Hydroponics Odors and how to Eliminate Them

With consistent application of the tips to follow in this article hydroponics systems can be kept close to odor free. The tips will also make any hydroponics system more productive and appealing especially when kept indoors.

Hydroponic Systems Need to be Kept as free of organic materials as possible

Nutrient solution problems are often the cause of bad smell in hydroponics systems. Bad odors can be both strong and persistent and are a result of bacteria metabolizing proteins which releases amines and sulfur-containing organic molecules into solution. Microbial growth in the nutrient itself is a result of having organic materials in the system somewhere (fungi etc need organic matter to feed on). Because of this, it is important to avoid introducing unnecessary organic material into the hydroponic nutrient solution or growing media.

Organic matter may have come from large amounts of old rotting root systems or vegetation from a previous crop or use of organic growing media. Take steps to avoid these problems by using non-organic starting medium for starting plants to be added to the system, and a non-organic growing medium in the system. Between crops replace or clean the growing medium to remove unwanted organic matter. Use a dark reservoir and keep it covered to keep light and foreign organic matter out.

Take Steps to Maintain a Microbial Equilibrium in the Hydroponics System

The microbial species which produce the bad smells, slime and other undesirable problems are not to be encouraged, but there are beneficial microbes that can be added and encouraged in the system. First, start with a clean, sterilized water source, add in the nutrients, and then inoculate the nutrient solution with a mixture of beneficial microbes that can be purchased from hydroponics retailers and found with an online search for ‚”beneficial microbes hydroponics.” This gives the beneficial microbes a head start and results in a healthy system where any pathogens should be suppressed before plant damage occurs.

Hydroponics Gardening Should Involve Only Nutrients and Additives that are Specifically Designed for Hydroponics

Avoid the use of organic fertilizers which are used and designed for soil based systems. Many of these rely on boosting the population growth of microbes in the soil which in turn break down organic matter, releasing nutrients. Many of the organic compounds are not fully mineralized and putting these soil based organic fertilizers (such as fish emulsions) into a hydroponics system in large quantities can have rapid and unpleasant results.

Hydroponics Nutrient Solution Should be Well Oxygenated

Start with a clean system and keep the nutrient well oxygenated. This helps swing the equilibrium in favor of the beneficial microbes and provides oxygenated solution to the plant roots. Air pumps are now very inexpensive and should be used with an air stone to add oxygen to the nutrient solution. Plant only healthy seedlings into the system in non-organic starting media and remove any sick or stressed plants as soon as they are noticed, making sure to get most of the roots.

Hydroponics Systems Should be Flushed and Nutrient Solution Replaced Often

It is possible to test nutrient solution often and maintain proper pH and nutrient levels, but it is beneficial and much easier to replace the solution every week or at least every two weeks. Set the system up so a water pipe can be easily opened to drain the system. Plan to drain the system when the reservoir is already low. Drain the solution into a watering can until the pump starts to draw air. Use this nutrient rich water to water soil based plants. Add a gallon or two of pH adjusted water to the system and run the system for five minutes to flush. Drain the system again and then fill with pH adjusted nutrient solution and beneficial microbes.

Consider Ozone Generators and Carbon Filters

Ozone Generators and Carbon Filters are no substitute for the general hydroponics practices discussed in the previous tips and they may very well be unnecessary for odor control if these tips are diligently applied. They may however have benefits beyond odor control that are worth considering. For example, The Black Max Ozone SystemTM claims to purify the water by injecting ozone directly into the holding tank or the nutrient reservoir. In the water, excess ozone constantly breaks down into oxygen which super oxygenates the nutrient solution, promoting rapid healthy root development, plant growth and higher yields. Carbon Filters are probably the best way of removing odors from any area. Charcoal has long been recognized as one of the best vehicles for air filtering and different size filters are available for different sized growing rooms. Carbon Filters are easy to install and operate.

By consistent application of the above tips a Microbial equilibrium can be created in the hydroponics system that will not only have limited undesirable odors, but will consistently produce better harvests.