Frequently Asked Questions
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Where is your retail store located?
We are located in West Atlanta, off the Howell Mill Rd. exit and Chattahoochee Ave. For information or to find our location, see the store section of our website.
How long will it take to receive my packages if I order online, by mail, or phone?
Packages are discreetly wrapped from AH Inc. and are generally shipped out the same day we receive your order. Please understand when selecting 1 day, 2 day, and 3 day shipping that the delivery time is calculated from the time the order leaves the warehouse. Shipping time excludes weekends and holidays. For more details, visit the Shipping Policy page.
What is your Return Policy?
We will accept returns and exchanges if the item is in its original boxed condition. Nutrients and liquid items are not accepted for return. All shipping costs are to be incurred by the buyer and the return will be subject to a 30% restocking fee. Visit the Returns page for more information.
What is your Privacy Policy?
What is your Privacy Policy?We hold our customers privacy in the highest regard and will NEVER share customer information with a third party. All transactions are completely confidential.
Can I order by phone?
Yes, you can purchase products through catalog mail order, our website, or by phone. To order by phone, just call one of our retail store or our toll free number: 1-888-305-4450.
HYDROPONICS
What is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without soil. The plants thrive on the nutrient-water solution alone. The growing medium merely acts as a support for the plants and their root systems while the solution passes freely. The growing medium, if any, is totally inert.
What are the advantages of hydroponics versus growing plants in soil?
One advantage is that you can grow more plants per square foot in a hydroponic garden because roots are directly fed. Therefore, there is no competition for root space. As a result, you can get higher yields per square foot, per unit of time. Your plants will grow faster because they will be getting all the nutrients they need and in the proper proportions. Their root systems stay smaller, so the plant can concentrate it’s energy on producing plant mass, rather than roots.
Isn't hydroponic gardening complicated?
Isn't hydroponic gardening complicated?Not at all! If you follow directions, you can garden hydroponically. A few simple steps must be followed on a regular basis to insure that your plants thrive. Once you get used to the routine - it’s a snap.
Can I grow organic plants hydroponically?
Organic and hydroponic growers have typically regarded each other somewhat suspiciously and the two growing methods were not thought to be compatible. There is common ground, however, and more people are finding that with a little experimentation, they can grow a successful organic, hydroponic garden. Products used for hydroponic gardening include bat guanos, liquefied seaweed products, fish based fertilizers, and an extensive line of organic nutrients, such as General Hydroponics Organics. Contact us for more information on organic, hydroponic gardening.
What types of plants grow best hydroponically?
Anything can be grown hydroponically, but some plants prove to be more space efficient. Some plants we suggest are tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot chilies, lettuce, spinach, squash, cucumbers, broccoli, beans, snow peas, herbs and flowers of all types.
Can you REALLY get better yields/quicker growth in less time in a hydroponic garden?
Absolutely. The plants, when receiving everything they need, tend to be healthier, faster growing and generally more productive. You can expect 30% faster growth with many crops.
What about taste? How will the flavor compare to my outdoor grown, organic produce?
The taste may be even better! This is simply due to the fact that the hydroponically grown plants are getting everything they need, when they need it. Don’t be fooled by “hot house” produce grown commercially. The grower’s primary concern is shipability and storage, not flavor. When you grow your own vegetables at home, you can expect nothing less than excellent results. Plus, hydroponically grown produce has the added benefit of a longer shelf life.
What is the best growing medium?
Rockwool will allow the grower an easy set up, since it is pre-formed and modular. It holds a tremendous amount of water and offers a buffer against drying in the case of electrical outages or pump failures. As Rockwool is disposable, it lends itself to quick end-of-crop clean up. It is also good for starting seedlings and cuttings.
Coconut Fiber is recently becoming more popular. Coconut fiber is the first “organic” medium to offer high performance in modern hydroponic applications. It can also be added into soil mixtures to increase water retention. Coconut fiber holds more oxygen than rockwool and is pH neutral.
Grow Rocks (Called Hydroton or Diatatomite) are a super-fired type of baked clay formed to create a porous, reusable hydroponic media. Due to their sturdy nature, grow rocks provide secure support for the plants’ root zone. This non-degradable, sterile growing medium provides the delicate balance between moisture retention and aeration and holds a neutral pH . They are very easy to use.
Why do I need to test pH? How do I test pH?
pH has a range from 0 (acidic) – 14 (alkaline), with 7 being neutral. A proper hydroponic pH range is between 5.5 to 6.2 for most hydroponic crops. For specific crop pH, check out our Plant Guide. pH must remain within the proper range for good plant health, disease resistance, and proper nutrient uptake. pH is maintained by adding pH Up and pH Down to the nutrient solution. For more information, see the Tests section of our site.
What are the watering cycle timelines for various hydroponic systems?
Typically soiless mixes and coco fiber can be watered for about 15 minutes twice a day, and can be adjusted for heavier feeding during the flowering and fruiting stage or higher temps.
ViaStone, Hydroton, Grow Rocks, and Silicate mediums need to be watered more frequently - a constant drip for drip systems, and about 15-30 minutes every 3 hours for ebb and flow systems and can be adjusted for heavier feeding during the flowering and fruiting stage or higher temps.
Aeroponic systems require frequent watering cycles; 30-60 seconds every few minutes or a constant spray.
How often should I change my hydroponic reservoir?
If you follow a nutrient line's feed schedule, they will typically have it based on changing out the reservoir every week. Topping off with nutrients and water is possible, just be sure to do the proper math and use your meters to prevent over or under watering.
Do I need to use Reverse Osmosis (RO) water?
Nutrient manufacturer’s feed charts require using 0 PPM (parts per million) water as a starting base for the nutrient solution. A 0 PPM base is achieved with the aid of an RO system. All tap water has natural salts, free chlorine, chloramines and other contaminants so it is often more difficult to adjust the PPM’s of your nutrient solution. It is helpful to know your water. Water test kits can be ordered online and are quick and affordable. Water hardness can often cause deficiencies, imbalances, and and lockouts. It is often advised that organic gardeners using compost tea solutions, beneficial bacteria, fungi and nematodes, mycorrizae, and trichoderma should use purified water.
LIGHTING
How do I choose between MH, HPS, and fluorescent lights for indoor growing?
For information on lighting basics, hid lighting, and more - see our Lighting Basics guide.
How do I know what size and wattage of MH, HPS, or fluorescent light that I will need?
For information on grow room size and wattage coverage - see our Lighting Hints guide.
How often should I change my MH, HPS, and fluorescent bulbs?
Bulbs need to be replaced every 8 - 12 months for maximum light output. You will notice a drop in growth rate and fruit size so be sure to stay on schedule. A light meter can help you measure light loss, and you can also go by the bulb replacement sticker and date code on your bulb if you purchased it from us.
What time cycle is optimal to set my light on?
The indoor garden rule of thumb is 18 hours on/6 hours off for vegetative growth and 12 hours on/12 hours off for fruiting/flowering. Be sure to use a timer so it is automated daily at the correct intervals.
How much electricity will be used? How can I calculate my electricity usage?
Yes, your bill will go up some, but maybe not as much as you think. Check out Electrical Usage Calculations and see.
How do I care for my MH, HPS, and fluorescent lighting? Is there a best way to cool my grow light?
Cooling your grow light is essential to keeping grow room temperatures from skyrocketing. Simply attach an inline fan, pulling air from outside the growroom, through the reflector, to outside the growroom. See a helpful diagram in the Tips and Tricks section.
THE GROWING ENVIRONMENT
Should I add CO2 to my grow room?
Yes! CO2 and light are the key elements for photosynthesis, the process that plants need to make food for themselves - and is key to nutrient uptake. Ambient CO2 levels in a room are around 300-500 PPM CO2 and you can actually increase levels up to 1500 PPM to see faster growth rate, increased yield, and happier plants. If you can't add CO2 just yet, be sure to have proper ventilation to spread that natural CO2 around.
How do I add CO2 to my grow room? How can I calculate how frequently to add CO2?
CO2 can be added when the lights are on and exhaust fans are off. Use the CO2 calculator to find out how much you will need for your room.
What are the benefits of using a carbon filter? How do I determine what size filter/fan combo I need?
Carbon Filter/Fan combos are the best way to sterilize air and eliminate odors. To find out what size you will need for your room and how to set it up, read the tips on the Carbon Filters and Air Purification page.
At what temperature range should I keep my grow roomfor optimal growth?
At what temperature range should I keep my grow roomfor optimal growth?Ideal grow room temperatures range between 68° and 75°. Water temperature in hydroponics should be between 68° and 70°.
What size CFM fan should I use for my grow room?
Air exchange should take place every 5 minutes. To figure your grow room exhaust, use the formula Length x Width x Height = Cubic Ft, then Divide by 5 to get your recommended CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) (Example 8ft x 12ft x 8ft = 768 divided by 5 = 153.6 so you would need at least a 153 cfm fan to exhaust your room).
What pesticides, if any, are recommended for indoor hydroponic plant growing?
Generally, indoor environments demand less pesticides for obvious reasons. Hydroponic growing eliminates soil borne pests, as well. However, if pests do become a problem, one can choose to use insecticide soaps, natural pyrethrums and, in some cases, beneficial insects. These controls will be completely safe to use on edible crops and are also environmentally safe.
NUTRIENTS
How should I choose which hydroponic nutrients to use?
Go to the Nutrient page for a more detailed explanation on the role of nutrients and check out the Nutrient Deficiency chart for symptoms of nutrients imbalance.