First Run on new Location - Area21 - Runtz

High Area 21, I grow with a hydro system. When I was using a plastic system the light from the lamps made it possible for algea to grow inside the tank what made the pH rise really quick and this created a nutrient lockout what made the EC rise aswell. So I did have to change the water every 3 days to prevent this. I now use a system completely made from stainless steel so light can not reach the water inside the tank. Now I just have to change the water inside the tank 1 time per week to refresh the nutrient. I do measure the EC and the pH every other day just to make sure that the plant does not change the pH and the EC from the nutrient solution that I am giving. My experience and advice is to make sure that light can not reach the water and f*ck up the balance from the EC and pH from the nutrient solution. Then 1 time per week is enough to clean the tank, refresh the water with fresh nutrients. Happy Growing Buddy! 💚

ha.. "light exposure*"

This will be influenced by a few factors. temperatures -- higher = change it more often. Light exposture -- more = change it more often How quickly you have to top-off and how long it sits at lower volumes etc... The greater proportion of 'fresh' added water+ferts the longer it'll take to get nasty. I don't have a recycling system but i do have a 55gallon rez. I noticed long ago not to leave it at lower volumes for any extended period of time. Exacerbated by warmer temps as the powerhead used to agitate/oxygenate will warm a smaller volume a bit more than normal but also because the microbes/liter amps up that much faster with greater surface to volume ratio. I use mine in bunches, yours is depleted in a more spread out way, even if the same amount drunk per increment of time on average. So i'd top off at 50-75%. If you want to learn how far you can push it, or compare procedures to see which last longer between necessary full-refill/cleaning, Just go until you notice any sort of biofilm or hint of a new smell. It's usually pretty obvious when water starts to turn - this won't derail a grow. Now, you know relative to your SOP and environment how long you can go. this helps for planning - like when taking a vacation you'll know if you need to do an early cleaning to avoid issues by the time you get back.