As has been explained previously, once the fresh nutrient solution enters the system and the plant starts using it, the following levels may change and therefore need correcting.

• PH.
• Conductivity.
• The ratio and availability of nutrients within the solution.

It is best to establish a routine of correcting, topping-up and renewing the nutrient solution. How often this is done will depend on the quality of water and how much time you have available.

NUTRIENT SOLUTION CHECKS

• PH level.
• Conductivity level (possibly).
• Reservoir level.

GROWROOM CHECKS.

• Temperature levels
• Humidity levels.
• System check for blockages etc.
• Insects.
• Disease.
• Nutrient problems.

Following are a few examples to illustrate different maintenance regimes. The darkness of the shading
represents the strength of the nutrient solution.

Example 1 = Fresh nutrient is added to the system, left to circulate for a week, and then replaced.

Example 2 = In this example the nutrient solution is topped up and corrected after 3 days, and replaced after a further 3 days.

Example 3 = This is a more intensive schedule. The solution is topped up and corrected after 2 days, and replaced 2 days later.

Example 4 = Daily maintenance. Every other day the nutrient solution is either topped up and corrected or renewed.

As you can see, the frequency of the maintenance and renewal of the nutrient solution can have a major impact on it’s quality, which will in turn affect the quality of the crop produced.