5 Products to Clean Your Hydro System

At YRG, we talk a lot about being sure to clean and sterilize your hydroponic system. Over time, mineral salts from nutrient feedings can build up, creating clogs, restricting water flow and leaving residual nutrients that you may not want for your plant. Additionally, fungal spores, bacteria and pests that love a warm damp environment can begin to reproduce, using your system as a breeding ground.

So, how exactly do you keep your hydroponic system free of harmful buildup?  Here are 5 great products designed to keep your system clean during and between grows.

Botanicare: Hydroguard

Hydroguard's unique formula contains an isolated form of bacillus bacteria known as bacillus amyloliquefaciens. This scientifically isolated bacterium was selected for its superior ability to amplify root mass and vigor, especially in hydroponic gardening, when compared with the more common and well-known bacillus subtilis species. These highly specialized rhizobacteria assist in the breakdown of organic materials and may increase nutrient availability.

Current Culture: UC Roots

UC Roots is a multipurpose root zone optimizer that uses proprietary chemistry to aid in mineral descaling and the removal of potentially harmful biofilms in nutrient reservoirs. By reducing the potential habitat for plant pathogens, UC roots has been shown to aid in root development. UC roots is suitable for all hydroponics applications including Rockwool, NFT, DWC, RDWC, Ebb-N-Flow and substrate based DTW applications.

Botanicare: Clearex

Clearex is a scientifically formulated isotonic drench solution, which binds with excess nutrient salts and safely leaches them from the soil. Leaching with tap or deionized water can lead to hyptonic conditions which cause cell lysis with outflow of essential electrolytes and nutrients; this causes tissue damage leading to serious pathogenic disorders such as bacterial and fungal infections. Clearex is isotonic to create a safe osmotic environment, which allows plant cells to maintain an optimal turgor pressure during treatment. Clearex can also be used at the end of a crop's growth cycle to trigger the last reproductive stage of the plant, forcing it to process and assimilate endogenous nutrients. Clearex contains specific electrolytes and select mono and disaccharides which provide energy for the biosynthesis of important plant metabolites and macromolecules. Pre-harvest treatements with Clearex can enhance flavors and increase yields in fruits, vegetables and culinary herbs by flushing out excess chemical nutrients.

CYCO: Kleanse

Cyco Kleanse is a salt-clearing agent that is formulated to solubilize most micronutrients, cationic nutrients or metals in a growing environment. Utilize Kleanse during the growth and bloom period to clean the root system from accumulated mineral salts. It also feeds the microbial life in the substrate by supplying needed carbohydrates.

FoxFarm: Bushdoctor SledgeHammer

Bush doctor sledgehammer is a unique rinse formula designed to remove excess fertilizer buildup and encourage water movement through soil and soilless mediums. Sledgehammer helps release surface tension in the soil which will allow optimal absorption of moisture and nutrition through the plant's root system. Derived from saponin, an extract from yucca, sledgehammer is organic and natural and can be used both hydroponic and soil applications.