights for a full 36 hours and generating a completely unnatural period of darkness, two things happen to plants: 1) they have more than enough time to completely transfer and assimilate all light energy that was accumulated and stored throughout the period of light and 2) plants experience intense stress when they run out of stored energy to transfer and from withdrawal of light. A combination of these two factors jump-starts flowering and fast-tracks the transition from growth to bloom.

Blossom-Plus is the ultimate Early Bloom Activator to use after 36-Hours-of-Darkness

In order to help growers fully capitalize on the 36-hours-of-darkness short-cut, the experts at Nutri-Plus prepared a unique and powerful early bloom activator known as Blossom-Plus (0-39-25). This early bloom enhancer has the ideal balance of minerals that a plant requires as it begins to bloom – regardless of the fertilizer program. The high concentration of phosphorous, potassium and quickly assimilated special bloom activators in Blossom-Plus stimulate flowering for denser, heavier and richer flowers and fruits.

Bud-Plus by Nutri-Plus Delivers Immediate and Impressive Results for your Plants in Mid-Bloom

As the veg-bloom transition phase is accelerated, experienced growers and hydroponic plant nutrition specialists know that plants activity and energy requirements are radically changed. For enhanced flowering in mid-bloom, the experts at Nutri-Plus designed Bud-Plus (0-15-40) to provide a super-dose of high-quality potassium as well as phosphorous and wide range of micronutrients that generate intense flowering and increased sugar levels. Bud-Plus is available as a liquid or powder.

Final Drive by Nutri-Plus is the ultimate Bloom Finisher to use after 36-Hours-of-Darkness

For growers who are eager to achieve the greatest yields and the highest quality crops in the shortest time, the 36-hours-of-darkness trick – in conjunction with high grade hydroponic plant nutrients and supplements including Blossom-Plus and Bud-Plus will be enough to deliver an impressive harvest. But, no job is complete without a good finisher and no harvest finisher is as complete as Final Drive by Nutri-Plus. To be used in the last few weeks of flowering Final Drive is in a class by itself as the most effective bloom enhancer for the final phase of flowering.

If you read this blog, you know we love Nutri-Plus. They’ve been around for decades and they’ve continually made products that work well at a great price. Blossom-Plus, Bud-Plus and Final Drive are in our minds, as good as any other bloom enhancers out there. Sure, everyone has their favorite nutrient line and will say it’s better than all the others, but, we’ve grown with all of them, and we’ve stuck with Nutri-Plus as our go-to line. Take it for what it’s worth, but Nutri-Plus is definitely worth a try for your next grow.

-Web Hydroponics

All You Need Is Smart Pots!

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 12, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Water is the life of your plant but traditional hard-sided pots can restrict your drainage and heat your roots to dangerous levels if you’re not careful. That’s why soft-sided Smart Pots have become a staple in many indoor gardens.

What is a Smart Pot?

A Smart Pot, sometimes referred to as a grow bag, is a soft-sided fabric aeration container for growing plants in any type of gardening setting. The fabric is porous, meaning you can see through it. They are made from a patented geotextile fabric that is stitched to form a grow bag that can be filled with your favorite planting mix. Did you know that (when used accordingly) Smart Pots can last up to 7 years? This unique aeration fabric allows the pot to breath, which allows air to reach the roots much easier. This gives you the biggest, strongest, healthiest plants. Not too mention they are one of the most durable aeration pots available, so you won’t have to worry about the pot not being strong enough to hold your plants.

Great for Roots!

With Smart Pots your plants will grow much more efficiently and with a thick, fibrous root system as they allow your plants to take in more nutrients and water. Not only that, but it allows your roots to stay much cooler because the fabric doesn’t trap heat like a traditional pot.

Watering?

Over-watering is a common problem in indoor gardening, especially for beginning growers. But unlike a hard-sided container, it is a very difficult to overwater a Smart Pot. That means you can use a denser, heavier mix. A Smart Pot also allows for premium drainage compared to traditional pots. Most hard-sided containers aren’t supplied with sufficient drainage at the bottom, leading to water buildup, mold problems and root problems.

Temperature?

Temperature is a huge factor in indoor gardening and the temperatures of your root zone is something that is often overlooked by beginning growers. Temperature inside a traditional black container can reach over 125 degrees and the heat can suffocate your roots. In a Smart Pot the cloth allows the roots to breathe and flow with the ambient temperature of your environment causing much cooler root zones.

What About Clay or Decorative Pots?

Smart Pots are much more affordable than clay pots, and clay pots are fragile and often have drainage issues. Clay pots usually have no or minimal drainage holes so it’s very easy to overwater. With the very handy ‘Smart Pot with Handles’, these aeration containers are easily portable and can give you added space in a confined area.

Various Sizes
Smart Pots are made in various sizes to fit the needs of growers everywhere, beginning with one gallon up to 98 gallons.

I’ve grown tons of plants indoors and out over the past decade and without a doubt, Smart Pots are the most affordable and reliable aeration container on the market. I currently live in a dense, urban area and instead of taking the time to build raised beds, I simply place Smart Pots around my concrete jungle of a backyard and create a beautiful green space. We can’t recommend them highly enough!

-Web Hydroponics

One of the Best PH Meter and PPM Meters Available: Nutradip!

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 10, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Beginners in Hydroponic gardening tend to make the common mistake of underestimating the accuracy, reliability and high quality in pH meters and nutrient meters. Many growers warn of the dangers of unchecked acidity levels and unbalanced nutrient concentrations that can lead to plant nutrient deficiencies. These plant nutrient deficiencies generally result in a weakened immune system that can’t fight against pests and diseases; inevitably this leads to a non-exist or diminished yield when it’s time to harvest.

Best PH Meter: Nutradip is my winner!

The use of pH meters and ppm meters in monitoring plant nutrient solutions has become standard practice and widely used in most hydroponic gardening communities around the globe. The latest pH meters and nutrient meters by Nutradip are manufactured by Future Harvest Development – a well-known and trusted brand that is a first choice for many hydroponic growers. The well-known Nutradip Tri-meter is a 3-in-1 hydroponic meter that features automatic temperature compensation and no batteries, and is classed as a reliable way to measure nutrient strength, temperature and pH levels all in one.

Best Nutrient Meter: Again, Nutradip!!!

Developed by Future Harvest Development the Nutradip Nutrient Meter provides an accurate and reliable way of measuring conductivity (EC) and nutrient strength (ppm) in hydroponic gardens. Made by growers for growers, this hydroponic nutrient meter comes with splash resistant properties, a lightweight design; a temperature compensated nutrient probe, a Nutradip calibration solution, and a replaceable 9V battery with dual power options for performing as a wall mounted or hand-held unit.

Measuring Acidity Levels with The Nutradip pH Meter

The Future Harvest Development Nutradip pH Meter is another essential hydroponic gardening tool which provides any grower with the ability to monitor nutrient pH with a portable or wall mounted unit. This meter features the same splash resistant and lightweight case as the Nutradip nutrient meter. It also includes the dual power option, and the same people-friendly and plant friendly display as the Nutrient Meter. The Nutradip pH meter also offers a 9V battery, a 1 year warranty, a Nutradip pH4/pH7, and a high quality pH probe.

Why Nutradip?

The bottom line is that most of the deficiencies and setbacks with disappointing hydroponic yields and poor plant health are the result of failure to monitor pH levels and nutrient strength. Experienced growers know that reliable meters and regular attention are directly related to optimized plant nutrient uptake and exceptional harvests. As such, Nutradip has become synonymous with reliability and quality in monitoring pH and nutrient strength in hydroponic gardening. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking that your nutrient solution is optimized, confirm it with Nutradip.

-Web Hydroponics

High Pressure Sodium vs. Metal Halide: Plant Lighting Uncovered!

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 7, 2014. Posted in Blog.

Hydroponic gardening is a method of indoor growing that requires the right combination of techniques and equipment to increase growth rate and maximize crop yield for a larger harvest. Adequate plant lighting is one of the most critical elements to consider for maximum plant growth and healthy indoor gardens. In hydroponic gardening there are a variety of light options such as High Pressure Sodium plant lights (HPS), Metal Halide plant lights (MH), incandescent lights and fluorescent plant light to choose from. So, which should you use? We’ll focus on two of the more popular options, High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) bulbs…

High Pressure Sodium Bulbs (HPS)

The High Pressure Sodium Bulb (HPS) is the top choice for a high powered indoor gardening plant light. The 1000W high pressure sodium bulb is able to offer around 24,000 hours of use with an average 140,000 lumen output. Although there is very little color change over time, the HPS bulb is limited because it doesn’t offer optimal PAR output (PAR = ‘Photosynthetically Active Radiation.’ Higher PAR values equal more efficient bulbs). As such, HPS light works in mostly the wrong frequency range for growing plants. The light spectrum that is emitted from the high pressure sodium bulb is mostly within the orange spectrum and emits little blue and red light. Despite its PAR limitations, this bulb is very powerful and the spillover of light emission in the most desirable PAR Spectrum is still more than adequate to supply the plant with enough light to maintain a healthy growth pattern.

Which HPS Bulb to Choose?

When buying HPS bulbs for indoor gardening it is imperative to choose one with output of 430-460 nm blue light and 680-700 nm red light. Bulbs that emit only orange and green spectrums offer little significant impact on the PAR value, and are virtually useless for plant growth.

Metal Halide (MH) Bulbs

Metal Halide Bulbs are another popular option for hydroponic indoor gardening. Coated with phosphor the MH bulb delivers a photon blue light output of 430-460nm – ideal for increasing plant growth in the vegetative growth stage. As a metal halide bulb ages, more red light develops. This can be beneficial for plant lighting during the bloom stage of plant growth; since more red light is required. The only drawback is that lumen output also drops-off as aging sets in. Metal Halide bulbs are rated for up to 10,000 hours of light (significantly less than HPS).

More about Metal Halide Bulbs

Also, metal halide output is approximately 30% less than that of the HPS bulb, although many metal halide bulbs offer more of the valuable 700nm red spectrum light than high pressure sodium bulbs. In comparing HPS and MH, many indoor gardeners tend to favor the HPS bulbs over MH bulbs because of the lumen drop-off and the short life span of the MH bulb. Compromising with one HPS to one MH can provide dual benefits. Choosing lamps with high levels of PAR values such as 460nm, 680nm, and 700nm can help to boost your plant growth, while reducing harvest cycles (by up to 50%).

Overall, combining different types of plant lights in hydroponic gardens can provide a good balance of light intensity with an optimized PAR spectrum and deliver maximum plant growth throughout a plants’ life-cycle. Of course this generally translates into greater yields and more profitable harvests.

-Web Hydroponics

Advanced Hydroponic Systems and Modern Grow Room Equipment

Written by Web Hydroponics on November 5, 2014. Posted in Blog.

These days, it seems like hydroponics projects are everywhere. From innovative large-scale, greenhouse gardening to classic residential grow rooms in home basements or grow tents in the guest bedroom; many gardeners and hobbyists are pursuing window farming, hanging gardens and other types of hydroponic gardening. But, it’s not clear to everyone just why this new kind of gardening is so beneficial. Here are some of the major advantages of hydroponics that are causing this industry to take off so quickly.

Advanced Hydroponic Systems provide Complete Control of the Grow Room

In many respects, hydroponic gardening is the consummation of modern science in agriculture. Hydroponics doesn’t just save us from the labor involved in “plowing the fields”; it provides a technology for complete control of sunlight, temperature, humidity, CO2, water and nutrient delivery, and pest control (to a certain extent). Systems such as ebb and flow, deep water culture and NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) generate outstanding crop yields with equipment that delivers complete climate control as well as water and fertilizer management. Modern climate controllers can run customized day and night schedules that automate your hydroponic lights, ventilation systems, CO2 burners, and grow room air conditioning units. Meanwhile, cutting edge cycle timers control the delivery of plant nutrients and water at precise intervals. Parameters can be programmed to handle grow room temperature, humidity and other variables. Modern green thumbs who learn to use advanced hydroponic systems and equipment get hooked on the fact that they have complete control of the grow environment for their plants and they can deliver consistent, impressive yields, all year round, with minimal investment in time and labor.

Hydroponic Gardening and Better Plants

In many cases, advanced hydroponic nutrient programs and techniques lead to healthier and more vibrant plants. Some of the latest research in horticulture and food production shows that advanced hydroponic plant nutrient programs and systems have evolved to the point that gardeners can provide the optimal mix of macro and micro nutrients, in doses that consistently produce record-breaking crops, from their smart phones! By contrast, many traditional farmers are still plagued by natural environmental phenomena that cause stunted plant growth or otherwise interfere with optimal plant development and yield.

Hydroponic Indoor Gardening Eliminates Seasons and Allows for Growing All Year Round

Another obvious advantage of hydroponics is that farmers can grow all year round. Forget seasons and weather conditions, indoor gardeners can decide when to grow and when to bloom. Spring sunlight is available (on-tap) any time of year and many growers pack in 5 to 6 harvests a year.

If you are pondering the best ways to grow your favorite fruits and vegetables take a closer look at how modern hydroponics can deliver growth and gardens that consistently exceed all your expectations. Traditional outdoor gardening is fun, but exhausting and unpredictable. Indoor hydroponic gardening is the only way to grow for results.

Get growing!

-Web Hydroponics

Author: Web Hydroponics

Nutri-Plus Final Drive: The Perfect Finisher!

Carboload vs Carborator: Not All Hydroponic Plant Sugars Are Created Equal

The Nutri-Plus Hydroponic Plant Nutrient Program Yields Results that Exceed Expectations – Part II

Best Hydroponic Grow Room Tips for Increasing Yield

Hydroponic Plant Nutrients: Getting Started

Induced Flowering with 36 Hours of Darkness and Blossom-Plus, Bud-Plus and Final Drive

All You Need Is Smart Pots!

One of the Best PH Meter and PPM Meters Available: Nutradip!

High Pressure Sodium vs. Metal Halide: Plant Lighting Uncovered!

Advanced Hydroponic Systems and Modern Grow Room Equipment

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@WebHydroponics

/WebHydroponics