Hydroponics Tuesday

Outdoor Aeroponic Strawberries
4/22/2008 8:18:17 AM

The new strawberries have been moved into the new outdoor aeroponic system.  In the process, I've learned some things:

  • I was a fool to use regular white caulk to assemble the outdoor aeroponic unit.  It didn't hold up well against the constant water, and made a mess.  I have resealed it entirely with aquarium sealant, and have learned my lesson.
  • The smaller PU550 is performing even better than expected.  The larger (1/2" hard PVC) feed line allows to use the smaller PU550 rather than the larger PU850.
  • Bending down to service an in-ground reservoir is just as uncomfortable as you'd imagine. 

The strawberries seemed to have something bacterial going (they were purchased as rootstock, so I don't know their origins).  At the moment, the outdoor aeroponic unit is running with clear water and hydrogen peroxide (35%, at a 1/3 tsp / gallon mixture).  I'll probably add the nutrients tomorrow morning.  Hopefully, they should acclimate to the new environment.

Here's a photo of the strawberries in their new home:

Hydro-2008-04-22a.jpg

Here is a closer view on the plant on the closest end:

Hydro-2008-04-22b.jpg

Also, the ongoing CO2Boost Experiment is showing interesting results.  The supplemented plant is clearly pulling ahead.  It's larger and fuller.  Take a look for the ongoing results.

I've finally managed to obtain some of the 180 degree aeroponic sprayers as well.  I'll do a formal write-up, just as soon as I have time.  Sadly, my real life inflicts imposition on my hobbies.

The eggplant in the Mark 1 single-site unit is really quite happy.  I'm very pleased with the House & Garden nutrients that we're feeding it.  Normally, I'd show a photo here.  Sadly, I now realize that I didn't take one.  Shame on me.

Sorry that this week's post is so short.  For a bit of insight into our life, we're in the early stages of moving.  We'll be listing our home for sale later this week, which means that we're in a mad packing / painting frenzy.  Hopefully, we will return to some level of normalcy in the next ten days or so. 

Posted By Red Icculus, Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:26:54 PM
Good luck with the move. I hope to be moving into my first house within the next month.

The strawberries look great. They acclimated very well.

Also, House and Garden has some of the best nutrients for coconut coir. I assume their normal hydro line would be just as good.
Posted By DJK, Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:27:25 AM
What size net pots are you using there? I am setting up a drip system and am trying to figure out if I should be using 4x4 rockwool cubes or net pots.


Thoughts?
Posted By Ben (Hydroponics Tuesday), Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:38:33 AM
In the "tube aero", I used the 3" Botanicare net pots (with 1" rockwool cubes and small-bead hydroton). The Botanicare pots are a lot better than the General Hydroponics pots. Take a look at:

http://www.hydroponicstuesday.com/Reviews/538/Net-Pots-Compared

for a comparison.

What type of system are you building? Specifically, what kind of draining pattern / support will it be using?