Some fertilizers are complete while others require two and sometimes even three parts for complete plant nutrition.

   When buying a light mover, remember that the Light Rail 3 works best for lighting a long, rectangular garden and the Sun Circle provides better coverage for a square garden.

   When starting up, the bulb will require a few minutes to reach full brightness. In a momentary power interruption, 10-30 minutes cooling time is required before restarted.

   As a general rule, plants have a higher nutrient requirement during cooloer months and a lower requirement in the hottest months when they take up & transfer more water than nutrient.

   When germinating seeds or root cuttings, start twice as many plants as you need. This will compensate for losses and allow you to choose the healthiest plants for production.

   As a general rule, between reservoir changes you can top off your reservoir with 1/2 strength nutrient.

   Each ballast operates on only a specific wattage and bulb type. Do not attempt to interchange with different wattages or other types of bulbs.

   Keep nutrient solutions at about 70º-78º F for warm weather plants, 65º-68º F for lettuce and other cool weather crops.

   The more oxygen you can infuse into your plants' roots the more vigorous they will grow.

   Nutrient solution is best utilized by your plants when it is relatively warm. Around 65 º or above. If your growing area is 70 - 85 º F. your solution temperature should be fine.

   The larger your reservoir is in relation to your garden the less maintenance your system will need.

   Larger plants may need support during later stages of growth. Running strong cord down from the ceiling and attaching plants with vine clips is a good idea. Store bought trellis is another.

   Rockwool naturally has a pH of about 8.0, so presoak in a 5.5 pH solution. Gro Rocks are reusable when soaked in a 1 to 10 parts chlorine bleach to water solution and then rinsed well.

   When using any fertilizer, read and follow the directions carefully. Incorrect mixture of two or three part formulas can affect their solubility and prevent all of the fertilizer from being available to your plants.

   A hot HID bulb may break if touched by a few drops of cold water. A lens is suggested if you intend to mist your plants.

   REMEMBER! Water and electricity DON'T MIX! Always unplug your pumps, heaters timers, etc. when servicing your hydroponic system and reservoirs.

   Always use a heavy duty three-prong (grounded) timer for lighting systems. Extension cords should also be 3 prong grounded and at least 14 gauge.

   Horizontal lighting is the most efficient for supplying more foot candles of light to your garden area.

   KNOW YOUR CROP! Plant ppm may vary according to the stage of growth and atmospheric conditions.

   When using a recycling hydroponic system, change your reservoir at least once every two to three weeks to avoid plant nutrition deficiencies.

   Do not refill hydroponic systems when pump is operating. This may cause the reservoir to overflow when all the solution returns after a cycle.

   When using two and three part fertilizers, always dissolve each part seperately in water before mixing them together. Combining nutrients together without first diluting can cause them to solidify which will make some of the vital elements unavailable to the plants.

   Small pieces of glass or metal inside your High Intensity Discharge bulb is common in all HID bulbs.

   Aeroponics is the most advanced method for hydroponic gardening with an increase of 90% over traditional hydroponic techniques. This is excellent for commercial applications. When used for income generation, any hydroponic system will usually pay for itself in less than two years.

   Keep the HID 6 - 12 inches above the tops of your plants. Tender clones, seedlings and transplants require 24 - 36 inches of space.

   Do not attempt to repair your ballast yourself. Especially if the system is still under warranty. Opening the ballast will immediately void your warranty. In addition, faulty wiring may cause an electrical fire.

   Drenching solutions are available that will help to keep your system and the media free of excess salt buildups. Try Clearex solution.

   After you've finished your crop you need to clean your system with a weak chlorine bleach solution (1 teaspoon to a gallon of water).

   Scratching your bulb or subjecting it to undue pressure could cause the bulb to shatter. Inspect your bulb periodically and discard if scratches exist.

   Scratching your bulb or subjecting it to undue pressure could cause the bulb to shatter. Inspect your bulb periodically and discard if scratches exist.

   Metal Halide bulbs should be replaced after a year and a half. High Pressure Sodium bulbs should be replaced after two years. Lumen output decreases significantly after this period.

   Dwarf, determinate and compact plant varieties are best when gardening indoors. They grow better under lights and because they stay small they will be easier to care for.

   When using a recycling hydroponic system, change your reservoir at least once every two to three weeks to avoid plant nutrient deficiencies.

   Keep nutrient solution at about 70-78 degrees for warm weather plants. 60-68 degrees for lettuce and other cool weather crops.

   Always check and adjust your pH after nutrients have been added. Some nutrients have pH buffers in them that may not require pH adjustment.

   Most plants like a pH range of 6.0-6.5. When pH falls out of this range the nutrients in the solution are not as readily available to the plants which in turn can cause deficiencies.

   Plant growth problems are often caused by temperature and humidity. So before yo assume it's a nutrient deficiency check your environment.

   For optimum plant growth, maintain your CO2 level at 100-1500 ppm for most plants.

   Fresh air, good circulation and exhaust are neccessary for a healthy garden.

   When using high intensity lighting in greenhouses turn the HID on at sunset to extend daylight hours.

   If the garden has a nutrient disorder change the solution and adjust the pH.