Venture Metal Halide

Venture Metal Halide

Venture Metal Halide (MH) lamps are designed for plants during their growing cycle, i.e. for non-fruiting or non-blooming plants: they are great for reproducing the spring to summer light spectrum. Metal Halide lighting is therefore the best HID choice for the plant’s vegetation growing phase.

Also in our shop….

Powerplant

The output of Metal Halide lamps is closer to natural sunlight than most other light sources.

Venture Metal Halide Lamps are a high output horticultural grow lamps specifically designed for the Vegetative/Growth phase of a plants cycle.

Each Venture MH Lamp is fitted with an E40 screw fitting for connection to most brands of HID reflectors and cables. These lamps can only be struck with a HID lighting ballast of the same wattage.

Metal Halide Lamps are for use during the Growth phase of plants (light cycle 18/6).

Venture Metal Halide Grow lamps can be used with analogue or digital ballast.

Each Metal Halide Lamp from Venture produces a light that is 4000 Kelvin – Blue Spectrum.

Venture 250w MH Lamp – Lumen Output: 22,000

Venture 400w MH Lamp – Lumen Output: 36,000

Venture 600w MH Lamp – Lumen Output: 50,000

Venture1000w MH Lamp – Lumen Output: 90,000

Remember: When handling grow lamps to ensure you don’t leave fingerprints on the glass as this will impair the performance of the lamp. It is best to use a cloth when handling grow lamps.

Ballast is required to fire lamp

METAL HALIDE – (MH)

Metal halide bulbs are very efficient and produce between 65 and 115 lumens of light output per watt of electricity used. MH bulbs produce a light that is very close to full summer sun, with a spectrum rich in the blue end. This promotes fast vegetative growth and compact, stocky plants with short internodal leaf spacing.

Metal Halide bulbs create light by passing electricity through an clear inner arc tube that is enclosed in the vacuum of an outer clear glass tube. This inner arc tube contains mercury and other metals in iodide form. When electricity is applied to these metal iodides they give off very intense light and heat. The outer casing can be either clear or phosphorus coated. Most gardeners prefer the clear bulb as it produces the brightest white light available.

MH bulbs come in sizes from 70 to 1500 watts with the 250 w, 400 w , 600 w and the 1000 w being the most popular sizes for gardening. All the bulbs need to run with a ballast (basically a transformer to step up the voltage to the proper amount), that are designed to run a specific size bulb.

Medal Halide bulbs (except the 1000 w Super Bulb) should be replaced about every 9500-10000 hours or aprox.18 months (assuming an 18 hour / day on cycle).

HID Lamps Coverage Area Height Above Plants
250W 75 x 75cm 40cm
400W 90 x 90cm 45cm
600W 105 x 105cm 50 – 60cm
1000W 1.2 x 1.2 60 – 90cm

Rockwool Growing Medium

Rockwool Growing Medium

Rockwool Growing Medium can hold large quantities of water and air that aid root growth and nutrient uptake in hydroponics; the fibrous nature also provides a good mechanical structure to hold the plant stable. It is used primarily for drip hydroponic systems.

Rockwool is made by melting a combination of rock and sand and then spinning the mixture to make fibers which are formed into different shapes and sizes.

Rockwool  has a pH of roughly 7.8. Please see ‘Preparation’ further down…

 

Rockwool-Diagram

As can been in the diagram above, rooted Rockwool Plugs can be placed into Rockwool Cubes and the rooted cubes can then be placed on top of Rockwool Slabs. The roots will then grow into the slab over time.

Dimensions:

Square Rockwool Plugs: (36 mm x 36 mm (Top) x 40 mm (H)) – sold individually.

77-Plug Tray: (Tray Dimensions: 53 cm x 31 cm x 3 cm) filled with 77 x Plugs.

Rockwool Cubes:
Smaller sized cubes that can be placed on top of a Rockwool slab: 100 mm x 100mm x 65 mm (H).
Larger, higher cubes (A.K.A. Hugo Blocks): 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm

Rockwool Slab: 100 cm x 20 cm x 7.5 cm.

Rockwool Slab NARROW : 100 cm x 15 cm x 7.5 cm.

 

Disclaimer: Brand of horticultural rockwool may differ from time to time, depending on availability.

Rockwool Growing Medium Preparation

Items you will need:

Rockwool Cubes have a pH of roughly 7.8. This is pretty alkaline, yet our plants prefer to grow in a slightly more acidic environment (between 5.5 – 6.5). In order to prepare our Rockwell cubes for the seeds, we need to soak them in some pH adjusted water, that way they have everything the seeds need to germinate and sprout; water and a slightly acidic environment.

Hydrate And Stabilize The Rockwool Cubes

Get a bowl or some other container that is big enough to fill with water and have room left for your Rockwool cubes.

Fill the container/bowl with water from your tap.

Using either a pH test kit or a pH meter, determine the pH of the water. Water comes out pretty alkaline, usually around 7.4, so you will need to acidify it a little bit to bring that pH down to the desired level. Aim for as close to a pH of 5.5-6 as you can get.

To accomplish this, use pH down. Add to the water in small increments (a drop), and test the water to see where the pH is. Continue doing this until you have a pH of 5.5-6.

Important: Do not let the pH of the water go below 5.  A pH this low will damage the fibers of the Rockwool Cube

Now that we have the pH adjusted water, it’s time to stabilize and hydrate the Rockwool cubes in it. Insert the Rockwool Cubes into your container and let them soak for roughly 1 hour. Once the hour is up, the cubes will be big and fat with water.

DO NOT SQUEEZE THEM TO DRAIN ANY WATER

Rockwool Cubes are designed to maintain the correct water to air ratio and squeezing them may damage their structure.

Using Slabs

The slabs are wrapped and sealed in plastic. Most people will start their plants in Rockwool cubes and then transplant them to the slab. To transplant a Rockwool cube to the slab, simply cut an X that is the same size as the cube, in the plastic on top of the slab. You then lift the plastic tabs and set the cube on top of the slab. You may want to pin the cube temporarily with a plastic spike until the roots grow down into the slab.

MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

The MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier:

  • Removes 12.18 L of moisture per day at 30° C and 80% RH (Relative Humidity) using 198 Watts/hour
  • Removes 8.33 L of moisture per day at 20° C and 80% RH using 157 Watts/hour
  • Removes 5.23 L of moisture per day at 20° C and 60% RH using 151 Watts/hour ( These conditions are close to an average grow space )
  • Minimum operating space requirement is 4mÂČ

The Meaco Arete series now comes with a free 5-year parts and labour warranty!

  • Designed with input from over 2000 customers based in the UK
  • Brand new for 2021
  • More water collection, less energy used, less noise made
  • Purer than ever – 75% bigger and better quality Medical Grade H13 HEPA filter
  • Simple one touch controls

Arete is designed to work perfectly in South Africa’s varying climates. Unlike most other dehumidifiers which cater for hot humid climates, Arete is the perfect solution for not only our hot, humid weather, but also designed to work just as efficiently in our cold, humid weather.

MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier 3

 

Smart humidity : To get the best out of Arete all you have to do is press a single button. Arete will take care of the rest – deciding on the correct fan speed and switching performance up or down as required.

Night mode : Arete is so quiet, you can use it in or close to your bedroom without disruption. Just press the Night mode button to switch off all lights and bleeps, and the machine runs in quiet  mode. Check the status at any time, knowing that after five seconds it will revert back into Night Mode.

Meaco’s quietest dehumidifier ever: The new range of Arete combined dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been five years in the design process. For the past two years we have been  working on making them the quietest dehumidifiers on the market. The MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier is just 38dB. Incredibly quiet!

Meaco control logic : Arete is designed to maintain a steady humidity in your home whilst minimizing electricity consumption. Our control logic also manages the fan speed to increase extraction rates when required and switch to a quieter mode when the target humidity is almost reached. When the humidity has been reached Arete will switch off for 30 minutes, after which it samples the air for changes and responds accordingly.

Why the tank is important : The tank is extra large at 2.5 liters,  so that you don’t have to empty it so often
 and when you do, it’s easy. Before the ‘tank full’ light comes on, the machine has done a final blow through so that no water should drip from the spout when you remove the tank. We have also designed the tank so it’s easy to grip, pull out and replace. The tank has a cover and a carry handle so you don’t spill a drop, and you can pour from both the left and right sides, making life easy. If you want to fit a hose for continuous drainage then you can and there is even an adapter in the lid of the tank so that you can use a standard length of garden hose.

HEPA Filter :

  • H13 medical grade HEPA filter to help clean the air.
  • 99.75% retention of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers (ÎŒm) in diameter.
  • 75% larger than the filter on the Low Energy range for better cleaning.
  • Arete can be used in a dedicated air purifier mode when you don’t need to dry the air.

Specifications – MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier :

Compressor or desiccant? Compressor
Weight 10.9 kg
Dimensions (HWD) 319 × 237 × 472 mm
Refrigerant R290 / 45g
Noise level 35 and 38 dB(A)
Power supply 220-240 V, 50 Hz
Power consumption at 20 °C and 60 % RH 151 watts
Approximate electricity costs 22c / hour based on R1,46 / kWh
Operating temperatures 5 °C – 35 °C
Filter Washable dust filter & optionally installable H13 HEPA filter
Tank size 2.5 litres
Variable hygrostat Between 40 % RH and 70 % RH
Maximum airflow Low fan speed: 80 mÂł/h
High fan speed: 100 mÂł/h
Digital Yes
Fan speeds 2 (automated depending on humidity level)
Laundry mode Yes
Auto-restart Yes
Parental Mode Yes
Option of continuous drainage Yes

MeacoDry Arete One 25L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

MeacoDry Arete One 25L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

The MeacoDry Arete One 25L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier:

  • Removes 25.67 L of moisture per day at 30° C and 80% RH (Relative Humidity) using 365 Watts/hour
  • Removes 17.53 L of moisture per day at 20° C and 80% RH using 280 Watts/hour
  • Removes 15 L of moisture per day at 27° C and 60% RH ( These conditions are the closest to an average grow space )
  • Removes 10.73 L of moisture per day at 20° C and 60% RH using 267 Watts/hour
  • Minimum operating space requirement is 4mÂČ

The Meaco Arete series now comes with a free 5-year parts and labour warranty!

 

  • Designed with input from over 2000 customers based in the UK
  • Brand new for 2021
  • More water collection, less energy used, less noise made
  • Purer than ever – 75% bigger and better quality Medical Grade H13 HEPA filter
  • Simple one touch controls

Arete is designed to work perfectly in South Africa’s varying climates. Unlike most other dehumidifiers which cater for hot humid climates, Arete is the perfect solution for not only our hot, humid weather, but also designed to work just as efficiently in our cold, humid weather.

MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier 3

 

Smart humidity : To get the best out of Arete all you have to do is press a single button. Arete will take care of the rest – deciding on the correct fan speed and switching performance up or down as required.

Night mode : Arete is so quiet, you can use it in or close to your bedroom without disruption. Just press the Night mode button to switch off all lights and bleeps, and the machine runs in quiet  mode. Check the status at any time, knowing that after five seconds it will revert back into Night Mode.

Meaco’s quietest dehumidifier ever: The new range of Arete combined dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been five years in the design process. For the past two years we have been  working on making them the quietest dehumidifiers on the market. The MeacoDry Arete One 20L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier is just 40dB. Incredibly quiet!

Meaco control logic : Arete is designed to maintain a steady humidity in your home whilst minimizing electricity consumption. Our control logic also manages the fan speed to increase extraction rates when required and switch to a quieter mode when the target humidity is almost reached. When the humidity has been reached Arete will switch off for 30 minutes, after which it samples the air for changes and responds accordingly.

Why the tank is important : The tank is extra large at 4.8 liters,  so that you don’t have to empty it so often… and when you do, it’s easy. Before the ‘tank full’ light comes on, the machine has done a final blow through so that no water should drip from the spout when you remove the tank. We have also designed the tank so it’s easy to grip, pull out and replace. The tank has a cover and a carry handle so you don’t spill a drop, and you can pour from both the left and right sides, making life easy. If you want to fit a hose for continuous drainage then you can and there is even an adapter in the lid of the tank so that you can use a standard length of garden hose.

HEPA Filter :

  • H13 medical grade HEPA filter to help clean the air.
  • 99.75% retention of particles as small as 0.3 micrometers (ÎŒm) in diameter.
  • 75% larger than the filter on the Low Energy range for better cleaning.
  • Arete can be used in a dedicated air purifier mode when you don’t need to dry the air.

Specifications – MeacoDry Arete One 25L Dehumidifier and Air Purifier :

Compressor or Desiccant? Compressor
Weight 16kgs
Dimensions (HWD) 618 x 366 x 272 mm
Refrigerant R290 / 90g
Noise Level 40 and 42dB(A)
Power Supply 220-240V, 50Hz
Power Consumption at 20°C and 60%rh 267 watts
Approximate Electricity Cost 39c / hour based on R1,46 / kWh
Operating Temperatures 5°C – 35°C
Filter Type Washable dust filter and optional HEPA filter
Tank Size 4.8 litres
Variable Humidistat Between 40%rh and 70%rh
Air Flow Low fan speed: 150mÂł/hour
High fan speed: 175mÂł/hour
Digital Display Yes
Fan Speeds 2 (automated depending on humidity level)
Laundry Mode Yes
Auto Restart Yes
Child Lock Yes
Continuous Drainage Option Yes – comes with an adapter to fit the standard garden hose

 

Meaco 10L Dehumidifiers are also available. ( Click here to see them )

Digital Temperature Controller

Digital Temperature Controller

The Digital Temperature Controller is ideal for maintaining a precise temperature, preventing overheating or excessive cooling. You can set the temperature in 0.1 C increments.  This 220 Volt AC Digital Temperature Controller has two relay switches (one for heating and one for cooling), and is capable of handling 10 Amps/250 Volt AC on each relay.

STC-1000 basic operation:

Buttons:

On-Off button is for activation and deactivation

SET button used to set the thermostat, if you hold for 2 seconds the thermostat displays the four menu functions F1, F2, F3, F4, (Accessed using up and down keys)

When in function mode, arrow keys are used to increase or lower values (While holding down the SET button as well)

F1: Set your ideal temperature

F2: Variance from F1 temperature before relays engage

F3: Compressor delay time (in minutes) between switching on and off (Helps to protect fridges / cooling compressors against excessive wear-and-tear when coupled to the controller)

F4: Temperature calibration – Calibrate the STC-1000 to high accuracy against trusted thermometers

When NOT in function mode, pressing the up or down arrows will switch the display to the set ideal temperature or the set relay variance engagement for a few seconds

NOTE: The controller does NOT provide 220 V power directly to the heating or cooling relay circuits – each circuit should be wired to draw power from a 220 V power source, only using the relays in the controller as each circuit’s “on/off” switch.

Simple wiring:

From a 3-point plug – wire up the unit’s power supply.

Using your heating or cooling devices’ own separate power cords – run the live (brown) wire of the cord through the relevant relay switch in the controller.

(You will end up with 3 x 3-point plugs that will need to be plugged in….. 1 to power the controller, 1 to power the heating device and 1 to power the cooling device)

Bridged wiring:

For those more adept in electrical wiring, a single (bridged) power supply cord can be used.

Temperature Controller STC1000 Bridged Wiring Diagram

 

Technical Specifications:

Model: STC-1000
Size: 85 x 70 x 35mm
Colour: Black
Temperature Measuring Range: -50°C to 99°C
Resolution: 0.1°C
Accuracy: +- 1° C
Sensor Error Relay: 1 minute
Power Supply: AC 220V
Power Consumption: <3W
Sensor: NTC sensor (1PC)
Relay Contact Capacity: Two Relay Cool 10A/250VAC; Heat 10A/250VAC
Ambient Temperature: 0°C to 60°C
Storage Temperature: -30°C ~ 75°C
Relative Humidity Tolerance: 20% to 85% (No condensate)
Sensor Length: 1.0m

Compact size with clips for insertion into electrical panels.

General Guide to for Optimum Temperature and Humidity – please note that figures may vary depending on plant species.

Humidity Day Humidity Night Temp Day Temp Night
Seedlings 60% 55% – 60% 24°C 24°C
Clones 100% – 70% 100% – 70% 24°C 24°C
Vegetative 60% 50% – 60% 24°C 21°C
Flowering 50% 50% 24°C 21°C

 

 

Air Stones

Air stone Rectangle

Air Stones are an ideal way to add oxygen to your hydroponic growing system.

Air stones aerate the nutrient solution and improve nutrient circulation which extends the life of your nutrient solution, help keep roots healthy, and promote exceptional growth.

We have a range of Air Stones for every application, be it adding oxygen to your tanks or for actually oxygenating your growing system. All these connect via Air piping to Air Pumps and Air Compressors.

Rainbow Plastic Air Stones (35mm diameter) now available: Plastic air stones will not deteriorate when bubbling compost teas and are less prone to clogging up over time.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Air curtains are mostly used for bubbling worm or compost teas (where normal air stones will get clogged up quickly and deteriorate aver time) – these will have less “bubbles”/output that a regular air stone, especially when using smaller air pumps.

The 60cm Air Curtain has 5mm tubing connectors on BOTH SIDES of the curtain, as in the picture below. ( You can use a 5mm T-piece to split your air supply tubing in two, and then connect each side of the curtain to the tubing. )

60cm air curtain 2

 

The performance of your air stones will depend greatly on the size of the air pump/compressor that you will employ – tiny air pumps will only be able to bubble ONE small air stone and performance will depend on the length and condition of the piping between the two, as well as where the air pump is placed ( at least always higher than the top of the water that is being aerated! )

 

Air diffuses into water whenever water comes in contact with air. This commonly occurs when water on the surface of a nutrient reservoir touches the air in a grow room or when air bubbles rise through a column of water in a reservoir. Many growers employ the combination of an air pump and air stone to add oxygen to their fertigation solution (the mixture of water and fertilizer). This is a viable option for many growers and one that is able to increase dissolved oxygen levels fairly inexpensively. An air pump pumps air through food grade plastic tubing to the bottom of the reservoir, where it is attached to an air stone. The air stone then diffuses the air into small bubbles which rise through the water, increasing the dissolved oxygen level as they rise. This also happens to be a great method for keeping one’s water and fertilizer mixed, preventing the fertilizer from settling to the bottom of the reservoir.

Air curtains are sometimes preferred in applications where regular air stones clog up too quickly, or become brittle quickly ( eg. compost teas / high H2O2 presence )

PLEASE NOTE: Air Stones may vary slightly – depending on supply.

AC Infinity Controller 69 Pro

AC Infinity Controller 69 Pro

AC Infinity Controller 69 Pro

NB!!! – NEEDS AN AC INFINITY IUS DEVICE ( e.g. an AC Infinity fan ) PLUGGED INTO IT TO POWER UP !!!

  • A digital controller designed to equip AC Infinity devices with smart controls to produce the optimal environment.
  • Control up to four devices from fans to grow lights and provide each with their own independent programming.
  • Automate devices to dynamically change speed and brightness levels in response to temperature, humidity, and VPD.
  • Additional programming includes grow cycles, scheduling, timers, minimum levels, and custom transitions.
  • Pair with our app via Bluetooth or WiFi to unlock advance programs, set alarms, notifications, and view climate data.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

MANUAL

The CONTROLLER 69ℱ PRO is a next-gen digital thermostat controller designed to provide AC Infinity devices with smart programming to produce the most optimized environment. This central command unit connects with up to four different devices from fans to lights to provide each with independent climate and time-based programming. The backlit display reads temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius and can be switched off while programs run in the background. Built with a kickstand and includes hardware to be hung on walls. The 12-foot sensor probe with thermal-alloy head accurately detects current temperature and humidity. It also detects VPD (vapor pressure deficit), which measures ambient temperature, relative humidity, and the plant’s leaf temperature in order to determine the optimal atmosphere. This allows you to monitor growing conditions more closely than if you were to rely on temperature and humidity alone. This product is a part of the UISℱ platform of grow devices and smart controllers, designed to integrate with each other to achieve your ideal environment.

INTELLIGENT PROGRAMMING

Connect up to four devices to provide each with shared or independent programming. Go beyond basic on/off triggering by setting dynamic programs that adjust fan speed and light intensity in response to changing temperature, humidity, and VPD. Set minimum baseline levels that your devices will constantly run at, only increasing when triggers are activated. Timer, cycle, and schedule modes add custom on-demand activation for a variety of indoor growing uses. Securely connect with the AC Infinity app via Bluetooth or WiFi to remotely access your devices, unlock advance programs, set alarms, notifications, view historical charts, and export CSV data.

AC Infinity Controller 69 Pro COMPATIBILITY

Devices in the UISℱ platform, including all AC Infinity LED grow lights and EC fans, are compatible. Includes two adapter dongles to connect with EC-motor fans built with 4-pin Molex connectors. Compatible AC Infinity devices include those like:

A digital controller designed to equip AC Infinity devices with smart controls to produce the optimal environment.
Control up to four devices from fans to grow lights and provide each with their own independent programming.
Automate devices to dynamically change speed and brightness levels in response to temperature, humidity, and VPD.
Additional programming includes grow cycles, scheduling, timers, minimum levels, and custom transitions.
Pair with our app via Bluetooth or WiFi to unlock advance programs, set alarms, notifications, and view climate data.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The CONTROLLER 69ℱ PRO is a next-gen digital thermostat controller designed to provide AC Infinity devices with smart programming to produce the most optimized environment. This central command unit connects with up to four different devices from fans to lights to provide each with independent climate and time-based programming. The backlit display reads temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius and can be switched off while programs run in the background. Built with a kickstand and includes hardware to be hung on walls. The 12-foot sensor probe with thermal-alloy head accurately detects current temperature and humidity. It also detects VPD (vapor pressure deficit), which measures ambient temperature, relative humidity, and the plant’s leaf temperature in order to determine the optimal atmosphere. This allows you to monitor growing conditions more closely than if you were to rely on temperature and humidity alone. This product is a part of the UISℱ platform of grow devices and smart controllers, designed to integrate with each other to achieve your ideal environment.

INTELLIGENT PROGRAMMING
Connect up to four devices to provide each with shared or independent programming. Go beyond basic on/off triggering by setting dynamic programs that adjust fan speed and light intensity in response to changing temperature, humidity, and VPD. Set minimum baseline levels that your devices will constantly run at, only increasing when triggers are activated. Timer, cycle, and schedule modes add custom on-demand activation for a variety of indoor growing uses. Securely connect with the AC Infinity app via Bluetooth or WiFi to remotely access your devices, unlock advance programs, set alarms, notifications, view historical charts, and export CSV data.

COMPATIBILITY
Devices in the UISℱ platform, including all AC Infinity LED grow lights and EC fans, are compatible. Includes two adapter dongles to connect with EC-motor fans built with 4-pin Molex connectors. Compatible AC Infinity devices include those like:

AIRLIFT Series – Shutter Exhaust Fans
CLOUDFORGE Series – Environmental Humidifiers
CLOUDLIFT Series – Floor Wall Circulation Fans
CLOUDLINE Series – Inline Duct Fans
CLOUDRAY Series – Clip-on Circulation Fans
CLOUDWAY Series – Whole House Fans
IONBEAM Series – LED Grow Light Bars
IONBOARD Series – LED Grow Light Boards
UIS Control Plug – Control Outlet Devices (0=Off, 1-10=On)
UIS Lighting Adapters – Control Other Brand Lights

 

Hydroponics 101 Ebook

Hydroponics 101 Ebook 2024

Hydroponics 101 Ebook – “Everything you’ve always wanted to know about hydroponics, but were afraid to ask ! ”

This ebook contains all you need to get started in Hydroponics. 

Written by Tony Hinde.

Please note that this is a PDF version of the book. A download link will be sent to you once payment has reflected. SIMPLY CLICK ON THE EBOOK LINE ITEM WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR “ORDER COMPLETED” EMAIL.

Outline

1. Getting Started

  • Introduction to Hydroponics
  • History of Hydroponics
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics
  • Hobby or Commercial ?

2. Preparation

  • Deciding what, when, where and how to grow
  • Developing a Strategy
  • Costing a Project
  • Securing Materials and Suppliers

3. Plant Growing Basics

  • How Plants grow
  • Structure of Plants
  • Nutrients
  • Growing Media
  • Growing healthy Plants

4. Types of Hydroponic Systems

  • Factors to Consider
  • Open and Closed Systems
  • Active and Passive Systems
  • Flood and Drain (Ebb and Flow)
  • Nutrient Film Technique
  • Gravity-fed Systems
  • Self-watering Systems
  • Build or Buy ?

5. Environmental Control

  • Indoors or Outdoors?
  • Light
  • Water
  • Temperature
  • Air Exchange and Circulation

6. Nutrient Management

  • EC
  • pH
  • Organic vs Hydroponic

7. Propagation

  • Selecting Seeds
  • Starting Seeds
  • Transplanting
  • Cloning

8. Trouble-shooting

  • Pests and Diseases
  • Nutrients and Environment

9. Have Fun

  • Plants are Living Beings
  • Plants are Forgiving
  • What You Put In You Get Out
  • Sing to Your Plants

Once payment has reflected you will receive an e-mail to inform you that your order is completed.

Scroll down and within the body of your order you will see a link to download your e-book.

Please see what the link looks like below:

Download

Hydroponics 101  (click on this)

Click on link to download e-book.

 

MagicalButter Decarbox

MagicalButter Decarbox

The MagicalButter Decarbox allows you to effortlessly activate fresh herbs to your specific desired potency!

– Food-grade silicone shell prevents loss of valuable plant compounds.
– Elevates natural herbal potency.
– Precision integrated thermometer with stay-cool external digital display.
– Oven-safe shell ensures maximum retention of beneficial phytonutrients.
– The most effective decarboxylation system available.

The MagicalButter Decarbox features an integrated digital probe thermometer. This device lets you easily calibrate your oven for precise accuracy during decarboxylation and baking. The stay-cool external digital display lets you monitor the temperature inside your DecarBox without opening the oven. Saving money and keeping temperatures from fluctuating. The DecarBox allows you to effortlessly activate fresh herbs to your specific desired potency! (See Decarb Directions in the Magical Butter Machine booklet on pages 6-8 for a step-by-step guide.) Food-grade silicone shell prevents loss of valuable plant compounds.

The information below was adapted from Leafly.com. One of the best resources for all things cannabis.

Decarboxylation or decarb explained
All cannabinoids contained within the trichomes of raw cannabis flowers have an extra carboxyl ring or group (COOH) attached to their chain. The trichome heads of freshly harvested cannabis flowers mainly contain tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA). In most regulated markets, cannabis distributed in dispensaries contains labels detailing the product’s cannabinoid contents. THCA, in many cases, prevails as the highest cannabinoid present in items that have not been decarboxylated (e.g., cannabis flowers and concentrates).

THCA has a number of known benefits when consumed, including having anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective qualities. But THCA is not intoxicating, and must be converted into THC through decarboxylation before any effects can be felt.

What causes decarboxylation?
The two main catalysts for decarboxylation to occur are heat and time. Drying and curing cannabis over time will cause a partial decarboxylation to occur. This is why some cannabis flowers also test for a presence of small amounts of THC along with THCA. Smoking and vaporizing will instantaneously decarboxylate cannabinoids due to the extremely high temperatures present, making them instantly available for absorption through inhalation.

Decarboxylated cannabinoids in vapour form are easily absorbed in our lungs. However, edibles require decarbed cannabinoids present for our bodies to absorb them throughout digestion. Heating cannabinoids at a lower temperature over time allows us to decarboxylate the cannabinoids while preserving the integrity of the material.

Decarboxylation temperature
The THCA in cannabis begins to decarb at approximately 100 °C after around 30 – 45 minutes of exposure. Full decarboxylation may require more time. Many people choose to decarboxylate their cannabis at slightly lower temperatures for a much longer period of time in attempts to preserve terpenes. Many mono and sesquiterpenes are volatile and will evaporate at higher temperatures, leaving potentially undesirable flavors and aromas behind. The integrity of both cannabinoids and terpenoids are compromised by using temperatures that exceed roughly 150 °C.

Heat and time can also cause other forms of cannabinoid degradation to occur. For example, CBN (cannabinol) is formed through the degradation and oxidization of THC, a process that can occur alongside decarboxylation. CBN accounts for a much more sedative and less directly psychoactive experience.

Grotek Impact Mineral Nutrient Range

Grotek Impact Mineral Nutrient Range

Grotek Impact Mineral Nutrient Range: A 2-part Grow and 2-part Bloom range.

Grotek Impact Mineral Nutrient Range is a liquid bio-mineral fertilizer that uses the latest innovations and knowledge in the area of plant nutrition to offer a combination of the highest quality minerals, which are presented in a formula that does not create antagonisms or adverse reactions in the form of crystallizations. Its development has been achieved thanks to numerous studies on how cannabis plants assimilate nutrients.

The great differential of this product is its availability, each of the components in the formula have been stabilized overcoming the usual problems of mineral fertilizers of antagonisms and crystallizations in the bottles.

Impact Grow A+B guarantees that plants will be able to take advantage of all nutrients without any adverse reactions.

This product has a lower density and therefore does not produce blockages in drip systems. The formula is more complete with a greater amount of mineral nutrients indispensable for growing plants.

By using it on your plants you will get heavier harvests, without sacrificing the final quality of the flowers. You can also use it on other types of vegetation, for example flowers and fruit trees.

This fertilizer is composed of different micro and macro nutrients for a complete nutrition of the plants that are in full vegetative growth. One of the most remarkable results is an important development of the lateral branches and the formation of short internodes, also increase of the amount of foliage and a more intense coloration. By applying it to your cannabis seeds, flowering will happen sooner and you will enjoy a shorter and more productive harvest cycle.

Grotek Impact Mineral Nutrient Range Application:

Impact is a 2-part base nutrient designed to support luscious growth. This complete nutrient formulation is ideal for soil/soilless and water culture production systems (hydroponics): rockwool, vermiculite, perlite, coco coir, peat, expanded clay, etc.

Please note that the application of this two-part fertilizer follows a specific but simple methodology. The first thing is to mix compound A in the irrigation tank very vigorously until everything is perfectly combined and diluted. Then, it is time to do the same with compound B.

The general instructions for applying Impact Grow A+B to substrates and other supplements is by mixing each part of the liquid fertilizer in irrigation water, between 1-2 ml per 1 liter, once a week.

For aeroponics or hydroponics, only 1 ml of each part of the product should be used for each 1 liter of irrigation water and care should be taken that the EC is below the admissible level according to the phase of the crop. This type of liquid bio-mineral fertilizer cannot be applied by foliar application.

Application Rate: 1L makes 500L of solution.

You use Impact Grow A + Impact Grow B together (during vegetation).

You use Impact Bloom A + Impact Bloom B together (during flower / fruiting).

First you’ll need to add part A to your water, mix well to make sure it’s fully diluted, and then add part B. Its new, refined ingredients ensure that it works perfectly in drip irrigation systems without blocking up the pipes.

MORE INFORMATION AND GUARANTEED MINIMUM ANALYSIS: HERE

 

Madagascan Bat Guano

Madagascan Bat Guano

Madagascan Bat Guano – 5 kg bags

Bat

Bat guano is a particularly powerful fertilizer as it is generally deposited in caves and is not leached by rain. It consists of the remains of insects and other bat food sources and the remains of the bats themselves. It decomposes rapidly and builds up in a slightly acidic layer on the cave floor.

SENSI Madagascan Bat Guano is completely environmentally friendly, significantly improves any soil to which it is added and increases the flavor and quality of produce as well as increasing disease resistance. High-phosphate guano is particularly prized as a flowering fertilizer, greatly improving flower and fruit set and final yield.

This guano is specially selected and is among the richest in the world. It is very high in calcium and phosphorous and has significant amounts of nitrogen and potassium as well as a broad range of other essential nutrients.

The guano is completely sterilized and is imported subject to the Department of Agriculture health requirements at port of entry.

High-phosphate guano is particularly important as it provides organic phosphate in both readily accessible and slower release forms at a level which is rare in truly organic fertilizers. While nitrogen is important during a plant’s vegetative growth stage and it always likes good levels of potassium, our guano provides that abundance of organic phosphate which plants love during and toward the end of their flowering periods. Phosphate is also important for root development at the beginning of a plant’s life-cycle.

Critically important when growing organically with bat guano is that the phosphate is in a form very highly accessible to beneficial mycorrhizal fungi which should be utilized in symbiosis.

Madagascan Bat Guano DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Epsom Salts

Magnesium Sulphate

Epsom Salts is a magnesium deficiency corrector for foliar or root application.

Magnesium sulfate and sulfur are absorbed through leaves and roots to help them produce chlorophyll. Epsom Salts are recommended to promote excellent blooms .

Magnesium and sulfur are the two major components of Epsom Salt. Crop researchers have determined that magnesium is:

A critical mineral for seed germination.
Vital to the production of chlorophyll, which plants use to transform sunlight into food.
An aid in the absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen, two of the most important fertilizer components.

Sulfur, the other major component of Epsom Salt, is also an important plant nutrient. Sulfer may:

Contribute to chlorophyll production.
Make the primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) found in most fertilizers more effective.
Although magnesium and sulfur occur naturally in soil, they can be depleted by various conditions, including heavy agricultural use over time. But unlike most commercial fertilizers, which build up in the soil over time, Epsom Salt is not persistent so you can’t overuse it. Tests by the National Gardening Association confirm – roses fertilized with Epsom Salt grow bushier and produce more flowers, while the compound makes pepper plants grow larger than those treated with commercial fertilizer alone.

To relieve Magnesium deficiency

Application for misting or foliar spraying:

Mix 1 tsp in 2L water. Spray at lights out or evening.

Repeat every 3 days until one sees an improvement.

Application for soil watering:

Mix 1 Tbs in 5L of water. Feed once during growing phase and twice when flowering.

 

 

Oxy Boost Oxygen Enhancer

Oxy Boost Oxygen Enhancer

Oxy Boost Oxygen Enhancer – a revolutionary OÂČ enhancer, ideal for use in systems where highly oxygenated water is most beneficial. This state of the art technology effectively increases oxygen levels up to 600%

Size: 30ml liquid in dropper bottle, enough to treat 300lt of water. (2 drops per liter of water)

Increase dissolved oxygen in water by adding 2 drops of Oxy Boost per liter of water and then shake the water thoroughly. When used in hydroponic systems, the movement (falling into the reservoir) or aeration (using an air stone) of the water through the system will cause the water to oxygenate by itself. After about 5 days, or when foaminess on top of water depletes, Oxy Boost can be reapplied.

Oxy Boost Oxygen Enhancer is safe to use in fish tanks and aquaponics. Not for human, pet, or livestock consumption.

 

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Beneficial microbes use oxygen in various ways, including:
  1. Cellular respiration: Microbes use oxygen to generate energy (ATP) through cellular respiration, just like humans do.
  2. Nutrient cycling: Oxygen-rich environments enhance microbial nutrient cycling, such as nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and decomposition.
  3. Organic matter breakdown: Microbes use oxygen to break down complex organic matter into simpler compounds, recycling nutrients.
  4. Antibiotic production: Some microbes, like Streptomyces, require oxygen to produce antibiotics.
  5. Symbiotic relationships: Oxygen-rich environments support symbiotic relationships between microbes and plants, like mycorrhizal fungi and legume-rhizobia.
  6. Biofilm formation: Oxygen influences biofilm structure and function, affecting microbial attachment, detachment, and community composition.
  7. Enzyme activity: Oxygen affects the activity of various microbial enzymes involved in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and other processes.
  8. Microbial motility: Oxygen influences microbial movement and chemotaxis, helping them navigate towards nutrients and optimal environments.
  9. Stress response: Microbes use oxygen to respond to environmental stresses, such as oxidative stress, heat shock, and osmotic stress.
  10. Communication and signaling: Oxygen participates in microbial communication and signaling pathways, influencing community behavior and interactions.
Plant roots use oxygen in several ways:
  1. Respiration: Roots respire, just like other plant tissues, using oxygen to generate energy (ATP) for growth and maintenance.
  2. Nutrient uptake: Oxygen is necessary for the active transport of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium into root cells.
  3. Root growth and development: Oxygen promotes root elongation, branching, and root hair formation, enhancing soil exploration and nutrient acquisition.
  4. Microbial interactions: Oxygen influences root-microbe interactions, including symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.
  5. Defense against pathogens: Oxygen helps roots defend against pathogens by supporting the production of antimicrobial compounds and activating defense genes.
  6. Hormone regulation: Oxygen affects hormone balances, such as ethylene and auxin, which regulate root growth, development, and responses to stress.
  7. Soil exploration: Oxygen-rich environments enhance root growth into oxygen-poor soil zones, improving soil exploration and nutrient acquisition.
  8. Water uptake: Oxygen influences water transport across root cell membranes, affecting water uptake and plant hydration.
  9. Cell wall formation: Oxygen is necessary for the formation and maintenance of root cell walls, which provide structural support and protection.
  10. Signaling and communication: Oxygen participates in root-to-shoot signaling, influencing plant-wide responses to environmental cues.

Ludwig’s Rose Spider Mite Spray

Ludwig’s Rose Spider Mite Spray is a suspension concentrate contact acaricide for the control of the egg and immature stages of the red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) on roses and tomatoes.

Size: 50ml
Active Ingredient: Etoxclzole (Diphenyloxazoline derivative) 100g/e
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Rose Spider Mite is effective for the control of the egg and immature stages of the red mite (Tetranychus urticae) and European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi). It does not control adult spider mites. Rose Spider Mite is moderately slow acting and should be applied when first sign of infestation is noticed. Good coverage of all plant surfaces with the spray is essential. Rose Spider Mite does not adversely affect beneficial predators such as Amblyseius californicus and Oligota.
COMPATIBILITY
Since Rose Spider Mite has not been fully tested in all sequences and combinations of sprays, it is not recommended to tank-mix with any other spray materials until greater experience has been obtained. Do not mix with fungicides.
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
Rose Spider Mite is a suspension concentrate. SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE. Agitation is necessary to avoid settling during mixing and spraying. Hall fill the spray equipment with clean water. Measure out the required quantity of Rose Spider Mite and pre-mix with a small volume of water (1 part Rose Spider Mite to 10 parts water), before adding to the water in the spray equipment. Fill spray equipment to the required volume with water. Maintain agitation during spraying. Use prepared spray mixing immediately. Do not allow to stand overnight.

 

RAW Seeds Seed Packs

RAW Seeds Seed Packs

RAW Seeds Seed Packs – various: The very best open-pollinated, non-GMO, heirloom seeds.

Download their grow guide HERE!

Basil Culinary Blend – Why plant one type of basil when you can plant them ALL? This mixed pack includes Genovese, Corsican, Lemon and Cinnamon Basil. Because variety is the spice of life. (Sorry, we can’t help ourselves). Basil and tomatoes go together like mac ‘n cheese. (Just way better for you). Genovese works especially well in pestos, and fish dishes will benefit from a touch of this fragrant herb. Curious about the Cinnamon variety? It tastes like Christmas. If Christmas were basil.

Cucumber Crystal Apple – We were going to start with a cucumber joke, but we’re not that kind of brand. Instead, we’ll tell you how this unusual variety got its name. It was once dubbed “Apple Cucumber,” due to its size and shape, whilst others called it “Crystal Lemon” for its pale yellow colour. The names were mushed together and the plant is now known as the Crystal Apple Cucumber. (Creative stuff, eh?). When mature, the Crystal Apple’s pale, greenish-white skin resembles a Granny Smith apple. To appreciate the smooth, creamy fruits, enjoy them while they’re young. In addition to being the butt of the joke we’ll never tell you, they make a bright, scrumptious addition to salads.

Kale Dinosaur – The Italians call it Cavolo Nero, and yes, that sounds like the name of an eccentric millionaire who wears suits on yachts. Imagine our disappointment when we found out that it actually means “black cabbage.” In an effort to never be misled by the musical beauty of their language again, we’re firmly calling it Dinosaur Kale and brainstorming T-Rex jokes like the heathens we are. Take that, Italy. A hearty cooking green, this variety offers up more than 100% of your daily vitamin A and K requirements, which is particularly impressive if you had no idea that there was such a thing as vitamin K. Use it to make caldo verde, which is Portuguese for “green soup” (seriously, English is the most boring language) and slurp on it whilst watching Jurassic Park.

Lettuce Gourmet Salad Blend – A tasty, colourful mix of five loose leaf varieties. They range from shades of green to red, with textures from oak leaf to tightly ruffled. Sow this exciting mix every week to ten days for a constant supply of fresh salad leaves throughout the season. Goodbye, soggy packets of store-bought fridge lettuce. Fast-growing, tender, and selected for a long harvest, our Gourmet Salad Blend is best when picked minutes before your meal. You can practically taste the sunshine on your plate.

Micro Greens Old Mexico – Tacos, tequila and and this blend of micro greens are just a few of the (admittedly stereotypical) things we love about Mexico. It consists of coriander, red beets, cabbage, radish and pepper cress, which would probably all taste surprisingly good in a taco. How did we only think of that now
 Micro greens look great on a plate and add a flavour kick, which is why they’re primarily used in fine dining restaurants – but you don’t have to be a fancy chef to grow them. Hey, we just gave you that amazing taco idea.

Micro Greens Oriental Mix – Like any great eighties mixtape, this combination includes some spicy covers (rocket, red mustard) and smooth originals (coriander, Asian cabbage). Throw in some names you’ve never heard of (Mizuna, Hon Tsai Tai) and you’ve got a soundtrack for the perfect salad. Man, we love mixtapes. And metaphors about microgreens. Good on roasted root veg? Definitely. Tasty atop an Asian stir fry? Obviously. Delicious sprinkled over a meat dish? Why, of cou- (We can go all day, but have only a few lines left, so we’ve decided to let you harvest the young shoots of this delicate blend and discover for yourself that they work with ANY dish).

Micro Greens Rainbow Blend – Some say that size isn’t everything (that’s a debate for another day) but when it comes to this blend of micro greens, we agree with them. This colourful flavour combo of beetroot, Asian cabbage, kohlrabi, Italian broccoli and radish is easy to grow and super tasty. Sow every 5-10 days and snip with scissors when 2-4cm high. Harvest the smallest, most delicate shoots of this blend and sprinkle liberally on summer salads, roasted root veggies and just about any meat dish. Their explosive flavour will win over any lettuce-hater. (Also, why are you friends with lettuce-haters?)

RAW Seeds - Lettuce - Mini Greens

Lettuce Mini Greens – No, they’re not sprouts, and they’re not baby greens either. They are a complete veggie in miniature form – a colourful mixture of red and green lettuce varieties that just happen to be adorably small. Unlike the teacup pig you bought from that totally legit guy on the side of the road, they will not “grow up” to be any bigger than they are at 15 days.

Pepper Chilli Ghost Chilli / Bhut Jolokia (BEYOND HOT) – The Bhut Jolokia is better known as the “ghost chilli” or “ghost pepper”, and was once considered the hottest chilli in the world. It cracks a whopping 1 million units on the Scoville Scale of hotness (which has nothing to do with its looks, and everything to do with how it can burn your lips off). Cut rather than pull the ripe fruit, and stake big plants to one meter. This fiery pepper originated in the land of all things spicy: Northern India. Its orange / red lantern-shaped fruits have a hint of citrus flavour, but we doubt you’ll taste that for very long once you’ve bitten into one. Ideal for pot growing, this variety produces an abundance of pods with breathtakingly intense heat.

Pepper Chilli Habanero Mixed Colours – Ready to set your garden on fire? No, not like that, put the blowtorch down, we didn’t mean that
 This selection of spicy Habaneros comes in a unique range of colours and are great for growing in large pots. The lantern-shaped fruits ripen to mature colours of chocolate, mustard, orange, peach, red, white and yellow. Habanero chillies have a deliciously pungent, smoky quality. The official heat scale for chillies is known as the Scoville Scale (developed by Wilbur Scoville in 1912) and Habaneros score at a terrifying 200,000 to 300,000. In the words of Paris Hilton, “that’s hot.”

Pepper Sweet Mini Belle Blend – Every garden needs at least one adorable veggie. The dwarf, compact plants of the Sweet Pepper Mini Belle produce a huge crop of small, block-shaped peppers. They come in red, orange and chocolate colours, and are almost too cute to eat. Almost. This variety is sweet with few seeds, so they produce very little waste. They are thinner-skinned than larger peppers and their texture withstands grilling and cooking well. Essentially they’re perfect in every way.

Pepper Sweet Pepperone Corno di Torro Rosso – The name of this Italian heirloom translates to “horn of the bull”, which makes it sound like a fiery beast of a pepper that might just kill you. However, its name is actually a tribute to the pepper’s full, tapered shape. (Phew). It does have a subtle heat, of course – which gently increases as the pepper matures – but this variety ripens to a bright red fruit with a sweet, crisp flavour. The Corno di Toro (we could say that all day) has a thick flesh that is encased in a thin skin. It’s delicious raw, fried, stuffed or just grilled on the braai. We can basically hear you nodding in approval.

Tomato Black Krim – This delicious heirloom tomato originates from Crimea, and if you don’t know where that is, join the club. The dark brownish-red tomatoes look almost rotten, but have a wonderful smoky-sweet taste that is totally unique to the variety. They’re hardy and heat tolerant, but help them out a little and stake for support. We might not know anything about Crimea, but we do know a thing or two about eating these beefsteak tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are bred for flavour, and simple preparation allows the intense taste of Black Krim to shine.

Tomato Green Zebra – Oh Mother Nature, you clever thing. This beauty has exquisite emerald skin, dark green vertical stripes and gently flavourful flesh. It’s a rich tomato with a sweet, sharp bite and requires staking for support. For best flavour, keep Green Zebras at room temperature. The acidity of green tomatoes works well in different dishes, but they’re most famous for being fried. (If you haven’t watched the movie, now you have an excuse to.)

Tomato Principe Borghese – Tomayto, tomahto
 nope, definitely tomahto. Sorry America. This plum-shaped variety is an Italian heirloom, and its meaty fruits are best when sundried. Plant marigold lemon drop nearby to prevent nematode infection of the soil, and stake plants for support. (How smart did we sound there?). In dry areas, hang up branches of these tomatoes until leathery – then store in olive oil till needed. We could tell you about how great they are when roasted and tossed into salads, or how the rich flavour does something wonderful to sauces
 but we’ll let you find that out for yourself.

Tomato Rainbow Cherry Mix – This is our special magical mix of cherry tomatoes: red, yellow, orange, pink, white, green, brown, bi-colour. Juicy, sweet and colourful! Impress family and friends with this and make meals and snacks more fun. This mix of small tomatoes will add interest and taste to a whole host of tomato dishes. The fruits have a delicious flavour and a high level of sweetness. Stake plants for support.

Tomato San Marzano – Legend has it that the first seed of the San Marzano Tomato came to Campania in 1770, as a gift from the Kingdom of Peru to the Kingdom of Naples. Hey, we would’ve preferred a chest of gold
 but now we all get to grow this classic Italian plum tomato, so that’s also pretty cool. Thanks, Peru. San Marzano is considered by many chefs to be the best in the world. We tend to agree with those chefs. Its skin is an intense red and it peels off easily, which is always a plus. Very little has to be done to these tomatoes to make them taste awesome. That always gets our vote.

Get your RAW Seeds Seed Packs today !