Aerobox operating informations

Customer satisfaction is very important for us at KKfarming. Therefore unlike other aeroponic systems our Aerobox comes with net pots, a circulation pump and an interval timer which all perfectly work together so that you can start growing right away. The only thing left you need is water and additions (fertilizer, Ph-level, etc.)

Opinions split when it comes to fertilizers or lighting so everyone can choose his own preferations there. Based on our experience we like to share some recommendations.

What else is needed?

- fertilizer
- ph minus and ph plus
- measuring devices (pH and EC)

- Fertilizers

Usually if a fertilizer is suited for hydroculture its also compatible with aeroponic systems as long as the fine nozzles (0.61mm) do not clog.

We had great experiences with products from the company Metrop, whereby the three main fertilizers are sufficient: MR1, MR2 and Calgreen.

- PH minus und pH plus

There are a variety of pH regulators for up or downregulating pH levels in nutrient solutions. PH- regulators are mostly based on nitric- and phosphoric acid, Ph+ regulators on potassium hydroxide. For increasing pH levels (one) you can also use just tap water. Be aware that when using tap water EC level is likely to change.

We can recommend products from HESI when it comes to pH regulation.

- Measuring devices (pH and EC)

To determin the right amount of fertilizer and pH regulators, EC and pH measuring devices are necessary. Devices for single measurements as well as continuous measuring devices are both suitable but keep in mind that test strips are too inaccurate for the task.

We recommend a combined EC and ph measuring device which takes continuous readings of the nutrient solution like the guardian monitor from bluelab. This one also detects water temperature.

Optional:

- lighting (e.g. LED)
- biofilter

If your tap water quality is not suitable. (EC above 0.5)

- reverse osmosis system

If your Watertemperature is too high (above 24°celsius)

- waterchiller

- Lighting

Since aeroponic systems are operated indoors, depending on the location additional lighting makes sense. Note that the lamps operate in a spectrum which is suited for growing plants. LED lights are an economical solution and very popular due to low heat emission. metal halide and sodium lamps are still a good choice but need more power to operate and emit more heat but are very cheap to aquire.

- Biofilter

Biofilters are very similar to waterfilters in aquariums, which are befitial to the quality of the nutrient solution. Those filters get vaccinated with positive bacteria and mykorrhiza spores and break down organic (pollution) oder (impurities) (e.g. small root bits) into nutrients to make them available for the plants. Furthermore they stabilize water parameters and give protection from harmful bacteria.

We can recommend the "EHEIM professional 4+ 250" from Eheim. Other common fish tank filters or special bacteria filters are also suited.
For vaccination of your Biofilter (and also for the roots themself) different types of mykorrhiza spores and positive bacteria are suitable. Examples are Trichoderma species as well as endo- and ectomykorrhiza. Such are offered from the company "advanced nutrients" under the names "Taratula", "voodoo juice" and "piranha".

The Aerobox2 comes with a Biofilter integrated.

- Reverse osmosis system

Tap water with an EC level of 0.5 and above (with a lot of dissolved substances in it) is not suited for aero- and hydroponic systems. In this case we suggest the use of a reverse osmosis system. Those systems are filtering most dissolved substances out of the tap water and thereby decrease the EC level to almost zero. Now you can mix your filtered water with tap water to get the EC of your choice. We recommend an EC-value of 0.35mS.

- Watercooler/chiller

If the water temperature reaches 25°celsius or more most plants are facing a variety of problems. In this case the water temperature has to be lowered. This can be achieved through a less heat emitting light source (LED instead of Sodium lamp) or better air ventilation. If those measures are not possible or sufficient, we suggest getting a watercooler also called a chiller. This piece of equipment cools the nutrient solution down to the desired temperature and can also be connected to a biofilter.

We recommend the Watercooler Hailea Ultra Titan from Hailea.