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How to Use Air Stones in Hydroponics
How to Use Air Stones in Hydroponics. Hydroponic gardens are a great way to grow herbs and vegetables indoors, all year long. Air stones keep the nutrient solution aerated, delivering needed oxygen to the plants' roots. They work best in a deep water culture, where the plants' roots dangle into the nutrient reservoir. Since the water does not...
Hydroponic gardens are a great way to grow herbs and vegetables indoors, all year long. Air stones keep the nutrient solution aerated, delivering needed oxygen to the plants' roots. They work best in a deep water culture, where the plants' roots dangle into the nutrient reservoir. Since the water does not circulate in this type of hydroponic system, it will become stagnant if it is not aerated. Air stones are available at garden centers and pet stores that sell aquarium supplies.
Things You'll Need
10-gallon aquarium
Black construction paper or cardboard
Masking tape
Small aquarium pump
Extension cord (optional)
1/4-inch plastic tubing
Gang valve
2 to 4 air stones
1-inch thick plastic foam, such as Styrofoam
Serrated knife
Plain candle
Water
Concentrated nutrient solution
6 net pots, 2-inch
HydroClay pebbles
Seedlings
Set Up Your Hydroponic Garden
Set up the aquarium and pump where you want your garden. Ideally, you should choose an area with plenty of natural light. Use the extension cord if there is not an outlet nearby.
Wrap the aquarium with dark paper or cardboard. Secure it with masking tape. This prevents light from reacting with the water, causing algae growth.
Connect the air stones to the gang valve with the plastic tubing. Connect the gang valve to the pump with the plastic tubing.
Fill the aquarium with water. Mix in the concentrated nutrient solution, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Drag the serrated knife through the candle to coat it in wax. Use the waxed knife to cut the plastic foam. It should be just smaller than the opening of the aquarium. Cut six 2-inch holes in the foam.
Add the Plants
Place the plastic foam inside the aquarium, floating on the diluted nutrient solution.
Fill each net pot halfway with HydroClay pebbles. Plant the seedlings in the net pots and fill in with additional HydroClay pebbles.
Put the net pots in the 2-inch holes in the foam.
Turn on the pump to activate the air stones.
Check the water level daily and replenish with plain water as needed. Every two weeks, drain the aquarium and completely replace the nutrient solution.
Tips & Warnings
If you notice algae growing in the aquarium or the tubing, clean it with a solution of 1 teaspoon of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water.
Some plants do better than others in this type of hydroponic system. Lettuces and herbs that need a very moist environment are good choices. Plants that need a drier environment do not thrive in a deep water system.
