NFT water temps

[HippyChippie]

Hi, I am new to this although my gf has some equipment and experience. We are using an nft system (45 l) capacity.

She has never worried about the water temp and has done alright but if this is something we should be considering I would like to do it. I want to aim for perfection, knowing there will be problems and variations.

My questions are:

Is water temp massively important and if so why?

If I do need one, which cooler should I be looking at for this system (45l)??

Thanks and happy growing

[taycaan]

Water temps are crucial, this is why i stick to coco in pots, far too many variable to go wrong with hydro,
i cannot answer you as i don't do hydro, but i'm sure someone with experience will do shortly.
Taycaan

[Mac]

Hi, I am new to this although my gf has some equipment and experience. We are using an nft system (45 l) capacity.

She has never worried about the water temp and has done alright but if this is something we should be considering I would like to do it. I want to aim for perfection, knowing there will be problems and variations.

My questions are:

Is water temp massively important and if so why?

If I do need one, which cooler should I be looking at for this system (45l)??

Thanks and happy growing

Hola hippy

I don't do hydro but there are some guys knocking about here with experience who will hopefully chip in soon.

What kind of ambient temps are you working with that make you think you might need a chiller? Hot climate? What's the current water temps without a chiller? These will help anyone who can advise you further

As a general guide tho water below ~12c is bad as it can shock the roots and stunt nutrient uptake. There is an upper limit that I can't remember off the top off my head to prevent algae/bacteria breeding too. And warmer water holds less oxygen.

[Deku Nut]

Keeping the water cool helps prevent root rot, and the build up of bacteria.
You can use products like hydroguard to help in place of a chiller.

[HippyChippie]

Thanks for replies. Aiming for a room temp of 25c daytime, 20c night and currently it's not too far to that. Mrs says she has never had any problems without hydroguard or similar or a chiller. I've got a freezer right next to the set up so thinking I'll chuck to freezer packs in there when lights on and have another two freezing for the next day and get a thermometer for water. Chatting with a mate who says he aims for 19c water temp. All looks good so far but just want to take on as much info as possible then make my own mind up on how to do things. All about experimenting I guess.

[Farmer Geddon]

Too cool = less yield because too cool. Too hot = less yield because root rot.

How close to the wind do you want to sail?

[HippyChippie]

Swings and roundabouts I guess.
I'm sticking 4 ice packs in there and alternating them every 12 hours. I wouldn't say it's too cold but tbh I'm not checking the water temp.
This is my first grow and I've definitely got a list of improvements/modifications in mind for next time.
Tbh, it's all looking ok. Think I may have flipped them a.little early but apart from that, healthy looking plants

[HippyChippie]

On this topic. How much of an issue is refreshing the whole nft tank with water that is probably 8-10°c after sitting in the garage for 48hrs?
Obviously it warms up over next few hours but is that initial cold shock to the roots anything to worry about?

[Farmer Geddon]

I'd try it and see what happens. If the plants don't object, that has saved you time and effort. If they do complain, it will only be the once.

[bigbadbillybob]

it will shock them, and stall them, but its easy enough to put a watering can full of nutes into the tent to get up to temp the night before, no?