In hydroponics, the nutrient solution replaces the soil: it is water + mineral nutrients dissolved in the right proportions.
Its task is:
provide macroelements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S)
provide microelements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo, etc.).
maintain pH and EC in the optimal ranges for the species grown
be stable over time, without precipitation or imbalance
A poorly prepared solution immediately causes:
slow growth
discolored leaves
suffering roots
lower yields
Starting water (low hardness is best)
Fertilizers A + B for hydroponics
EC meter
pH meter
pH- and pH+
Graduated canister or container
Graduated cylinders or syringes
Aerator (if the solution remains stationary in the tank)
Water quality conditions everything.
With hard water you risk:
high pH
excess Ca/Mg
precipitation
Solutions:
use osmotic water
or mix mains + osmotic
The "cleaner" the water, the more you control the solution.
Solution A → calcium + trace elements
Solution B → phosphorus + sulfates
Never mix them concentrated.
Dilute in water first, then add them to the tank.
Salads: 1.2-1.8 mS/cm
Basil: 1.4-2.2 mS/cm
Tomatoes and fruiting vegetables: 2.0-3.0 mS/cm
Ideal pH: 5.5-6.5
In advanced systems such as Horto Professional, sensors and AI support continuous monitoring of parameters.
Clean the tank
Fill almost to final volume
Measure initial EC and pH
Shake the bottles
Add A first, then B
Mix
Measure EC
Low EC → add fertilizer
EC high → add water
pH too high → add pH- in small doses
pH too low → add pH+
Always small steps, always mix and measure.
Let recirculate for 15-30 minutes
Recheck EC and pH
If solution stands still for days → maintain good oxygenation.
Depends on volume, system and consumption.
Rule of thumb:
daily check of EC and pH
frequent partial changes
total replacement every 7 to 14 days
In professional systems such as Horto Professional, management is automated.
1. Mixing concentrated A and B
→ Precipitation.
✔ Always add in water, one at a time.
2. Do not measure EC and pH
→ unstable cultivation.
3. Water too hard
→ nutritional blockages.
4. Changing too many parameters together.
→ impossible to figure out what worked.
5. Neglected water temperature.
→ above 24-25 °C increases pathogen risk.
Tomato+ greenhouses completely reduce the operational complexity of hydroponics:
Compostable pods include seeds and substrate optimized for each crop.
Over 100 varieties already tested, with no need to create nutrient recipes from scratch.
In professional versions, sensors, automations and AI manage light, irrigation and parameter monitoring in real time.
In Horto2 and Horto4 greenhouses, preparing the nutrient solution is even easier:
just fill the tank with demineralized water and add a predosed granular solution.
This unique formulation automatically establishes the correct EC and pH values for all Tomato+ crops, eliminating dosing errors and ensuring consistent results even for beginners.
Zero calculation, zero tools-the greenhouse does the rest.
Preparing the nutrient solution is a precise and repeatable process.
By following a clear routine-controlled water, regular measurements, micro changes-you get a stable and productive crop.
And if you want a system that automates everything, Tomato+ allows you to go from improvisation to professional, uncomplicated cultivation.
Thank you for reading this article. Keep following us to discover new content on hydroponics, vertical farming, and smart farming.
Tomato+ Team