How do you top up the nutrient solution?

Dear readers,
I have a DWC system and fill it up with six gallons of water. I have a mark on the inside of the reservoir that marks off the six gallon level. After a couple days, the water/nutrient solution level goes down about an inch. Am I supposed to add plain water every few days when I see that the water/nutrient solution level has gone down? Or am I supposed to mix up some more nutrients, in water, and add that up until the six gallon mark?

I top mine off with ro water and check ppm with a tester I try to keep my ppm the same until I change res. Ppm tester is a great tool and I think every hydro grower should have one.

Every grower has their own methods, but I like to top off with just plain water. Record the amount you top off each time you do it and when you've replaced all the water (i.e. topped off a total of 6 gallons) I do a res change.

Add back RO water until PPM falls below defined level based on plant phase.
Once PPM falls below level - refresh entire load.
Refresh every week regardless.

Dude! Thanks you guys! I'm gonna get a ppm reader. Thanks for the info.

I use a mini "float level" in the tank hooked up to a five gallon reserve that siphon/gravity feeds the tank.

Always keeps it at the right level.

LINK: Mini Float Valves - FreshWaterSystems.com

Edited by jollyrancher1, 24 September 2010 - 10:17 PM.

Oh. That sounds awesome. If you don't mind me asking, with the float valve and extra reservoir, do you put plain water in the extra reservoir or do you put nutrient containing water in it? Thanks.

I use R/O (plain) water.

Since I change the "soup" weekly, I just measure the PPM after the change out after a few hours or the next day and adjust the mix to get it "right" once.

If you used nutrient water you would have to change it all out when you went to bloom cycle.

Edited by jollyrancher1, 24 September 2010 - 08:17 PM.

Mini Float Valve
What a killer idea - have you passed this onto Rumple and BudSlinger?

Mini Float Valve
What a killer idea - have you passed this onto Rumple and BudSlinger?

No, since I can't take credit for it as it was suggested in Jorges book "The Bible...".

Most DWC guys I know use them.

So, the extra reservoir keeps the primary reservoir filled to the correct level. You use plain water in the extra reservoir and then you check the ppm of the primary reservoir and add more nutrients to the primary reservoir until it is at the desired ppm? I'm thinking I should get a book and read up on this stuff. Do you have any suggestions for a good growing book?

Edited by sunndropper, 25 September 2010 - 12:57 AM.

So, the extra reservoir keeps the primary reservoir filled to the correct level. You use plain water in the extra reservoir and then you check the ppm of the primary reservoir and add more nutrients to the primary reservoir until it is at the desired ppm? I'm thinking I should get a book and read up on this stuff. Do you have any suggestions for a good growing book?

I use RO water so I know what my mix is when I add the nutes.

I learned a long time ago to add less then check it and then add more as it is a bitch if you start out to "hot" on the mix.

I use RO in the reservoir also.

Here is a link for the best info you will ever find:

MarijuanaGrowing.com by Jorge Cervantes

Dear JollyRancher,
Thanks for the info and the link. I'm gonna get the latest edition of Jorges book. It seems to be really good.

Dear JollyRancher,
Thanks for the info and the link. I'm gonna get the latest edition of Jorges book. It seems to be really good.

Your welcome.

Leave a note at the website telling Jorge who sent ya.