Hydroponics in Vietnam!

by guy
(Vietnam)

Very interested in doing some hydroponics, a selection of vegetables as well as growing orchids for profit, about 5 meter by 5 meters

I already do gardening on a 1/4 acre, but have some large areas that are cement covered and would like to apply hydroponics to them as well.. and as a room or so in the house to control climate for the orchids.

There is very few supplies for hydro here BUT there are some things (fish tanks and their accessories) large amounts of plastic containers, and many things can be custom built on the cheap here (if they are very simple in concept)

Mediums...I use a Coconut soil with a very small amount of N-P-K in it for some various crops and it seems to be basically a hand watering systems with quite nice results...
Which bring me to the next question..Nutrients?

I currently order some hydroponic nutrients from Holland. In small amounts they are cheap, but when I am considering a larger vegetable crop..price becomes an issue..

I have read that it may be possible with some help to actually mix your own nutrient solution. This is one of those things I could get a couple chemists to do on the cheap for me as well,

Regardless- Great site and thanks for the help, got a few books on the way about hydroponics, but this site is very informative.

Thanks, guy

Answer: guy- Making a compost tea would be one solution to your problem. Since I've written about that in a couple of other posts (making compost tea), I would like to talk about the other solution to your problem....making your own nutrients from scratch.

Below is a basic nutrient formula. I am told that many of the chemicals can only be bought in 20 or 50 pound bags. The cost of buying all that is needed would be substantial.
Hydroponic Nutrient Formula

•10 ounces sodium nitrate
•10 ounces calcium nitrate
•10 ounces potassium sulphate
•15 ounces superphosphate
•5 ounces magnesium sulphate

In a separate container, combine the trace elements below and mix well, then use a mortar and pestle to grind them to a very fine powder:

•1 ounce iron sulphate
•1 teaspoon manganese sulphate
•1 teaspoon boric acid powder
•1/2 teaspoon zinc sulphate
•1/2 teaspoon copper sulphate

Once mixed, add this powder to the formula and combine. Use 1/2 teaspoon per 100 gallons of water, or dissolve teaspoon in one quart of water and use one liquid ounce to 3 gallons of nutrient solution. Leftover mix should be thrown away since it is no good after the first day.

Either way you look at it, you have some tough decisions to make!