Hydroponics Calculator
Plan your hydroponic system with accurate calculations for nutrient solutions, water needs, and system requirements.
About Hydroponics
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water. It allows for precise control over environmental conditions and nutrient delivery, resulting in faster growth, higher yields, and more efficient use of space and resources.
Nutrient Solutions
Hydroponic nutrient solutions contain all the essential elements plants need to grow. These typically include:
- Macronutrients - Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S)
- Micronutrients - Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl)
Understanding EC and PPM
Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Parts Per Million (PPM) are measurements used to gauge the concentration of nutrients in a solution:
- EC - Measures how well a solution conducts electricity, indicating total dissolved solids
- PPM - Parts per million, a measure of concentration of nutrients in the solution
- Conversion - Different meters use different conversion factors: 500 (Hanna), 640 (Truncheon), or 700 (Eutech/Bluelab)
Water Requirements
Water consumption in hydroponic systems varies based on:
- Plant type and size - Larger plants and fruiting varieties consume more water
- Growth stage - Plants in vegetative and flowering stages require more water than seedlings
- Environmental conditions - Temperature, humidity, and light intensity all affect water usage
- System type - Different hydroponic systems (DWC, NFT, Drip, etc.) have different water efficiency
Quick Tips
- Change your nutrient solution completely every 7-14 days
- Check pH daily and adjust to the optimal range for your crops
- Monitor EC/PPM regularly and adjust as needed
- Keep water temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal nutrient uptake
- Use beneficial bacteria and enzymes to maintain root health