What is Mineral Build Up

Mineral buildup occurs when dissolved nutrients and salts in the water start to accumulate on surfaces within ​the hydroponic system. These minerals are naturally found in water and are essential for plant growth in the ​right amounts. However, when they concentrate over time, they can form a white or chalky residue on plant ​roots, pipes, pumps, and growing trays, leading to clogged equipment and nutrient lockout, where plants can ​no longer absorb nutrients properly.

Why does Mineral Build Up Happen?

There are a few primary reasons why mineral buildup occurs:

 

• Evaporation: As water evaporates from the system, the concentration of dissolved minerals in the ​remaining water increases. Over time, this creates deposits on surfaces.
   

• Overfeeding: If too many nutrients are added to the system or if the solution isn’t well balanced, plants ​can't absorb all of them, leading to excess minerals that eventually precipitate out of the water.
   

• Water Source: The minerals in your water supply also play a role. Hard water, which contains elevated levels of ​calcium and magnesium, is more likely to cause buildup.
   

• Poor Ventilation and High VPD: Improper management of VPD (the difference between the moisture ​content of the air and the plant) can cause plants to take up water inconsistently, leaving behind unused ​minerals in the system.

How to Prevent Mineral Build Up

Managing mineral buildup is essential for keeping your hydroponic system efficient and your plants healthy. ​Here are the key strategies to prevent this issue:

 

Regular Water Changes: One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent mineral buildup is ​through consistent water changes. Over time, minerals and salts accumulate in the nutrient solution, even ​if you top off the water. Draining and refilling the system with fresh water and a balanced nutrient mix ​helps remove these excess minerals before they have a chance to settle and create deposits. How often ​should you change the water? Ideally, every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the size of the system and the ​types of plants you are growing. Larger systems or plants that take up a lot of nutrients might require more ​frequent changes.

 

Monitor and Manage VPD: Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) plays a significant role in how efficiently plants ​take up water and nutrients. VPD refers to the difference between the moisture in the air and the moisture ​the plant needs. If the VPD is too low, plants absorb water more slowly, which can lead to nutrient and ​mineral buildup in the system. View our Guide here for VPD info

 

Use Clean, Filtered Water: Starting with clean water can dramatically reduce the risk of mineral buildup. If ​you’re using hard water (rich in calcium and magnesium), at a minimum, utilize activated charcoal filters. You may also consider filtering it with a reverse osmosis (RO) ​system (without the mineralizer). This removes many of the dissolved solids and minerals that can contribute to buildup. Rainwater ​is also an excellent option for hydroponics, provided it’s free from contaminants. Learn more about water prep here. 

Regular System Maintenance: In addition to changing water regularly, it’s essential to clean your ​hydroponic system at least once a month. This includes flushing the system with a mild cleaning solution ​or diluted vinegar to remove mineral deposits from the pipes, trays, and other surfaces.

Use Balanced Nutrient Solutions: Ensure you’re using nutrient solutions designed specifically for ​hydroponic systems. These are formulated to prevent excess mineral buildup by balancing the right ​proportions of necessary nutrients. Overfeeding your plants with nutrients can lead to excess minerals ​being left in the system, so follow the recommended dosages carefully. This is one of the many reasons we ​only recommend Veg+Bloom from Hydroponic Research. It’s a balanced, full cycle nutrient bloom which ​removes the need to change or add nutrients at different stages in a plant’s lifecycle. Their all-in-one ​formula is the reigning king of nutrients.