Latest Hydroponics News

Growing In Summer - Part One

Although, as we know all too well, the weather here in the UK in summer is unpredictable, we can still expect to get some pleasant sunny days interrupting the rain. For indoor growers, these perfect BBQ conditions can be hazardous, and we have to assume these warmer days will occur frequently and take the necessary precautions. Some indoor horticulturalists stop growing in the summer due to the threat of problems however if you plan ahead and are aware of what problems might be heading your way then you can be ready with the offensive. Also nowadays with the introduction of air cooled lighting the main issue of heat should hopefully not be a problem.

Temperature

For healthy plant growth, ideally the temperature in your growing area will remain between 23-28°C. Most people in the hydroponics world aim for 25°C to 26°C. You must bear in mind that as the temperature outside soars, you will also have to contend with the extra heat produced by your hydroponic grow lights. You should also check the optimum temperatures for the breed/strain/generic of plant you are growing in case they thrive on specific temperatures.

How to Monitor the Temperature

To monitor the air temperature in your grow room you should use a thermometer. We sell 2 models which records both the highest and lowest temperatures reached throughout the course of the day. Both measure the temperature but one does the humidity as well and one does nutrient temperature. Our dual hygrometer/thermometer has a 2m cord so you can hang the thermostat in any position you want and you can view it from outside your grow room.

When you use a min/max Thermometer you will be able to note any sharp changes in your growing environment that might adversely affect the health of your plants. If, for example, you were only to take readings in the morning or evening, you would miss the peak temperature at midday. Tip: It is recommended that you position the thermometer out of direct light.

Problems associated with High Temperature

If the temperature of your grow room is too high, you may experience some of the following problems:

- Lower Yields
- Stretched plants
- Spindly flowers
- Poor fruit quality
- Poor root development
- Internal cell damage
- Increased pest infestation
- Smaller sized fruit
- Internal cell damage
- Unhealthy looking plants
- Crispy unhealthy burnt Leaves

Tomorrow we discuss humidity....

Hydroponic Grow Light Built for A King

Since 3 Counties Hydroponics started selling the Icarus Air Cooled Hydroponic Grow Light Reflector's we have had nothing but positive feedback. Since then we have moved to start stocking the NEW KINGSIZE ICARUS REFLECTOR which is bigger than the LARGE ICARUS AIR COOLED REFLECTOR so is suitable for the 1000w Ballasts and Bulbs as well as 600w. The ICARUS KINGSIZE  measures an impressive 80cm long x 68cm wide x 20cm High so has nearly 8 inches on the standard LARGE ICARUS Reflector (insert dirty joke if you are that way inclined).

Air Cooled Lighting is perfect for summer growing and if you have heat issues this kingsize reflector will be the answer to your prayers. The Icarus Kingsize Air Cooled Reflector is a quality built reflector featuring 150mm holes at each end for extraction and is fully enclosed with a frame and glass. It has been designed to provide a wide spread of light. At each end of the Icarus SuperWide Air Cooled Reflector is a 6" spigot fitted to make connection easy, once fitted into your extraction system, your ventilation will remove the heat from your growroom and also from your lamp, keeping your temperatures lower.

The Icarus Kingsize Air Cooled Reflector has a sheet of glass fitted to seal the unit and this also allows the reflector to be positioned real close to your plant canopy without the lamp dispersing any heat towards your plants. These reflectors can also be linked together with ducting and just one main fan can push the air through them, so that heat from the Grow Lamp does not build up. Thanks to the amazing design of the ICARUS Reflectors the insertion of your HPS or Metal Halide bulb is much easier compared to previous reflectors on the market like the Aerowing.

We sell these as part of complete 600w hydroponic lighting systems and 1000w Lighting systems. For 250w and 400w hydroponic grow lighting systems please buy the Large reflector instead of the KINGSIZE.

NOW WITH THE DIMMABLE LUMATEK DIGITAL LIGHTING BALLASTS WHEN BROUGHT AS A DIGITAL KIT!!!!!

Bud Link Liquid Silicon makes stronger plants like North Korean Weight-Lifter Yun Chol Om

Yun Chol Om of North Korea wins gold in the men's 56kg weightlifting category with an overall total of 293kg.

Om, who is just 4ft 11ins (152cm), set a new Olympic record in the clean and jerk - lifting 168kg - three times his own body weight. Competing in the B group, Om - only the fifth man in history to lift triple his own body weight - is now firmly in contention for a medal despite not even lifting alongside those who are considered to be the elite A group athletes.

We all want plants that have excellent end results and the easiest way to help achieve this is to have healthy, strong plants. The stronger the actual plant, the more weight the plant will be able to hold. To achieve this you can add the wonderful product that is Bud Link. Bud Link is an amazing product and one definitely worth giving ago if you have not tried it yet. It can be used as a foliar spray or added to a feeding schedule.

As well as incresing weight Budlink will also help with nutrient uptake and improve resistance to diseases and cell integrity. When Budlink strengthens plant cell walls it can also make it harder for pests like thrips to penetrate the leaves of the plants.

This is not just potassium silicate, but a mixture of various different silica salts put together using a unique formula

Why does it increase weight?

As the concentration of silica in nutrient solutions is increased, there is a corresponding increase in the accumulation of silica in plant tissue. This improves photosynthetic capacity, cell development, water utilisation, nutrient uptake and disease resistance. These factors give rise to a healthier more highly productive plant, which results in an increased production, weight and bulk per plant as demonstrated by research.

It should be noted that the organic Growers groups approve the use of silica for disease and pest control so an added brucie bonus. So for all of you who would like plants similar to a North Korean Weight Lifter capable of lifting three times his body weight, use Bud Link. Avaliable in 1L and 5L.

Bud Link can be found here:
http://3ch.co.uk/nutrient-additives/best-of-the-rest/bud-link/prod_731.html
 

Full artuicle about YUN CHOL OM can be found here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/other-events/weightlifting-new-olympic-record-for-om-yun-chol-7985863.html

Been paying between £125 and £150 for 10 Litres of BioBizz TopMax Organic Bloom Stimulator at other hydro stores? Well save yourself £££s by stocking up on this superb organic product by shopping here at 3CH, where this favourite organic nutrient additive is currently priced at £99.50.

Not only will your flowers and fruits be more plentiful and tasty, you'll have extra cash left over for other essential purchases of organic growing products from BioBizz, such as Bio-Grow 10 Litres and Bio-Bloom 10 Litres, each priced at an unbelievable Special Offer Price of only £40!

3CH - your first choice for Top Quality Organic Nutrients and Organic Nutrient Additives at Unbeatable Prices. No wonder our customers have kept coming back for more than 20 years.

Special Offers Celebrating the Olympics!

Due to the Olympics arriving in our home town of London, we at 3 Counties Hydroponics are celebrating and rewarding you on a daily basis with a special offer that has been even further discounted. Every day at 10 a product will be knocked lower in price for one day only. We will also be holding in store special offers so when you visit us in store you might grab yourself an even bigger bargain that you expect.

To find out about the daily special offer that has started please visti the news section or the special offers page.