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What is water pH?pH is a measurement of acidity or alkalinity in your water supply. Using a scale from 0-14. 7 being neutral, anything registering below 7 is considered acidic. Anything above 7 is considered alkaline. For each whole number on the scale represents a tenfold change in the acidity or alkalinity of the tested water. For instance, water tested at pH5 is ten times more acidic than pH6. Therefore water that is pH4 is 100 times more acidic than that of pH6. Most plants prefer pH levels between 5.0 and 7.0.
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How much nutrient should I use?Nutrient levels vary with individual plant species and the particular stage of life they are in. For most plants, start with the mixture recommended on the labels, then you can adjust or tweek them as needed. Also apply supplements sparingly at first. You can always ad more if your plants can take it.
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Do I need an artificial light source?The million dollar question. In my experiences, using an extra light source indoors is always a good idea. Especially if your natural light source is from the north.
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How often should I change the reservoir?Most hydroponic system manufacturers reccommend you change your reservoir every 2-4 weeks. The smaller the reservoir capacity the more often the nutrient solution should be exchanged. I find that for a 30 gal. reservoir I can often go to up to 30 days in between reservoir changes. Keeping tabs on the pH and ppm will help you determine what is best for your plants.
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What hydroponic system is best for a beginner to start out with?Manufacturers have developed several systems that beginners can start out with. I would reccommend either a passive system or a smaller single or double plant site system, and a small reservoir. Practicing with one of these smaller units is usually more forgiving and success is more likely. But with a little trial and error most anyone can learn hydroponics. In no time you'll have a whole garden indoors.
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