Nutrient chillers save the day when the temperatures are too high for your plants. Their function is similar to that of the kitchen refrigerator, which cools the nutrient solution at an optimal temperature. Warm water or warm nutrient solution can hinder your plants’ growth, and that’s why maintaining a favourable temperature for plants helps to promote nutrient absorption, maintain high dissolved oxygen and prevent harmful pathogens. As you read this blog, you will get to know the importance of nutrient chillers and how to use them efficiently.
How nutrient chillers function for your plants’ growth?
A nutrient circulates a nutrient solution through the cooling coils, which functions to eliminate the heat. The cooled solution returns to the reservoir and maintains a stable temperature. Here are the types of nutrient chillers;
Air-cooled: This is suitable for smaller to medium setups. They use fans to expel heat; they produce heat whilst functioning, so it’s important to have good ventilation.
Water-cooled: This is suitable for larger setups. It uses a separate water source for heat dissipation.
Heater/chillers: The nutrient chillers are able to function as both heaters and chillers because of its reserve cycle pump mechanism. During cold weather, the unit extracts heat from ambient air and modifies it using compressors that are pumped into the nutrient solution while during warm weather, the process is reversed from the nutrient solution and discharging it into the air.
Why use a nutrient water chiller?
Higher oxygen levels: High temperatures can be devastating for plants. The oxygen levels drop, which slows down nutrient uptake and eventually stunts growth.
Faster, healthier growth: The nutrient chillers prevent temperature fluctuations that stress plant growth, which leads to faster growth and higher quality harvests.
Disease prevention: Warm temperatures give way to root diseases like Pythium and also make it favourable for algae, which consume more oxygen.
How to choose the right nutrient chiller
-Calculate your system’s total water volume.
-Choose a chiller with a capacity higher than that number.
Tips on utilising the performance of the nutrient chiller
- Smart positioning
Position the nutrient chiller in a well-ventilated area.
Keep them at least 40cm from the walls.
Keep it outside the grow room if possible.
Make sure that the back of the nutrient chiller is not pointing at the plants.
- Add circulating fun
If you have the nutrient chiller in the growing room, add an air-moving fan pointing at the unit. It will keep hot air from building up and help the unit to function more efficiently.
- Always overspec
In order to reduce heat output and to extend the unit’s life span, run the chiller at half capacity.
- Clean it between the crops.
Proper maintenance can maintain the performance of the unit and also extend the lifespan, so clean the mineral buildups and limescale.
Conclusion
Investing in a nutrient is a smart move for attaining quality growth for your plants. You won’t have to worry about the algae, and you won’t have to spend more money on getting rid of the pathogens that arise due to high temperatures. Your plants will flourish despite the distressful heat. Get your nutrient chillers from Mr. Pardeep at Bayton Horticulture Centre. We delight in supplying horticulture products and gardening solutions, and we never compromise when it comes to quality, so get in contact with us to get your nutrient chillers and many other products to help you nurture your green spaces.
FAQ’s
- What is the recommended temperature for nutrient chillers?
The appropriate temperature for nutrient chillers in hydroponics is generally at 18℃to 22 °C, which promotes nutrient uptake and dissolved oxygen.
- How can I maintain the nutrient chillers?
To maintain the performance of the nutrient chillers and also extend their lifespan, work on removing limescale and mineral buildup. Regularly clean the condenser, the coils and any filters to maintain the heat exchange.
