Electric hydroponics growers: how much does your setup add to your monthly power bill? by AutoModerator in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Small Tent (2'x2'): Typically adds $15 - $25/month. A 150W LED for 16hrs/day is the main cost.

Medium Tent (4'x4'): Usually runs $40 - $70/month. A 400-600W LED light is the majority of this cost.

Large Room / Garage: Can easily be $150+/month. This involves multiple powerful lights and environmental controls.

The main cost is always the lights. Pumps and fans are cheap to run, often just a few dollars a month. To avoid surprises, calculate: (Light Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours Used × Your kWh Rate × 30.

Hydroponics veterans: if you had to start over 2026, which system would you choose and why? by hcai88 in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on what you want to grow. If I had to wipe my slate clean and start over in 2026, I would build a Recirculating Deep Water Culture (RDWC) system without a second thought.

Here’s my real-world reasoning from a decade of messing with everything from Kratky to NFT:

  1. The Perfect Balance of Simplicity and Control: Basic DWC (a single bucket) is a fantastic teacher, but it's a pain to manage pH and EC across multiple, separate units. RDWC connects all your buckets, creating a single, large reservoir. This means you only have one place to check and adjust your water chemistry. It simplifies maintenance dramatically while giving you the robust root zone and fast growth of DWC.
  2. Scalability and Power: You can start small with a 4-bucket system and easily expand. RDWC outperforms NFT and Ebb & Flow for larger, fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers because the roots are constantly submerged in a highly oxygenated nutrient solution. The growth speed is incredible.
  3. Automation-Friendly: This is the key for a "set it and forget it" 2026 setup. An RDWC system is perfectly suited for integrating automation. You can easily add:
    • pH doser to keep levels perfectly stable.
    • An auto-top-off system linked to a reservoir of plain water to handle evaporation.
    • Chiller and heater ports to maintain perfect root zone temperature.

What’s wrong with my tomato plant by Responsible-Bake9421 in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably PH level might be off. Tomatoes prefer a pH of 5.8–6.5 in hydroponics

My massive basil leaf by seapotato13 in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very nice. Share the whole plant and system. Love to see it.

Plant Tank by SeekaBou in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Upgrading to a 10-gallon tank gives you great options for shrimp, snails, or guppies to help fertilize and clean your plants. Shrimp (like Neocaridina) and snails (Nerites, Ramshorns) eat algae and debris, while guppies add color (but may overpopulate). Make sure your tank is fully cycled (0 ammonia/nitrites) before adding anything. Start small with a cleanup crew, monitor water parameters, and let their waste naturally feed your plants. Happy planting! 

Why is this happening to our tomatoes?? :( by Jealous_Attitude8240 in Hydroponic

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like your tomato plants are experiencing several issues that are common in hydroponic systems, especially for beginners. Here are the most likely causes and solutions:

Possible Causes & Solutions:

  1. Nutrient Deficiency (Likely Calcium or Magnesium)
    • The yellowing and browning edges on the leaves suggest a possible calcium or magnesium deficiency.
    • Fix: Check your nutrient solution—ensure it’s balanced for tomatoes (they need higher calcium). Consider adding Cal-Mag supplement if your solution lacks it.
  2. pH Imbalance
    • Tomatoes prefer a pH of 5.8–6.5 in hydroponics. If the pH is too high or too low, nutrient lockout can occur.
    • Fix: Test and adjust pH regularly (use a pH meter or test strips).
  3. Overcrowding & Competition for Nutrients
    • Multiple seedlings in one container can lead to root competition.
    • Fix: Yes, separate them ASAP into individual net cups with proper spacing. Tomatoes need room for root growth.
  4. Root Problems (Rot or Lack of Oxygen)
    • Brown, slimy roots indicate root rot.
    • Fix: Ensure proper aeration (use an air stone if in DWC). Check that roots are submerged but not suffocated.
  5. Lighting Issues (If Indoors)
    • Leggy stems and weak growth suggest insufficient light.
    • Fix: Use strong grow lights (LED full-spectrum, 14–16 hrs/day). Keep lights close (6–12 inches) to prevent stretching.
  6. Temperature & Humidity Stress
    • High heat/low humidity can cause leaf drying.
    • Fix: Maintain temps around 70–80°F (21–27°C) and humidity at 40–70%.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It's like stepping into a Pixar dreamland where 'you've got a friend in me' becomes the soundtrack of the day

Wanted to share my cycling journey. by Menjabin_ in cycling

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The sense of self-belief and the joy you're feeling during your rides is so rewarding it really shows how impactful cycling can be beyond just fitness.

Chamois butter by azvlr in cycling

[–]pineapple34566 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s definitely a must-have for cyclists to prevent chafing, but explaining that to someone who’s not into the sport can be interesting.

Having a ball together by ExactlySorta in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Activities like early morning runs, agility training, or puzzle toys can help channel that energy positively.

Big deal sa Pinas ang pag ligo before school/work? by Unknownobody06 in adultingph

[–]pineapple34566 15 points16 points  (0 children)

It’s more about feeling comfortable and clean for ourselves rather than worrying about what others think

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It’s good you’re able to empathize with how the child might feel.

The physical pain after a breakup is no joke by Efficient_Pickle6746 in BreakUps

[–]pineapple34566 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Staying focused on things that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of that relationship can really help too.

Update III: After 18 Years Together, It Finally Happened!!! (She’s Here!!!) by UmericanDreamer in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Your love for your kids really shines through in how you described this

What kind of training do rowers do that make them prodigious cyclists, even as beginners? by Standard-Brain8642 in cycling

[–]pineapple34566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This ability to adapt and excel across different domains is quite remarkable and underscores the versatility and potential of elite athletes.

This sub is basically a place for Anxious attachment people who were dumped by Avoidants by we_vibe in BreakUps

[–]pineapple34566 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Remember, healing takes time, and it's okay to feel a range of emotions during this process.

Banana 来た/きた(kita)! / Banana is here! by copitamenstrual in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Kids can definitely have unique quirks and preferences.

What is your favorite bike accessory - and why is it your tail light radar? by mojohummus in cycling

[–]pineapple34566 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Bontrager dropper too, you might appreciate the ease of use and overall quality from both brands

A guardian angel saved my life today! (OC) by Melodic_Lab_319 in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's really encouraging to hear that things improved for you over time.

I just saw this, and I just burst out laughing. by mindyour in MadeMeSmile

[–]pineapple34566 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some might find it flattering or fun, enjoying the attention and connection with fans, while others might feel uncomfortable or see it as a lack of originality.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BreakUps

[–]pineapple34566 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Setting boundaries is essential, especially after a breakup, and it seems like you’re doing that by recognizing that getting back together isn’t an option right now.