How to Design your Hydroponic Grow Room
Die hard fans of hydroponic growing usually design a special grow room in order to cater to the cultivation of numerous plants. This can be from the size of a wardrobe to the size of a greenhouse. It needs some planning, time and money to create a dedicated farming space, but if done properly, it can pay off in the end.
Some of the decisions that have to be made when creating a grow room are how much space you need; how many plants can reasonably grow in that space; how to arrange for proper ventilation, insulation, plumbing, and electricity; how much lighting you need; and what form of hydroponic system you will use in the space. Depending on your level of expertise in these areas, you might want to get some professional help with design and building. Your hydroponics supplier should be able to advise you on what you need.
Plants need different forms of lighting at different phases of growth; good thing that artificial lighting is already available. Determining the number and types of grow lights and the amount of wattage is also needed when designing your grow room. Also, timers may be a good solution to replicate day/night cycles for the plants. You will need to ensure that your electrical system in your grow room can keep up with the load. Normally, it is best if your electrical panel can handle 200 amps or more. 120-volt outlets may be able to handle tiny spaces, but 240-volt outlets are better. Your electrician can ensure your grow room is properly fitted. To save on energy costs and maximize lighting, line your walls with reflective material such as mylar or white plastic.
Ventilation is another essential factor to consider when designing your room. Plants respirate, or “breathe”, carbon dioxide just as we breathe oxygen, and can quickly absorb all the carbon dioxide in a room in a short span of time. Without ample access to fresh air, plants can’t function well, and eventually die. The more plants you have, the better-ventilated the room must be. Be sure there is a sufficient ventilation system to give your room plenty of fresh air. Oscillating fans will also help stir the air just as wind does, helping with both air flow and temperature control. Further, a carbon dioxide injector would be very useful.
It’s important to do as much planning up front as possible, to avoid having to undo mistakes in the end. Remember that an indoor grow room must be as close a replica as that of the outdoor environment – so the room should not be static, but it should be dynamic. There has to be a healthy cycle of light and dark, airflow, and water flow, and the more you can automate things, the better off you’ll be. Design your grow room with these items in mind, and you’ll be setting up a great space for your plants to be healthy and strong.
