Totam uses a patented aeroponic/hydroponic hybrid method of watering plants. This has the benefits of an aeroponic system (unlimited access to oxygen) as well as the benefits of a hydroponic system (unlimited access to water).
It is the job of the watering timer to periodically cycle water through the system, which introduces dissolved oxygen into the nutrient solution for the plants to uptake from their individual reservoirs in each module.
Watering On / Water Off period #
Does it matter? Yes, though it is dependent on plant type, root density and their oxygen and water requirements.
The water off period is the main variable, this dictates how much time a plant sits in the same nutrient solution. If that plant has a big root structure then it will very quickly pull out all the oxygen and nutrients from the water. Stagnant water that has been sitting for a long period of time is also more susceptible to algae and pathogens.
The water on period dictates how much water is pumped through the system to replenish the modules. Generally, if your water off period is short (e.g. 15-30 minutes), then your water on period can also be short (e.g. 15-30 seconds).
What about seedlings vs mature plants? #
Seeds and seedlings require very minimal amounts of water. You could water them once or twice a day (e.g. 30 seconds on, 4 hours off). However, as soon as roots develop you should be cycling more frequently to replenish the modules with oxygenated nutrient solution.
Recommended Settings #
Seeds: #
Water on Period: 30 Seconds
Water off Period: 2+ Hours
Seedlings: #
Water on Period: 30 Seconds
Water off Period: 1 Hour
Plants with developed roots: #
Water on Period: 15 Seconds
Water off Period: 15 Minutes
Nutrients #
The nutrients that are supplied with totam have their instructions written on the bottle. This produces a concentration suitable for most plants during their full growth cycle. We recommend you do not experiment with nutrients unless you are having issues with specific plants.
(Advanced) Nutrients #
Some plants, such as fruiting plants, require higher levels of nutrients when they begin to fruit. These are the EC values for common fruiting plants:
Fruiting Plants #
Cherry Tomatoes – 2.0 – 2.5 mS/cm
Strawberries – 1.4 – 1.8 mS/cm
Bell Peppers – 1.8 – 2.2 mS/cm
Cucumbers – 1.7 – 2.5 mS/cm
Mini Eggplants – 2.0 – 2.5 mS/cm
The concentration of nutrients as written on the bottle produces an EC of around 1.4 mS/cm when using pure water. Fruiting plants may need up to 50% more nutrients than indicated.
If your plants show signs of deficiency you can add more nutrients, do it a little at a time only to prevent seeing issues like nutrient burn.
Nutrient burn #
If you add too high of a concentration of nutrients, you may experience nutrient burn. This is usually easy to recognise as the tips of the leaves turn brown.
You should dilute the water slightly or make a new batch of nutrient solution at a lower concentration.
Third Party Nutrients #
You are welcome to use other nutrients, when making your selection please make sure they are suitable for hydroponics.
To use other nutrients refer to the specific instructions that they come with.