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Perfect your hydroponic garden with our nutrient calculator. Get precise EC and pH targets, nutrient solution recipes, and feeding schedules for different growth stages and plant types.
High nitrogen for leafy growth
💡 Let tap water sit 24hrs to dechlorinate
🔄 Change solution every 7-10 days
Hydroponics grows plants in nutrient-rich water without soil, enabling faster growth, higher yields, and year-round indoor production. By eliminating soil-borne diseases and optimizing nutrient delivery, hydroponics can produce 25-30% more than traditional gardening in the same space. Our hydroponics calculator determines optimal EC (electrical conductivity) and pH levels, calculates nutrient solution quantities, and helps troubleshoot common issues.
EC measures nutrient concentration in your water solution. Different plants need different EC ranges: lettuce and herbs thrive at 1.2-1.8 EC, while tomatoes and peppers need 2.0-3.5 EC. Too low and plants are nutrient-deficient; too high causes leaf burn and stunted growth. Our calculator provides target EC based on plant type and growth stage (seedlings need lower EC than mature fruiting plants).
pH affects nutrient availability—most nutrients absorb best at 5.5-6.5 pH. Below 5.0 or above 7.0, certain nutrients become unavailable even if present in solution (nutrient lockout). Test daily and adjust using pH up (potassium hydroxide) or pH down (phosphoric acid). Our calculator suggests adjustment amounts based on reservoir size. Stable pH indicates healthy system; wild swings suggest root problems or bacterial growth.
Common hydroponic systems include Deep Water Culture (roots suspended in aerated nutrient solution), Nutrient Film Technique (thin film of nutrients flows past roots), and Ebb and Flow (periodic flooding and draining). Each has advantages: DWC is simple and effective; NFT uses less water; Ebb and Flow works for various plant sizes. Start with DWC for leafy greens—it's most forgiving for beginners. Our calculator provides system-specific recommendations.
Not necessarily. Start with simple systems (Deep Water Culture) and easy plants (lettuce, herbs). Initial setup requires learning EC/pH testing and nutrient management, but becomes routine. Our calculator provides target ranges and troubleshooting to simplify the process. Many beginners succeed with proper guidance.
Basic systems are affordable. Essential items: reservoir container, air pump and stone ($20-30), net pots, hydroponic nutrients ($20-40), EC and pH meters ($30-60). Advanced systems with automation, grow lights, and environmental controls cost more. Start simple—many successful growers use basic bucket systems.
Yes. Plants access nutrients directly without expending energy on root growth to find nutrients. Combined with optimal EC, pH, and oxygenation, hydroponic plants often grow 25-50% faster and yield more than soil-grown equivalents. Lettuce grows in 4-6 weeks vs 8-10 weeks in soil.