Chapter Eight: Equipment

There are two important things to keep in mind when selecting equipment for a hydroponic system. The first is that any material which will contain the nutrient solution will have to be light-proof. The second thing to remember is that the materials coming in contact with the nutrient solution must not give off any substances which will upset the balance of the nutrient solution.(such as the brass arm on the float valve shown) Cost will obviously be important but it must not be allowed to override these first two considerations.

Holding Tanks

Plastic drums with their tops cut off and plastic rubbish bins are two types of inexpensive and readily available holding tanks which should meet all the necessary requirements. Stainless steel is a suitable material as it is not affected by the nutrient solution. Concrete tanks can also be used but should be aged to make sure that all of the limes and other substances are leached from the surfaces of the concrete. A coat of sealer is one way of overcoming that problem.