CCAT Hydroponics\OM: Difference between revisions

The System

CCAT is utilizing the American Hydroponics NFT 48 hydroponics system. American Hydroponics is a local hydroponics company in Arcata, CA. The installation manual for the NFT 48 system can be found in the bag marked hydroponics equipment in the gardening closet. American Hydroponics has been a great resource for getting started, and has a series of webinars on youtube for a variety of topics. The system is capable of producing 20 plants per week, and can hold 48 plants at once. The system uses two tiers of four channels that deliver nutrient rich water to plants. Alongside that there are two propagation trays that can be used for starting new seeds, as well as growing microgreens.

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  Top tier of the NFT 48 with fresh transplants.

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  Using the propagation trays to start full plants and alfalfa microgreens. These greens were placed into one tray following this photo.

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  Alfalfa greens ready to harvest one week later.

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Maintenance

The NFT 48 requires regular upkeep to ensure it is working properly and producing quality healthy food. There are a few easy steps to maintaining the system.

• Check that the lights are on when they should be, and that the light timer is showing the correct time.
• Check water level.
• Check that the water pumps are running when they should be, and that the pump timer is showing the correct time.
• Check that the water temperature is at an acceptable temperature, and that the water heater is running if necessary.
• Check the nutrient level using the truncheon nutrient meter. If necessary adjust nutrients using equal parts of bottle A & B solution.
• Check pH and adjust if necessary depending on plants needs.
• As often as once a week, the nutrient solution can be used in the garden, and the reservoirs should be cleaned by running a 2:1 solution of 35% hydrogen peroxide and water

• Maintenance photos
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  This is the light timer. If the power shuts off the timer may be incorrect.

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  If the power in the greenhouse goes out, it can be reset by pressing this button. The plug is located behind the greenhouse, on the wall of the main building.

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  This is the pump timer. It currently controls the pump for the propagation tray, and the pump for the NFT 48 system.

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  This is the thermometer currently used to measure water temperature.

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  This photo shows the water heater with the red temperature ring, the thermometer, and the water pump. It is time to clean this reservoir.

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  This is the nutrient meter used to monitor nutrients. 2.0 is the suggested concentration.

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  These are the nutrients currently used. Use equal parts of part A and part B sparingly, Make sure to shake before using, and moniter the nutrient level frequently while adjusting. Make sure to stir with Truncheon while monitoring nutrients.

• File:CCAT nutrient meter.jpg

  Use the gro line pH meter to measure pH in the reservoirs

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  Adjust pH by using pH up/down sparingly. Monitor frequently and stir before reading while adjusting.

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