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How to Sterilize Hydroponic System?

Hydroponics and aeroponics units are considered the most hygienic gardening methods. But, how to sterilize hydroponic system?

Cleanliness does not simply mean removing the dirt. It also involves some disinfection and sterilization to remove all harmful microorganisms.

Why do the hydroponics and aeroponics systems need to be more hygienic? A slight ignorance or a delay in cleaning out the system may prove costly. They are closed systems that can retain moisture and provide a conducive environment for various pathogens. Even these methods can also succumb to infections. The infection may affect the roots, leaves, or the entire plant.

How to sterilize hydroponic systems?

Sterilizing means to rid of the pathogens by cleaning with the appropriate media or substance. There are many products available that can do the job easily, but in the long run, they may be harmful to the plants. Here is a simple and easy DIY disinfectant that is powerful enough and safe to use in hydroponics/aeroponics.

Hydrogen peroxide 35% available at Hydro stores
99% isopropyl alcohol
Hot water

These items, hot water and hydrogen peroxide, are the easiest and safest disinfectants. To increase the power, use some pure alcohol. These ingredients can kill the virus, fungi, and bacteria when they come into contact.

Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide?

The hydrogen peroxide is anti-microbial.
It is soluble in water, and the disinfecting power remains for 1-4 hrs, and after that it gets degraded into the water, causing harm to the plants or humans.
The degradation into water takes place within 24 hrs.
There are hardly any bacteria or fungi that can escape the web created by the pure alcohol.
This makes a deadly combination for sterilizing the hydroponics system and its equipment.

How to Use Disinfectants?

This chosen disinfectant can be used as it is, and there is no need to dilute it. Use the amount that is required. For hydroponics tools, such as pH meters, TDS meters, and the like, dip them in any of these disinfectants, preferably a hydrogen peroxide solution or alcohol, to remove any trace of microorganisms stuck to them. Use the dipped and rinsed tools in the nutrient solution for testing.

For the reading meters, only a portion of them would be sterilised, so insert only that portion to do the tests; otherwise, the whole process would be in vain. Dip the meter in the disinfectant every time for each water reservoir in a large hydroponics unit. Use strong hydrogen peroxide for maximum effects on the tools.

How to Clean the Reservoirs?

For cleaning the reservoir, use the required amount of solution to clean and wipe both the inner and outer surfaces.

Use it with every water change in the reservoir, including on the pumps and the tubes, with the sterilising agent.

When a new batch of plants is being introduced, sterilise the entire system, from the pumps to the net cups, to prepare for the new plants.

Pre-wash the system parts to remove any plant residues before sterilising.
Run the system with a hot water and hydrogen peroxide mix for a few hours before draining it.
Keep the system open to dry, and do not plant the next batch until it is completely dry and free of the disinfectant’s smell.
Using a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in the nutrient solution will supply enough oxygen to the growing roots.
Unlike other chemicals, this will not cause chemical reactions that create problems; instead, it provides beneficial oxygen.