Article 4-1 Ozone
Generators
first up you put
out a great informative magazine ,I wish I had been handed sooner. I have read
with interest on your u.v ozonation.. I have a room 3mts x 3.6mts and produce 1
1/2 to 2 lb per plant with 4 plants in the room. yes, rank smell is chronic can
one of these u.v ozonators placed in
this room be efficient enough or would I also have to set up the corona set up
threw my exhaust fan as well.. also can you get a automatic ph monitor kit so
that it can adjust the ph itself for a more consistent level. also interested in
a co2 hand held monitor ,when is the best time to check co2
,5 minutes after gas release or just before the next cycle. where in Australia
can I acquire these tools of trade. thank you for your time.. ruckus
Nice to hear
from somebody in your neck of the woods, Ruckus.
You have a large growing area for four plants. With this large volume of
air, and assuming your plants do not take up the majority of the area, a
smaller U.V. sterilizer might do the trick`. If it is to be placed within
the growing room, and assuming it is not occupied by humans, a 15" bulb may
be enough. Typically, a smaller output is preferred, but high humidity and
heat lower the output. This bulb must be in a light tight unit. You can
permanently damage your skin, lungs, and eyes with exposure. An eco-badge
will indicate if ozone levels have become harmful. Also note that the ozone
within the grow room may diminish some of the flavors and aromas that you
enjoy. It would be better to have this bulb in your exhaust ducting, if the
output was not enough, simply install an additional bulb. Take care where
the exhaust travels to, as not to expose anybody to potentially harmful
ozone. Activated charcoal can further remove odors from the air, and can be
used within the growing environment and is very safe.
For larger odor problems corona discharge types installed in the exhaust
system are the way to go. Extensive ducting is required as the ozone
generated must get a chance to mix with and oxidize the offensive air before
exiting. Most units require monthly maintenance.
As for the pH, installing a float valve in your reservoir will dramatically
stabilize your pH. If after topped up with water, if it is still out of
range, nutrients have been removed and must be replenished. Commercial
dosing units are available from companies such as Hanna. Commercial
aquariums may also require such units. Be careful, if it goes on the fritz
you could give your plants an acid bath. Some have daily limit set points to
help prevent this.
An infrared CO2 "sniffer" can be used to accurately monitor and replenish CO2
if it should fall past the set point. For testing at the plant canopy the
glass vial testers can be used, but are not cost effective if used
frequently. You should measure the CO2 levels at various times through out
the light cycle and look for trends and patterns to help determine the
average injection or combustion duration required. Hand held meters are also
available from scientific instrument supply companies such as Hanna.
As for retailers, check out the merchants section in the back of your Max
Yield for a store near you. Many should be able to supply via mail order,
but if you intend to spend the money, make sure you know exactly what your
getting.
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