11 Top tips on Growing Cannabis Using Hydroponics

11 Top tips on Growing Cannabis Using Hydroponics

Growing cannabis using hydroponic systems can be extremely rewarding and take your yields to a whole new level. If you have decided to step away from increasing cannabis use using organic methods and want to give hydroponics a try, then below are eleven tips to help you on your way. 

Tip #1 – Start With a Dripper System

Suppose you’re transitioning from soil and are unsure which system is best for a first-time hydro grower. In that case, I recommend starting with a dripper system. Not only are dripper systems easy to maintain, but they also serve as an excellent starting point for beginner-level hydro growers. Additionally, they can be set up to fit any size or shape of a grow room. Avoid using large systems that require lots of space, and set up drip lines and dripper stakes; keep your grow as basic as possible. 

Tip #2 – Hydrogen Peroxide

Growing cannabis using soil relies on beneficial bacteria, microorganisms, and fungi; hydroponics is the opposite and functions on a sterile, bacteria-free nutrient delivery system. If you’re tired of dealing with a messy grow room and the hassle of carrying around bags of soil, consider using hydrogen peroxide in your reservoir for an immaculate and sterile growing method. The peroxide will kill all bacteria, ensuring your roots and grow room stay pathogen and disease-free.

Tip #3 – Drip Rings Work Great

For those running dripper systems, dripper rings are available for purchase, offering a superior method for saturating the growing medium compared to dripper stakes. If you don’t want to buy a dripper ring, consider making one with a T piece and tubing instead. A home-made drip ring will cover a greater area and make sure the growing medium is evenly saturated.

Tip #4 – Always Check the pH

Making sure that your pH levels are correct when growing using hydroponic systems is essential. The reason is that cannabis plants require a specific pH range for optimal nutrient availability, regardless of how many nutrients are in the reservoir. Using a digital pH pen, always check that you are within a pH range of 5.5 – 6.5 if using rockwool, coco coir and hydroton as a growing medium.

Tip #5 – Hydroton Cannot Be Overwatered

Hydroton is a small orange clay ball that contains no nutrients at all. When they are inside a pot, they produce lots of air pockets, and it is not possible to overwater the hydroton. This means that you can run drip rings or stakes for 24 hours a day with a recirculating system, without ever needing to worry about root rot. Hydroton works wonders with flood and drain tables and dripper systems.

Tip #6 – NFT Tables Are Silent

One of my favourite ways to grow hydroponically without the concern of noisy air pumps is to use NFT tables. You can run an NFT table 24 hours a day, and you will find the noise levels are minimal, making it an ideal way to grow indoors with total discretion. NFT tables are available in small sizes, ideally suited for a bedroom grower using a 1m x 1 m-sized grow tent, and are capable of producing phenomenal yields in small spaces.

Tip #7 – How Are the EC Levels?

Your EC levels will determine how much available nutrients the plants have access to. Checking that your EC levels are on point can play a massive role in how hungry the plants become. When it comes to hydro, your plants will be able to use higher amounts of food compared to organic mediums. Use a digital EC pen or EC meters to check your nutrient solution and reservoir frequently, to make sure the plants have the right amount of food.

Tip #8 – RWDC for the Ultimate Yields

RWDC systems are easily the most complex and high-maintenance systems among all available options. However, if you have the skill and experience, then you can produce epic yields using RWDC. Ensure your reservoir and air pumps are functioning correctly. Once you’ve dialled in the RDWC, you will be amazed at how much these systems can yield.

Tip #9 – Beware of Algae

Algae can begin to form on top of rockwool cubes and hydroton when using hydroponic systems. Signs of algae are not a massive problem and can be easily solved using hydrogen peroxide or a rockwool cube cap cover. My advice is to monitor algae on the growing medium and inside the reservoir, and act quickly to prevent it from growing further.

Tip #10 – Back-Up Pumps

There is no worse feeling than entering your grow room to find your air pump has stopped working, or sounds like it is on the way out. Investing in a backup air pump can be a lifesaver, especially when time is of the essence and you may not have the opportunity to drive to your local grow shop or order a new one online. You may never need to use the spare, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that if something does go wrong, you are covered.

Tip #11 – Autos In Hydro

One of the easiest ways to produce impressive yields with autoflowering cannabis plants is to grow them inside hydroponic systems. Autos have a short vegetative time of 4 weeks, before they start to flower, making them well-adapted for hydroponic systems. Autos will also allow you to harvest your crop within 11-12 weeks from seed until harvest, making them a great candidate for all types of hydro systems.

Feature photo: This grower is using rockwool cubes with dripper stakes.

Photos credit: Bill Sutherland