Put a fish in the hydroponic bottle
In winter, hydroponic plants often suffer from yellow leaves and growth stagnation due to root problems, and the effects of traditional nutrient solutions are limited. By adding common materials found in daily life and adopting a symbiotic ecological model, it is possible to break through the limitations of low-temperature environments and achieve healthy growth of hydroponic plants throughout the year. This article reveals four innovative maintenance methods to achieve strong roots and lush leaves.
Core方案 for odor prevention and root promotion in hydroponics
Metronidazole water purification method
The reproduction of anaerobic bacteria is the main cause of the odor in hydroponics, especially noticeable in the northern heating environment. As a broad-spectrum anti-anaerobic drug, adding 0.2g (1/4 tablet) of metronidazole to every 500ml of water can maintain clear water for 15 days. During operation, it is necessary to completely remove the decayed roots and ensure that the drug powder is evenly dissolved to avoid high local concentrations that may damage the new rootlets.
Ecological symbiotic fish culture system
Select small tropical fish such as孔雀鱼 (Peacock Gudgeon) and 月光鱼 (Moonlight Fish) with a body length of less than 3cm, whose excrement contains slow-release nutrients with 0.6% nitrogen and 0.1% phosphorus. Maintain a fish density of 1 fish per 1 liter of water, and the weekly feeding amount should not exceed 2% of the fish's body weight. It is necessary to retain 1/3 of the air space and avoid direct sunlight to establish a stable nitrogen cycle system.
Physical root promotion double protection
Coarse sand matrix induction technology
Put a fish in the hydroponic bottle
Boil-disinfected river sand with a particle size of 2-4mm, laid as a 3cm matrix layer, can increase the root attachment points. The gaps between sand particles create a micro-oxygen environment, prompting the plant to produce stress-resistant hormones, and the number of new roots can increase by 40%. Adding 5ml of hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) every month can prevent the matrix from compacting.
Aspirin root promotion scheme
Salicylic acid activates the plant's defense mechanism. Dissolving 80mg of aspirin (1 tablet) in 500ml of water, supplemented every 15 days, can improve the root differentiation rate. Note that when coexisting with fish, the concentration should be halved to avoid affecting the fish's gill breathing function. It works best for ornamental plants such as hanging orchids and pothos.
By comprehensively using biological control and physical root promotion techniques, the survival rate of hydroponic plants during the winter can be increased to over 95%. Regularly observing the transparency of the water and the condition of the roots, and timely adjusting the maintenance plan, can achieve long-term symbiosis of plants and fish in an ecological bottle.