Aquarium Hydroponics

Aquarium Hydroponics

Is it ok to put a ph down solution meant for gardens or pools in an aquarium for tropical fish?

The price for a ph down solution for pools or gardens (hydroponics) can be less than the ones marketed for aquariums.
Thanks for the responses, but I don't believe I have received a definitive reason why. I would agree that lowering the ph naturally with the help of peat moss, driftwood and soft water would be nice, but I don't really have those conveniences (I've even tried aquarium salt). To help things along, rather than buying an expensive RO system to soften the water (so that I can easily bring down the ph), I've resorted to successfully using a PUR water filter. It's not nearly as good as a RO system, but is much better than straight tap. I just set up a new tank and would like to get the ph from a 7+ to around 6.5 for my cichlids that I haven't introduced. Is there anyone out there who has experimented with garden and pool chemicals to lower ph for aquariums?

absolutely not
you're not even suppose to put the ones in you can buy for that purpose
why? because it will not keep the pH stable
it's much more important to keep a stable pH then a changing pH
natural ways to lower pH are
peatmoss
and
driftwood

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Hydroponic Grow System: What You Need To Know

From the Greek words for water (hydro) and labor (ponos), the hydroponic grow system is the method of cultivating plants with the use of mineral nutrient solutions and/or in inert mediums.  Unlike traditional agriculture, soil does not come into the picture although sand and gravel can be used.

Types of Systems

You can choose from among six basic types of hydroponic systems - wick, water culture, flood and drain, drip, nutrient flow technique and aeroponic.  You will notice that most advanced hydroponic systems are a combination of these techniques, which is often necessary to take advantages of the benefits of each type.

First, the wick system is the simplest "passive" hydroponic grow system since it does not use moving parts to provide nutrients to the plants.  It is also one of the most versatile by virtue of the wide range of growing mediums available for this technique from perlite to coconut fiber.

Second, the water culture method is the simplest amongst the "active" techniques, which also happens to be the most popular amongst teachers especially as an old aquarium tank plus an air tank are sufficient materials to build one.

Third, the flood and drain method is exactly what it says it is.  The nutrient solution is regularly pumped in and out of the grow tray with the use of a pump and a timer, which means that most of your work is virtually done for you.

Fourth, the drip systems are the most popular amongst advanced practitioners although the operation can be quite simple.  Since you can plant more plant varieties with either the recovery or the non-recovery methods, you will also secure more benefits.

Fifth, the nutrient film technique is almost synonymous with the hydroponic grow system in the minds of the populace.  You will appreciate the fact that it provides for just the right mix of water, oxygen, and nutrients to the plants, hence, leading to higher yields.

Sixth, the aeroponic technique is the most advanced of all the hydroponics systems.  Usually, you only need to ensure that the misting cycle is not interrupted so that your crops of leafy plants and micro-greens get all the nutrients they need all the time.

Needless to say, you have to study the basics of hydroponics systems before you can successfully reap your first crop.  Think of it as an advanced branch of agriculture that will demand more time, more effort, and often more money in the beginning to learn and to apply.

Advantages of the Hydroponic Grow System

However, the benefits are well worth everything that you do to learn about hydroponics.  After all, you must sow before you can reap even in a soil-less form of agriculture.  You can benefit from hydroponics in two ways.  First, you can practice hydroponics anytime, anywhere even when you have little to no planting experience.  Whether you live in a crowded apartment or in the open country, you can cultivate plants anytime of the year.  Second, you can harvest higher crop yields, not to mention better quality of crops, than you normally would with traditional agriculture methods.  The fact that your fresh produce is more organic than organic "vegetables and fruits" is a welcome bonus.

A hydroponic grow system in something as simple as an aquarium should be sufficient to get you started in hydroponic gardening right away.

 

About the Author

Adam Faston is an organic gardening enthusiast and a lover of the
great outdoors! He runs a website offering Gardening Help on a
variety of different gardening and landscape related topics at:
http://www.gardeninghelponline.com

Many thanks for reading our Aquarium Hydroponics article

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