Green Age Farms Resource Center
Welcome to the Green Age Farms Resource Center
We’ve compiled some useful information to help you along your Hydroponic journey. Please have a look around and have fun!
RESERVOIR AND PUMP INSTALLATION GUIDE
RESERVOIR PLUMBING DIAGRAM
See videos for a detailed explanation of the plumbing for an external pump on a drip irrigation system and the plumbing of a submersible pump in barrel. The submersible pump video also details the installation of a drip hydroponic growbag system.
Click the link below for diagrams of the plumbing arrangement for both an external pump set up and a submersible pump set up. This reservoir set up can be used for a range of drip hydroponic systems including vertical stacks and growbags.
Notes on the diagrams:
It is very important that the point at V-5 is taken off at the same height (above max water level in reservoir) as the line going back to the reservoir; which is then routed to the stacks. Note that the Mixing Tank along with V-2 and V-3 would only be needed if you are using a large reservoir (eg. 800 gal/1000 gal) and it is difficult to reach the top of the tank to add the nutrients.
SET UP AND OPERATION OF MR.STACKY SYSTEM
- The link below gives the set up manual for the Mr. Stacky Vertical Hydroponic System.
GAF Set up instructions CLICK HERE
NOTES:
- Keep timer covered from water.
- Keep the motor section of the pump covered from water. (For external pump)
- Watering Times:New transplants: Set timer for 1 minute at 8am. Seedlings won’t require a lot of water at this stage. Monitor to ensure the cocopeat does not remain too wet and causes root rot.As the plant grows and requires more water, increase the watring by adding a second watering time at 12 pm for 1 minute.Continue to monitor the amount of run off and moisture of the media and increase watering as needed. We usually end up at 2 minutes at 8am and 2 minutes at 12pm.
- Cocopeat:Perlite volume ratio (1 block of cocopeat : 1 small perlite bag)
- Use 3 ft between stacks in a row
This video shows the set up of a Mr. Stacky Tower on a dirt/grass surface>>>>
PREPARING NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS
Mixing nutrient salts
This video shows the basic procedure to follow when mixing nutrient salts to prepare a hydroponic nutrient solution.
Mixing liquid
Add required amount of Part 1 (2 tsp/gallon) to a container (bucket). Fill bucket with water to dilute mixture before adding to barrel/watering container.
Add required amount of Part 2 (2 tsp/gallon) to a SEPARATE container (bucket). Fill bucket with water to dilute before adding to the barrel/watering container.
Continue to fill reservoir until you get a TDS of 1300 to 1400 ppm
Nutrient Parameters
These are a general guide that we follow:
Recirculating/water based systems
pH 6.0 to 6.5
TDS 750 ppm to 1000 ppm (can vary based on the crop)
Drip to waste using cocopeat and perlite media
pH 5.8 to 6.2
TDS 1200 ppm to 1450 ppm (can vary based on the crop)
The TDS is adjusted by adding more water or more nutrients as needed.
The pH is adjusted by using either pH up or pH down as needed.
Fertilizer measurements
These are the required measurements for the common NPK ratios that we supply. The measurements are gram per gallon. They are used to achieve the right nutrient proportions. The ppm and pH of the final solution should be adjusted using a pH and TDS tester. Target ppm and pH are based on crop and system type. Recommended ranges are shown above.
NPK 7-11-27
Drip to waste
7-11-27 NPK 4 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 2 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 4 grams per gallon
Recirculating
7-11-27 NPK 2 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 1 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 2 grams per gallon
NPK 4-18-37
Drip to waste
4-18-37 NPK 4 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 2 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 4 grams per gallon
Recirculating
4-18-37 NPK 2 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 1 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 2 grams per gallon
NPK 8-15-36
Drip to waste
8-15-36 NPK 4 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 2 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 4 grams per gallon
Recirculating
8-15-36 NPK 2 grams per gallon
Magnesium Sulphate 1 grams per gallon
Calcium Nitrate 2 grams per gallon
Disclaimer
The information provided on this resource page is intended for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on this page for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this instruction page.