expense of running high watt lamps 24
hours a day by turning them off for 1-6
hours. However, costs other than light;
such as rent, labor and risk remain fixed no
matter what the light cycle is set at. This
means that the garden is at maximum
efficiency on a continuous light cycle. It
actually costs growers more to grow an
ounce of bud using an 18 hour cycle rather
than a continuous one. Of course, meter
considerations may dictate a break in the
light period.
Water
The medium is kept moist continuously.
Reservoir and wick hydroponic systems are
self regulating: the medium draws water
from the reservoir to maintain an even level
of moisture. However, the reservoirs must
be refilled periodically. Large plants use
more water than small ones, so their
reservoirs are checked more often. Once
the reservoir is filled with water-nutrient mix
added water is clear, pH adjusted and
nutrient free.
Active hydroponic systems require
irrigation two to four times a day. Warm
gardens with large plants use more water
than cool gardens with small plants.
Reservoirs of re-circulating systems are
refilled with pH adjusted nutrient-free water
after each irrigation.
Plants growing in soil-type mixes also
must be kept moist.
Small plants in a cool space may not
need water for 4 or 5 days. Larger plants in
a warm space may require irrigation daily,