Alien Hydroponics V-System 20 Pot RDWC Hydroponic System

Alien Hydroponics V-System 20 Pot RDWC Hydroponic System Questions & Answers

Q: Do I need a chiller?

A: Yes, unless you're keeping your grow room between 65-68°F at all times- which is colder than we would recommend.

Q: What temperature should the nutrient solution be?

A: The nutrient solution temperature should be maintained between 66-69 °F (19-20 °C) to discourage pathogenic bacteria and fungi while maximizing oxygenation.

Q: What level should the nutrient solution be filled to?

A: The V-SYSTEM pots have a fill indicator line inside each pot that shows the optimal nutrient solution level. When first placing small plants without dangling roots into the system, the nutrient solution level should be kept slightly higher for a few days to keep the roots wet while they grow down into the pot- simply inspect the roots with the handy inspection lids on the V-POT to know when your plants are ready to take off.

Q: Should the water pump run 24/7?

A: Yes, the pump should be kept running at all times when plants are in the system, except when completely draining the system for a nutrient change-out. Never run the pump when dry- this damages the pump in the long term.

Q: What if power fails?

A: In the event of a power failure, the ultra-oxygenated liquid around the plants' roots in the V-Pots provides a safe buffer for a relatively long time; depending on the plants' size (larger plants are thirstier for nutrients and oxygen) you have many hours to a day or more before other measures are required to keep the plants happy without the water flowing. Compared to other media-less hydroponic methodss, recirculating deep water culture (RDWC) systems, as used in the V-SYSTEM, are the most resiliant to power-failure situations.

Q: How frequently are nutrient change-outs needed?

A: To keep the plants in the freshest, optimally-balanced nutrient solution, change-outs should happen every 7-10 days, or more frequently if pH levels are drifting significantly from from day to day.

Q: Is it necessary to completely drain the whole system for a nutrient change-out?

A: No; many growers change out only half the nutrient solution each time. If you're having issues with pathogens in your system, a complete drain and replacement is beneficial.

Q: What is the ideal nutrient solution pH?

A: 5.8 to 6.0 is generally ideal, but it is usually best to follow the recommendations of your fertilizer manufacturer- they are usually designing their nutrients for an optimal absorption rate at a specific pH value.

Q: How should pH be adusted?

A: Don't pour concentrated pH-up or pH-down solutions directly into the header pot as this can shock plants in the system. We recommend diluting the pH-adjustment solution in water (about 30ml / 2 Tablespoons per gallon of water) before slowly adding it to the header pot. Wait a few minutes for it to distribute through the system (with the V-SYSTEM, distribution is much faster than with other RDWC systems!) and test and re-test the pH; once it has stabilized, you can add more adjustment solution if needed and repeat the procedure until the optimal pH has been achieved.

Q: How can the system be completely drained?

A: Connect a hose- or a pump and hose for even faster drainage- to the convenient drain barbs on the V-SYSTEM's elbows. With the sloped-base V-Pots and patent-pending Dual-Flow™ fittings, all of the nutrient solution in the entire system can be drained.

Q: Can I use organic nutrients with the V-SYSTEM?

A: While everything about the V-SYSTEM is designed to prevent clogging, organic nutrients, sugars and bacterial additives tend to cause build-up and eventual clogging in the distribution pipes. Mineral or "salt-based" nutrients are recommended over "organic" nutrients for the V-SYSTEM.

Q: Can I expand my V-SYSTEM?

A: Yes, additional pots and rows can be added later. The solvent-free (glue-free) connections allow the V-SYSTEM to be disassembled and re-assembled in a different configuration, or with additional pots. As the run of pots down each row gets longer, the pump may need to be upgraded and nutrient distribution pipe may need to get larger to handle the additional flow