Mastering the Wick Hydroponic System

Welcome to Grow Industry, your reliable source of knowledge and innovation in the world of marijuana culture. In this guide we will talk about one of the Hydroponic culture systems which has become a revolutionary culture technique that defies traditional agricultural practices. Among the various systems that make up the universe of hydropony, the Mecha system emerges as an ingenious, accessible and efficient solution, ideal for both rookies in gardening and for experts in intensive crops. This method, which dispenses with the soil and nourishes plants directly through an aqueous solution rich in minerals, not only optimizes the use of resources but also opens a new spectrum of possibilities for crop in reduced and controlled spaces. In this article, we will immerse ourselves in the roots of the Mecha system, exploring its operation, advantages, and how it can be the key to a hydroponic culture of maximum results.

What is the Mecha system?

The Mecha system is a hydroponic culture technique that is characterized by its simplicity and efficiency. In this system, plants feed and grow without land, using a nutritious solution that provides all the essential elements for their development. The wick, which gives name to the system, is a cord or pull of absorbent material that connects the culture medium with the nutrient solution. By capillary action, this wick transports water and nutrients from a reservoir to the root zone of the plants.

This method is especially popular among those who begin in hydroponics due to their low cost and ease of handling. It does not require complex or electricity equipment to pump the nutritious solution, which makes it accessible and sustainable. In addition, the fuse system is versatile and can be implemented in various environments and scales, from small home gardens to larger commercial facilities.

The efficiency of the system lies in its ability to maintain a constant and balanced supply of water and nutrients, resulting in a healthy and vigorous growth of plants. At the same time, it reduces the risk of over-irrigation or malnutrition, common problems in traditional gardening. With the Mecha system, cultivators can expect more abundant and higher quality crops, all while the environmental impact is minimized and valuable resources such as water and fertilizers for marijuana.

Components Mecha system

The Mecha system is one of the simplest and most effective methods for hydroponic culture, especially for those who start in this technique. The basic components of a wick system are:

• Plant container: It is the place where the plant is located and its culture medium. It can be any container that is large enough to house the plant and substrate, and that allows the insertion of wicks.
• Culture medium: Although the fuse system does not require a specific culture medium, they are usually used Hydroponic substrates such as coconut fiber, perlite or vermiculite, which have a good humidity retention capacity and allow adequate aeration of the roots.
• Wick: This is the key element of the system and acts as a bridge to transport the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the plant. The wades can be materials such as cotton rope, cloth strips or nylon laces, as long as they are able to absorb and transport the nutritious solution by capillarity.
• Nutrient reservoir: It is a container that stores the nutritious solution. It must be large enough to supply the plants between irrigation and be located below the plant container so that the capillarity can work properly.
• Nutritious solution: It is a mixture of essential water and nutrients that the plant needs for its growth. The solution must be balanced and adapted to the specific needs of the marijuana plant.
• Support or structure: Depending on the design, it may be necessary to have a structure that supports the containers of the plants on the nutrient reservoir.
• Cover or lid: To avoid evaporation and algae proliferation, the reservoir is usually covered. In addition, it helps maintain the nutrient solution free of pollutants.
• Aeration system (optional): Although it is not essential, some wick systems include aerators to oxygenate the nutritious solution, which can improve the health of the roots and the growth of the plant. Choose one air pump that adapts to your needs.

This system is ideal for small growers or for those who want to experiment with hydroponics due to its simplicity and low implementation cost.

Capillarity principle

The principle of capillarity is a physical phenomenon that allows liquids to move through porous materials or in narrow spaces without the assistance of external forces and against gravity. This effect is possible thanks to the surface tension of the fluid and the adhesion forces between the liquid and the porous material, which are stronger than the cohesion forces inside the liquid.

In the context of the hydroponic wick system, capillarity is the mechanism by which the nutritious solution is absorbed by the wick and transported from the reservoir to the root zone of the plants. The wick, being in contact with the culture medium, allows the solution to disperse evenly, providing constant access to nutrients and water necessary for growth.

This principle is essential for the efficient operation of the Mecha system, since it ensures that plants can receive adequate hydration and food without the need for mechanical or electrical systems, which greatly simplifies the design and reduces operating and maintenance costs.

Assembly instructions

Assembling a rich system is a simple process that can even be performed by those who are new in hydroponics. Here I provide you with a step -by -step guide along with some practical tips and recommendations for the installation:

Step 1: Preparation of materials

To start with the construction of your hydroponic wick system, the first step is to gather and prepare all the necessary materials. Here you have a detailed list of what you will need and how to prepare each element:

Necessary materials:

• Plant container: Select a container that is large enough to house the plant and its root system. This can be a pot, a cube or any other suitable container.
• Deposit for nutritious solution: You will need a larger container that will act as a reservoir of the nutritious solution. This must be able to store enough solution to keep the plant hydrated between the filling periods.
• Wick: Choose an absorbent and decomposition resistant material, such as cotton rope, nylon or rock wool. Make sure it is long enough to spread from the bottom of the reservoir to the upper part of the culture medium.
• Hydroponic substrate: Choose an inert culture medium and allow good aeration and moisture retention, such as Perlita, vermiculite or coconut fiber.
• Hydroponic nutritious solution: Prepare or buy a nutritious solution formulated for hydroponics, which contains all the essential nutrients for the growth of your plants.
• Tools: Have tools to cut and make holes, such as a drill, scissors or a knife.

Preparation of materials:

• Cleaning: Before starting, clean all your containers and tools to avoid pollution. You can use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect them.
• Measurement and cut: It measures the length of the necessary wick, taking into account the distance between the bottom of the reservoir and the upper part of the culture medium in the plant container. Cut the proper to measure.
• Container drilling: With the drill or cutting tool, make a hole at the base of the plant container. This hole must be slightly smaller than the diameter of the wick so that it firmly adjusts and avoids leaks.

Practical tips:

• Avoid transparent materials: If your containers are transparent, consider wrapping them with opaque adhesive tape or painting them to prevent direct sunlight, which can promote the growth of algae in the nutrient solution.
• Stability: Make sure both the plant container and the reservoir are stable and do not turn easily, especially if you plan to place your system in a high place or on a balcony.
• Accessibility: Place the reservoir in an accessible place to facilitate the filling and maintenance of the nutrient solution.

Following these steps and tips, you will have a solid basis to mount your rich system and start your trip in the world of hydroponics.

Step 2: Plant container preparation

• SELECTION OF THE CONTAINER: Choose a container that is deep enough to allow a good development of the roots. This can be a traditional pot, a plastic cube or any other container that fits the size of the plant you want to grow.
• Mercha drill: Use a drill or a sharp tool to make a hole in the lower part of the container. This hole must be slightly smaller than the diameter of the wick so that, when inserted, it is adjusted and does not allow the passage of the culture.
• Mercha insertion: The wick passes through the hole you have created, making sure there is enough length within the container and in the nutrient reservoir. A good general rule is to leave around a third of the wick inside the container and two thirds in the reservoir.
• Hole sealing: If necessary, use a water resistant sealant to secure the hole around the wick and prevent leaks. Make sure the sealant is non -toxic and safe for use in gardening.
• Capillarity check: Before adding the culture medium, it is a good idea to verify that the wick is capable of transporting the nutritious solution by capillarity. You can do it by immersing the end of the wick in water and watching if the water moves up.

Practical tips:

• MICHA STABILITY: Make sure the wick does not move or get out of place. This is crucial to maintain a constant nutrient supply to plants.
• Container height: Consider the height of the container in relation to the reservoir. Gravity will play a role in capillarity efficiency, so the container must be placed properly above the level of the nutrient solution in the reservoir.
• Container material: If you are using a recycled container, such as a paint cube or a food container, make sure it is clean and free of substances that can be toxic to plants.

With the prepared plant container, you are one step closer to completing your hydroponic wick system. This container will be the home of your plants during your life cycle, so it is important to make sure it is well prepared.

Step 3: Mercha installation

Once the plant container is prepared, the next step is to correctly install the wick. This is a crucial component of the system, since it will be the conduit by which the nutrient solution will travel from the reservoir to the roots of the plant.

• Slaughter: If you have not done it yet, cut the wick at the necessary length. It must be long enough to get from the bottom of the reservoir to the upper part of the culture medium in the plant container.
• Insertion of the wick into the container: The wick passes through the hole previously made at the bottom of the plant container. Leave a portion of the fuse hanging abroad, which will submerge in the nutrient reservoir.
• MICHA POSITIONING: Make sure the wick is well extended at the bottom of the container so that it can distribute the nutrient solution uniformly through the culture medium. You can use clips or ties to keep the wick in place if necessary.
• Summersion of the wick in the reservoir: Place the free end of the wick in the nutrient reservoir. Make sure there is enough submerged wick so that it can absorb the nutrient solution without problems.
• Operating check: Before proceeding, it is advisable to verify that the wick transports the nutrient solution properly. Moisten the wick and observe if the humidity ascends to the other end. If you do not, you may need a wick of different material or adjust the length submerged in the solution.

Practical tips:

• Mercha material: Choose a material that is known for its good capacity for absorption and transport of fluids. Materials such as cotton, rock wool or certain types of fabric work well.
• Pre-sympathy of the fuse: Before installing it, completely submerges the wick in water to make sure it is completely wet. This will help to start the capillarity process.
• Avoid folding the fuse: Keep the wick as straight as possible to facilitate the flow of the nutrient solution. Folds or knots can prevent or slow down the movement of the liquid.
• Adequate length: It is not necessary for the wick to be too long; only enough for the extreme to reach the background of the reservoir and the other end is in contact with the culture medium.
• Security: Make sure the wick is not exposed to the direct light of the sun or to conditions that can degrade it quickly.

With the fuse correctly installed, you have established the vital link between the nutrient solution and your plants. This step ensures that your plants can constantly receive the food they need to grow and prosper.

Step 4: Filling the container with the culture medium

Once the wick is installed, the next step is to prepare the plant container with the appropriate culture medium. This medium will be the physical support for the roots of the plant and will help distribute the nutrient solution that rises by capillarity through the wick.

• Culture medium selection: Choose a culture medium that retains moisture and at the same time allows a good aeration of the roots. Materials such as perlite, vermiculite or coconut fiber are popular options.
• Preparation of the culture medium: If you are using a culture medium that comes in a compact or dry way, such as coconut fiber, you should hydrate or expand it according to manufacturer's instructions before using it.
• Filling the container: It begins to fill the container with the culture medium, making sure that the wick extends up and through the culture medium. It is important that the wick is in direct contact with the medium so that the nutritious solution can be efficiently transported to the roots.
• Ensure the wick: As long as you fill the container, make sure the fuse remains in place and does not move. It may be useful to leave a small portion of the wick exposed on the surface to verify that it remains wet once the system is in operation.
• Light compaction: Once the container is full, it slightly presses the culture medium to remove airbags and ensure uniform contact with the wick and the roots of the plant.

Practical tips:

• Do not compact too much: Avoid excessively compacting the culture medium, as this can reduce aeration and hinder the growth of roots.
• Culture medium level: Leave a small space between the culture medium and the upper edge of the container to avoid the overflow of the nutrient solution and to facilitate maintenance work.
• Initial humidity: Before planting, it slightly moistens the culture medium to activate capillarity and facilitate the plant to establish its roots more quickly.
• Capillarity test: Perform a capillarity test before planting, making sure that the culture medium can absorb the nutrient solution through the wick.

With the container already filled and the culture medium instead, your rich system is almost ready to receive the plant. This step is essential to ensure that the roots of the plant will have the right environment for healthy and vigorous growth.

Step 5: Nutrient reservoir preparation

The nutrient reservoir is where the solution that will feed the plants through the Mecha system is stored. Here I explain how to prepare it:

• Reservoir selection: Choose a container that is large enough to contain the nutritious solution necessary for your plants. This must be larger than the plant's container and must be located so that the wick can absorb the solution without problems.
• Reservoir cleaning: Before adding the nutritious solution, make sure the reservoir is clean and free of waste. Wash it with water and, if necessary, use a non -toxic disinfectant solution.
• Preparation of the nutritious solution: Mix the nutritious solution according to the manufacturer's instructions or your personalized recipe. Make sure the nutrients are completely dissolved in the water.
• Filling of the reservoir: Pour the nutritious solution into the reservoir. The amount will depend on the size of your system and the number of plants you are cultivating.
• Reservoir placement: Loc the reservoir in an accessible place to facilitate maintenance. It must be located so that the wick can transport the nutritious solution by capillarity to the plant container.
• Nutrient solution control: It is important to periodically control pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the solution to ensure that it is maintained within the appropriate ranges for your plants.

Practical tips:

• Avoid direct light: If possible, place the reservoir in a place where you do not receive direct light to prevent algae growth.
• Reservoir cover: Use a lid or cover for the reservoir to reduce evaporation and avoid the entry of pollutants and algae proliferation.
• Easy access for recharges: Make sure the reservoir is easy to fill in and that you can access it to adjust the nutrient solution when necessary.
• Regular monitoring: Establishes a routine to review the level of the nutrient solution and fill it to ensure that plants have a constant supply.
• Optional aeration: Although it is not essential, some growers choose to add an aeration system to the reservoir to oxygenate the nutrient solution, which can benefit the health of the roots and the growth of the plant.

With the ready -ready nutrient reservoir and the prepared nutritional solution, your rich system is almost complete. This step ensures that your plants will have a constant supply of the necessary nutrients for their development.

Step 6: Plantation

Now that you have the rich fuse system, the next step is to plant your crops. Here I explain how to do it:

• Selection of plants: Choose the plants you want to grow. Make sure they are suitable for the hydroponic system and have growth requirements compatible with the environment you can provide.
• Preparation of seedlings or Marijuana seeds: If you are going to start with seeds, you must germinate them first. If you use seedlings, make sure they are healthy and free of diseases or pests.
• Seedlings transplant: Carefully place the seedlings in the culture medium inside the plant container. If you are using seeds, set them according to the specific indications for each type of plant.
• Culture medium adjustment: Make sure the culture medium firmly holds the plants in place and that the roots are in direct contact with the wick for optimal absorption of the nutrient solution.
• Initial irrigation: Slightly water the seedlings or seeds with the nutrient solution to help establish the initial contact between the roots and the culture medium.
• Plant container placement: Place the plant container so that the wick hangs inside the nutrient reservoir. Make sure the wick is well submerged in the nutrient solution.

Practical tips:

• Planting depth: If seeds, do not sow them too deep. A general rule is to sow them at a depth of twice the diameter of the seed.
• Plants spacing: Give each plant enough space to grow. The overcrowding can lead to disease problems and competence for nutrients.
• Labeled: If different plants of plants, put them to follow their progress and specific care.
• Post-Plantation monitoring: Look at plants regularly to make sure the wick is providing sufficient nutritional solution. The signs that plants are not receiving enough water include wilting or drying of the leaves.
• Settings: Be prepared to make adjustments in the position of the wick or in the concentration of the nutrient solution according to the response of the plants.

MECHA SYSTEM MAINTENANCE:

The maintenance of a wick system is relatively simple, but essential to guarantee the good state of the plants and the efficiency of the system. Here are some key steps for maintenance:

• Mecha review: It is important to periodically check that the wick is not obstructed and that it is transporting the nutrient solution efficiently. If the wick dries or obstructs, the plants will not receive the necessary nutrients.
• Nutrient solution control: The nutritious solution must be regularly monitored and replaced to maintain adequate pH levels and electrical conductivity (EC). This ensures that plants are receiving nutrients in the correct proportions.
• System cleaning: From time to time, it is advisable to clean the plant container and the nutrient reservoir to prevent the accumulation of salts and the proliferation of algae and pathogens.
• Plants inspection: Observe plants regularly to detect stress signs, such as discoloration of leaves or slow growth, can indicate system problems that require attention.
• Environmental adjustments: Ensure that the environmental conditions (light, temperature, humidity) are adequate for the type of plant that is being cultivated.
• Component replacement: Over time, it may be necessary to replace parts of the system, such as wicks or even the culture medium, to maintain system efficiency.
• Pruning: Make regular pruning to promote healthy growth and to prevent the greatest plants from shaiving the smallest. We recommend you review this guide on Marijuana pruning types.
• Pests and diseases in marijuana: Keep an eye on the appearance of pests and diseases. Use appropriate organic or chemical control methods to treat any problem as detected.

Practical tips:

• Maintenance registration: It has a record of all maintenance activities, including changes in the nutrient solution, system cleaning and observations on the state of the plants.
• Measurement Tools: Invest in a good pH meter and EC Meter to perform precise monitoring of the nutrient solution.
• Component replacement: Be prepared to replace parts of the system, such as wicks or culture medium, if they deteriorate or compact too much over time.
• Seasonal adjustments: Keep in mind that the needs of your plants can change with the stations, and adjust the nutrient solution and the cultivation environment accordingly.
• Continuing Education: Stay informed about the best practices in hydroponics and learn from experience to continuously improve your system.

With regular and attentive maintenance, your hydroponic wick system can provide a healthy and productive growth environment for your plants throughout the year.

ADVANTAGES Mecha system

The Mecha system is one of the most accessible and easy -to -implement hydroponic culture techniques, offering a series of significant advantages for growers, especially for those who are starting in the world of hydropony or looking for a low maintenance method.

• Ease of use: Its simple design makes the fuse system easy to assemble and maintain, ideal for beginners and experts equally.
• Low starting cost: It does not require expensive equipment or advanced technology for its implementation, which makes it accessible to growers with limited budgets.
• Efficiency in water use: When the nutrient solution is recirculated, the fuse system uses less water than the cultivation in soil, which is crucial in areas where this resource is scarce.
• Less nutrient use: The nutritious solution can be administered more controlled than in the soil, reducing the waste of nutrients.
• Absence of soil: Eliminates the problems associated with the soil, such as weeds and some soil diseases and pests, resulting in healthier plants and less use of pesticides.
• Cultivation environment control: It allows greater control over the root environment, which can lead to faster growth and greater production.
• Flexibility and scalability: It can be used in small spaces, such as apartments or balconies, and is easily scalable to larger operations.
• Sustainability: By not using soil and reducing the use of water and nutrients, the Mecha system is a more sustainable and environmental option.
• Portability: Mecha systems are generally light and easy to move, which makes them ideal for places that require frequent relocation of plants.
• Less risk of irrigation: Since the nutritious solution is absorbed by capillarity, there is a lower risk of over-irrigation, a common problem in soil cultivation.

Crop optimization

To maximize the efficiency and productivity of your hydroponic wick system, it is important to consider crop optimization strategies. Here I offer some recommendations:

• Selection of adequate plants: Choose varieties of plants that adapt well to hydroponic systems and have nutritional requirements compatible with the capacity of your system.
• Nutritive solution adjustment: Customize the nutritious solution to meet the specific needs of plants at different stages of their life cycle. This may include adjustments in nutrient concentration and pH levels.
• Environmental control: Maintain optimal environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and lighting, to favor plant growth. Use climate control systems if necessary.
• Space management: Optimizes the culture space to allow adequate growth of plants and to maximize production. This may imply the use of plant training techniques or the implementation of a vertical design.
• Constant monitoring and adjustments: Use sensors and timers to automatically monitor and adjust crop conditions, which can help maintain a constant growth environment and reduce manual work.
• Disease and pest prevention: Implements hygiene practices and uses preventive controls to minimize the risk of diseases and pests, which can negatively affect crop productivity.
• Crop rotation: Practice crop rotation to prevent the accumulation of pathogens in the system and to maintain a healthy and nutritious soil.
• Experimentation and adjustments: Do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques and adjustments to find what works best for your system and plants. Hydropony is both an art and a science, and personalization is often required to achieve the best results.
• Continuing Education: Stay up to date with the latest research and trends in hydroponics. Attend workshops, read specialized publications and participate in cultivators communities to exchange knowledge and experiences.
• Plants feedback: Learn to "read" your plants watching their appearance and behavior. Plants can give you clues about what they need or what should be adjusted in your system to improve their health and productivity.

Cultivation optimization is a continuous learning and adaptation process. When paying attention to details and responding to the needs of your plants, you can significantly improve the efficiency and production of your hydroponic wick system.