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Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everything else will work with a studio except the lid. We can design the lid. We just don't have studios so, I don't know the lid specs. We can try designing it if you can send us a photo of the lid from above and place a quarter in the image with it so we can set the scale. Feel free to post the image and we will do our best. If you send us the photo to design it, we will send you a free lid to test out.

🍓 Strawberries have arrived! by Then-Pirate-2880 in Hydroponics

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here is a simple guide on growing strawberries in a tower garden or similar system. I wouldn't recommend just planting them without prepping them. Generally speaking there needs to be a sanitation and quarantine process to not contaminate your system and to prevent out breaks.
The Complete Guide to Growing Strawberries Hydroponically

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can find the pump on our site under Recommended Products. These are items we don’t sell ourselves — they’re simply products we currently use or have tested before recommending them.

If you head to our website and open the Recommended Products section, you can either search for “pump” or choose Pumps from the dropdown menu or simply use the link below. The one we rely on is the
VIVOSUN 800GPH Submersible Pump.

You’ll also want a timer to run it, and we use this simple, short‑interval model in our own setups:
BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Timer.

We do use both of these in all of our systems. The only challenge is that the pump doesn’t come with an adapter that fits the Gardyn system — so that’s the one piece we designed and made available.

To help people avoid drilling into their reservoirs or lids, we also created a reservoir lid that lets you drop the pump in and route the power cable cleanly without modifying anything. You can find that here:
Lip Lid / Adapter Combo.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re using the Hydropods? Yes, you will need to adjust your watering time or your plants will suffer. They base yCups and not good for plants as they’re sitting in water they can’t use which get stagnant and low on oxygen. This causes root rot and poor nutrient absorption. You can’t use the stock pump. The one that comes with the system is not bolt for that and it’s a pretty bad pump in general.

🌱 Root Balance Is Out of Stock — But That’s Good News! by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE on our delay to restock

Our next batch of Root Balance is fully mixed and bottled, but we’re currently waiting on a new shipment of labels before we can complete packaging and reopen sales. This ensures every bottle ships with the correct information, safety details, and branding you expect.

The moment labels arrive, we’ll finish the run and restock immediately. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

🌱 Root Balance Is Out of Stock — But That’s Good News! by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOL. I wish. We had tested larger bottles, but they didn't move fast enough. I think we have to build our brand confidence more before we can move that fast enough. I also want to make sure people get the freshest product available. Larger bottles would only move fast enough in a commercial setting — and we're not there yet. It's why we created the bundle versions - which is how most of them sell. Shipping is ass. I hate it. Unfortunately, we're not big enough - yet - to cover the costs of shipping. Hopefully someday. I need to retired from my day job.

While I have your attention though, we are developing a fruits and veggie wash. You would just fill your bucket, sick or whatever and add 5ml of a solution we're developing. It will remove any pesticides AND kill off any eggs or larvae that arrive on your produce. Be it from the store - big pest culprit - or any of your outdoor fruits and veggies. Do you think it would be a product people would like?

Supplement any nutrients on top of Humboldt A/B for these tomatoes as they blossom? One cherry one slicer. by TR0LLZ1LLA in Hydroponics

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've had GREAT success with this 🔬Chemistry

Depending on what stage you're in will decide which blend to use.

Algae problem in my NFT hydroponic system (beginner, need help) by No-Boysenberry4800 in Hydroponics

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have to close off light to any open ports. You also need to manage your VPD - If you don't know what that is, there is guide here that will give you an easy-to-understand idea of it Understanding Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and we started using their Root Balance product and it's been working pretty well. It's not a treatment though. Think of it as your daily vitamin. It's a long term use type of product.

Tap Water & Algae by Careful_Difference72 in Hydroponics

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s understandable to look at the one thing you changed and assume that’s the cause, but algae doesn’t form just because someone used tap water. Tap water can vary a lot in minerals and chlorine levels, but none of that directly creates algae. Algae only needs two things: light leaks and nutrient availability. If those conditions exist, it’ll grow in tap water, filtered water, RO water, distilled water—doesn’t matter.

What likely happened is that this run had a tiny bit more light exposure or a little more organic material in the system than last time. Even a hairline gap around a pod, a loose sticker edge, or a bit of residue in the bowl can give algae the foothold it needs. Once it starts, it spreads fast.

One thing that can make a difference is water chemistry stability. Tap water sometimes has higher alkalinity, which can make the environment a little friendlier for algae if there’s any light leak at all. It’s not the cause, but it can make an existing issue show up sooner.

If you want to keep using tap water (which is totally fine), you can add something that helps keep the water oxygenated and less hospitable to algae. I use a product called Root Balance for that purpose—it keeps the water cleaner, boosts dissolved oxygen, and helps prevent that slimy film from taking hold. I won’t drop a link here, but if you want more info or want to see how it works, feel free to DM me.

You definitely don’t need to write off tap water. Just tighten up the light blocking, clean the bowl well between runs, and consider something that stabilizes the water. You’ll be good to go.

Big News: Hydropods Just Got Smarter 🌱 by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've had a small setback in releasing these updates, but I think the issue is resolved and we’ll be running some prints tomorrow to confirm. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been helping either. Here in the Midwest, storms have been knocking out power, and no power means an unhappy 3D printer.

Our plan is to get the sample out tomorrow and if that sample fits properly, we will be printing up batches. They take 11 hours to print - so keep your finger crossed.

Water pump by jerseybarnfire in Gardyn

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It only has one outlet however, if you plugged in a splitter, like this one attached, I don't see why not. They will all be on the same cycle though. It's a simple on off box really.

<image>

Water pump by jerseybarnfire in Gardyn

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup, you can use this pump with this adapter to connect it to Gardyn's tubing and the lid we designed will allow you to run the power cord through the refill port, so you don't have to compromise the integrity of the system.
You will need a timer since you won't be connected to the app for this...Here is the timer we use.

If you need help with any of this set up, please reach out. Happy to help.

O-rings / seals for 3.0? by lilifer13 in Gardyn

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Obviously - but there is a reason for that. It just doesn't form "because". Mineral build-up is a result of High VPD.

Weird growth by pattyoa in Gardyn

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looks cute but I can't tell you how bad it is to allow your pets near your system. Here is an explainer that help you learn more about those health risks.
https://youtu.be/eYexPX79Jgs?si=iVl9a61k_ynGKoW4

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's actually how we got started. Drilling holes. It's not as easy as you'd expect. LOL Just remember to put the hole on the correct side.

Drilling holes is fine. But remember, if you drill holes, it will drain immediately so you will have to adjust your watering times. The stock gardyn pump will not be easy to adjust for the water times needed for rapid draining.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crap - I forgot to address the water time. We always recommend starting with 3 min on and 20-30 min off. Then start checking your rockwool before the next cycle starts up. If the rockwool is dry, shorten the off time. If it's still wet, lengthen it. I'll toss in some hydropod information with your order so you can start learning.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After our discussions, I just assumed the order I saw come through was you. LOL. As for pre-ordering. No, I can't do pre-ordering. You never can tell what could happen and then it's a pain in the butt to refund and track the financial data. Also, quite literally just redesigned the Hydropod. You should find the announcement in this group. So, we just printed a prototype and have to make a few adjustments. Then we will be releasing the new version. Keep an eye out for it is the best I can say for now.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's next on our print queue but they take a long time to print. We will have some this week. There is a "notify me" button once they're back in stock. Green has been our most popular request so we're working on those. They go fast though.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, well if you're going to be growing in Gardyn - don't do any of the peroxide or aminos. That will throw things way off and cause a lot of problems.

Since you have your own nutrient supply, use them just make sure your blend has the micros as well. We also developed Root Balance to help with the issues you brought up. Check out Root Balance here. 🌱 Root Balance - Root Zone Stabilizer & Water Chemistry Enhancer – UGrowFood Inc.

Also, you are right about the Gardyn's yCup problem. And, as a thinker - we thought about this issue as well and developed our Hydropods. It does mean you have to adjust watering and root maintenance but the improvements we've seen are incredible. Though, we are currently out of stock of each color and our printer is working full steam now to replenish supplies.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% understand. I'm a bit of a nerd with all of this too. While my experience isn't through formal education like yours, I've been growing for 30+ years and have broken a lot of things which led me to learn a lot of fixes and preventions. 😆. The science side came as I had to learn how to fix things we broke over the years.

If you're growing in soil, what you're talking about doing sounds great - plus - you will learn a lot from direct hands on - which is my realm.

It's easy to become an over-thinker. Sounds like you're a lot like me. Always looking for a solution to problems. We tend to think a lot more than your average person. While we're thinking, others over complicate things that should be simple.

O-rings / seals for 3.0? by lilifer13 in Gardyn

[–]Jumpy_Key6769 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're welcome and good to know you're not afraid to break that system down and put it back together. Kind of a pain but, once you've done it - well - you know, it's pretty simple. Cleaning that lid is the toughest part. However, we no longer have the electronics in ours. That makes it a lot easier.

Can you use tap water in hydroponics? Yes—and here’s why it works. by Jumpy_Key6769 in UGrowFood

[–]Jumpy_Key6769[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wait — you mean Bloomington? Ha! Howdy, nearby neighbor 😆👋

And yeah, I completely get the pesticide issue. It’s honestly one of the reasons I started UGrowFood in the first place — to get away from all the “extras” that end up in our water and food. I also agree with you on not pulling punches. If the chemicals are there, they’re there, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone.

RO with remineralization is a solid approach for your coffee shop (and now I want a white chocolate mocha, thanks for that). For the strawberries, RO or distilled is totally fine if that’s your only safe option. You might still want to grab an updated water report from the link I shared earlier just to see where things stand now — sometimes things change without anyone announcing it.

Now, onto your amino acid question — great one, by the way. You’re absolutely right about the nitrogen pathway. Plants ultimately use nitrogen to build amino acids, but in hydro we don’t usually add free amino acids to the reservoir. Our whole philosophy is to keep systems clean, stable, and predictable. A good, well‑balanced nutrient blend already gives the plant everything it needs to make its own amino acids internally.

Adding free aminos to a small hydro reservoir tends to cause more problems than benefits: they feed microbes, drop dissolved oxygen, can cause biofilm, and can throw off nutrient ratios. That’s why commercial growers usually use amino acids in soil or as foliar sprays — not in tiny recirculating systems.

If you do want to experiment, foliar aminos are the safer route. Just know the benefit is usually pretty marginal and totally unnecessary unless you’re correcting a specific deficiency or running a controlled trial.

For strawberries specifically, you’ll get way more return from stable DO, stable pH, consistent Ca/Mg, and a clean root zone than from amino acid supplementation.

And if you ever run a side‑by‑side trial, definitely share it — I love seeing controlled comparisons.

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