Since aeroponics is so heavily reliant on pumps and sprinkler heads, any mineral build-up or subsequent clogs can wreak havoc on a sensitive system. Every few weeks, or every time you change your plants, it’s an ideal time to remove any build up, and ensure everything within is running as it should. Water should also be changed at this point, so that the chemical and nutrient make-up remains ideal, and no algae is able to take hold. New nutrients should be introduced to the water to maintain nutritional value. Any sprinkler heads or ultrasonic plates need to be cleaned regularly to remove mineral build-up.
- Sanitize
- Aeroponics is almost always accompanied with near constant levels of moisture. Since roots are meant to stay damp at pretty much all times, their environment is also subject to the frequent mists and suspended water particles that come with it. Highly moist environments can be incredibly attractive to bacteria, fungus, and algae. In order to prevent rapid, unwanted growth, frequent cleanings are necessary.
- Everything around your grow space should be clear of dust, debris, or anything that may promote bacterial growth.
- Salt build-up can rapidly degrade your equipment and block water or nutrient flow, causing serious problems. This is solved through frequent, thorough water changes and cleanings.
- Make sure your plants are happy by removing dead leaves, maintaining temperatures, and ensuring there’s enough sunlight for them to thrive.
- Sterilize
- The grow chamber needs to be almost completely sterile, protecting vulnerable roots from pathogens, bacteria, or pests. Any equipment used within or on the plants themselves should be clean and sterile.
- For this, hydrogen peroxide is the best solution you can use to keep your reservoir sterile while it’s operating. Between grows, that’s a different matter that’s addressed by a cleaning flush.
- A cleaning flush involves complete sterilization of the system with bleach or similar cleaning agents. It’s best to use a scrub brush to make sure it gets into all cracks in the tank. Once you have thoroughly cleaned what you can, run the system with a diluted bleach solution so that the hoses and nozzles are sterilized as well.
- When you have finished flushing, remove the chemicals you used to clean it by running the system with water only. Let the water wash away any lingering chemicals and let the oxygen do its part to dry everything out before using it again on your next grow.
