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Proper air quality management is vital in
hydroponics. Even if you have a small garden, ensure
that your plants receive their required air supply.
Plants utilize the carbon dioxide present in air to
prepare their food. Inadequate air supply deprives
your plants of nourishment and makes them droop and
wilt. Improper air supply can also leave your plants
vulnerable to many diseases.
Air quality management involves using well-designed
and efficient equipment. The most common option is
known as a filtration kit. The filtration kit is a
combination of devices that promote air circulation
and remove unpleasant odors.
Components of a Filtration Kit
The type of filtration kit you select will depend on
the size of your garden and any budgetary
constraints you might have. A basic filtration kit
will consist of a blower or fan, a carbon filter,
and some ducting. Each component serves a purpose as
described below:
Fans: The fan promotes air exchange. There are many
different types of fans available such as
centrifugal fans and
oscillating
fans. They come in many sizes depending on your
garden's needs. If fans are not to your liking, you
can use
Active
Air blowers instead.
Carbon filters: Carbon filters purify the air and
keep it odor-free. Carbon filters contain activated
charcoal, which acts like a sponge and absorbs
contaminant particles and odor molecules. The
Deau
Passe filters function in tandem with the
attached fan.
Ducting: Ducts perform the important function of
bringing in fresh air and removing stale air. Ducts
are usually made of metal and come in
elbow,
T,
and
Y
shapes for added flexibility.
Installing a Filtration Kit
Before you install your filtration apparatus, you
must decide where you want to put it. For maximum
effectiveness, it is recommended that the filter be
close to the ceiling. Stale air is warmer than fresh
air and will naturally rise upwards. While fans may
be suspended from the ceiling, mounting it on a wall
near the ceiling is a better option. Most fans come
with wall mounting brackets for attachment to walls.
Carbon filters need not be directly attached to a
fan. Maximum efficiency can be obtained by having a
small length of ducting between the two, allowing
them to work properly. Ducts are attached to
appliances using duct clips, which attach the ducts
firmly without causing any damage. |
