Hydroponics

[c101]

Hi - I'm from North Somerset. I am building a small hydroponics controller, loosely based on the Bluelabs device,
I am not an expert in hydroponics systems (but quickly learning!) and I need to see some sort of small system,
preferably nearby (in North Somerset), to see exactly how I proceed.
I am quite prepared to build the hydroponics system myself, but I wonder whether there is anyone locally who could advise
me on the most suitable type of systems, and the best sort of crops to grow for a beginner?
In return, perhaps I could help on the technical aspects of their own system?
I've been to a couple of retail shops, but they are (obviously) only interested in the systems they sell.
Thanks.

 

[oneeye]

Hi - I'm from North Somerset. I am building a small hydroponics controller, loosely based on the Bluelabs device,
I am not an expert in hydroponics systems (but quickly learning!) and I need to see some sort of small system,
preferably nearby (in North Somerset), to see exactly how I proceed.
I am quite prepared to build the hydroponics system myself, but I wonder whether there is anyone locally who could advise
me on the most suitable type of systems, and the best sort of crops to grow for a beginner?
In return, perhaps I could help on the technical aspects of their own system?
I've been to a couple of retail shops, but they are (obviously) only interested in the systems they sell.
Thanks.

I'm still amazed at the plant growth a person can grow using hydroponics. There are so many different systems that fall under hydroponics systems. If you are new and just starting, it's better to learn nutrient inputs and master the EC and pH meters first. You can do that by starting in a soilless substrate like peat or coco coir. When you master the three, you can move up to more advanved methods.

 

[c101]

Thanks oneeye, I think I will take your advice - I know a reasonable amount about sensors including pH and EC and I can see why generally they are hard to understand. I have quite a lot of knowledge regarding mushroom growing and I was hoping to use that to discover more ways to even improve on hydroponics e.g. RH, VPD, ultrasonics for aeration, and cheap cooling. I love experimenting!!