Our PH levels have continued to remain consistent, reading an average of 5.7. We are happy to see our Basil is beginning to grow upward and at a faster pace as well as remain very healthy. We have noticed that algae has been growing, however, as we found out during our field trip to the hydroponic farm, algae is not a problem and our system is working perfectly fine. I believe it is safe to say our design has been a success!
After several weeks of constant fluctuation in our PH levels, Kevin was has continued to monitor our hydroponic system PH and as of April 18th, there has been a consistent PH level of between 5.5-6.0, which is the ideal level for hydroponic basil, without any additives from our group. Our basil is beginning to grow faster and looks very healthy as well.
After cleaning our system of the high PH water on Monday, we were pleased to find that our plants had seemed to be growing very well and appear to be healthy. We took PH level readings on 4/10 which were slightly higher than Monday (5.9) however, with a simple draining and replacement of 2 gallons of water/nutrient, our PH levels dropped to 5.5. Our plants are growing successfully and our system is running pretty smoothly. We are learning and happy with our unique system and how it is working!
Bill and I took PH level readings on Monday 4/8 and realized that the PH levels were well over their limit. The reading were at 7.9. We quickly drained four gallons of water and refilled the tank with 6 fresh gallons of water and nutrient. After doing this, the PH levels dropped to 6.6, which according to our research, is still too high. Bill then added two scoops of the PH down powder in order to help the process and within a few minutes our levels were back to normal reading of 5.7.
We finally have successful plant growth after nearly two weeks of complications. Our Basil seems to be growing normally and looks healthy. We checked the PH level which was 5.5. This reading is consistent with our research so we are in good shape so far with our second attempt at growing our Basil.
Bill and I refilled our hydroponic system this week after our previous plants had died over spring break. We now consistently check our hydroponic system to be sure the water levels are accurate and consistent with our research to be sure our plants get the nutrient and water supply they need. Once we refilled the system, Bill planted more seeds into the rock-wool and we also decided to lesson the amount of clay balls used in order to allow our seeds to be closer to the water source.
Upon returning from spring break, we ran into a horrible miscalculation. We did not take into account the fact the the water in our system would evaporate. Over spring break, our water level decreased by about an inch and a half, starving the basil (which had already began to sprout) and leaving the plants without any source of water. We had to refill the system as well as plant new seeds and we decided to lower the rock-wool closer to the water to ensure plenty of water was reaching the basil seed. Over spring break, we were able to see that germination had occurred, however lack of water quickly caused the plants to dry out and die.
Here are some of our final touches in finishing our hydroponic system. It took 12 gallons of water to fill our system and we added a teaspoon of liquid nutrient for each gallon. Our system is very unique compared to others, so we are excited to see what happens once germination begins!
Bill and I have completed the construction of our hydroponic system and our unique design is working perfectly so far, supplying just enough water that we will need once we plant our seeds. Pictures and updates will be uploaded shortly and we are very excited to see if our design will work as well as we have planned!
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