Due to the variability of hydroponics systems and growing conditions, some trial and error will have to be used to determine your ideal nutrient levels and watering schedules.
This is an ideal medium of hydroponics! There are several
reasons why--
Absorbent:
Diatomite retains up to 150% of its weight in water. This will keep your nutrient solution available to the roots of the plant around the clock without interruption. This provides for continuous plant growth as opposed to the day pellets which dry out between water cycles.
Capillary Action and Lateral Movement of Solution: Diatomite has the ability to draw water up from the bottom and provide effective lateral movement of water and nutrients.
Air Penetration: Diatomite is multi-faceted and does not agglomerate. The microscopic porous structure of the granules provides aeration and effective thermal insulation to the plant's root zone.
We suggest that you may be able to reduce your watering frequency and nutrient level because of the solution retention of diatomite.
As there are numerous systems in use, each of the sizes has its uses; medium and fine diatomite is the most often used for hydroponics.
Note: We suggest that you saturate the diatomite for about an hour when first using it (try not to rinse, as the fines will help provide the plant available silica).
After use, we suggest that you thoroughly wash the Diatomite
and then soak it in an algaecide for 24 hours. Rinse again
thoroughly before reusing it in your system. Diatomite can
be reused indefinitely in your systems.
Dilute Chlorox (1 teaspoon / gallon) can be used. We recommend
using ‘Physan 20 ™’- produced by Maril Products
Inc., and ‘Consan Triple Action 20™’- produced
by Parkway Research Corp. Please follow all manufacturers
recommendations. |
