How's Your Reservoir Looking?

Maintaining a clean hydroponic reservoir is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of the plants, as well as the overall efficiency and sanitation of the hydroponic system. Keeping a hydroponic reservoir clean is important for several reasons:

• Health of the Plants: A dirty reservoir can harbour harmful bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that can infect and damage the plants. These pathogens can cause wilting, discoloration, and other symptoms of disease, which can ultimately lead to crop loss.

• Water Quality: A dirty reservoir can cause the water to become cloudy or have an unpleasant odour. This can lead to imbalanced nutrient levels and pH, making it difficult for the plants to absorb the nutrients they need.
• System Efficiency: Debris, algae and biofilm can clog the systems components, reducing the flow of nutrient solution to the plants. This can lead to uneven growth and lower yields.
• Sanitation: A dirty reservoir can also create an unsanitary environment that can attract pests, such as insects and rodents, which can further damage the plants and contaminate the system.
• Environmental Impact: A dirty hydroponic system can also be more wasteful as it requires more water and energy to clean and can release harmful pollutants and nutrient-rich runoff into the environment.
• Cost savings: Regular cleaning of the hydroponic system not only ensures optimal growth of plants but also helps in reducing maintenance cost in the long run by preventing clogging and damage of system components.

Don’t fret, it is not hard to keep on top of reservoir cleanliness. Here are a few tips for keeping a hydroponic reservoir clean:

• Keep the pH and nutrient levels in the reservoir within the recommended range. An imbalance in these levels can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.
• Regularly check and clean the system's components, including the pumps, tubing, and growing tray.
• Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for hydroponic systems. Common choices include hydrogen peroxide and vinegar.
• Drain and refill the reservoir periodically, and make sure to clean the reservoir itself before refilling.
• Ensure that the water in the reservoir is well-aerated to promote healthy oxygen levels and discourage the growth of harmful microorganisms.
• Use water filtration system like UV sterilizer, ozone generator and bio-filter to eliminate pathogens and other unwanted materials before they can establish in the system.
• Monitor the water in your reservoir for any signs of contamination, such as cloudiness or a strong odour, and take action promptly if you notice any issues.
• Keep an eye on the plants, any abnormal growth pattern or discoloration may indicate problem in water quality and require cleaning of the system.

It is important to use the right cleaning and sanitizing solutions, and follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully to ensure that the reservoir and the components are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Keep an eye on the plants, any abnormal growth pattern or discoloration may indicate problem in water quality and require cleaning of the system.