How do I sanitize my hydro setup after TMV?

[majortom9]

Hey all. Im at my wits end with my aeroponic/nft tomato attempts. This is my 3rd try and same as always, TMV. I have tried cleaning out the system with bleach full strength and pool shock but it still rears its ugly head like clockwork about 1 month into the grow. Plants look great this time, a month in the system and I get constant compliments, have a dozen or more golfball size maters and more fruit set than I can count. But like the attempts before, the new top growth begins to pale around the margins and it moves inwards. Mottled looking coloration, fern like newgrowth. Im thinking that maybe some root material from the first grow could be lodged somewhere like in the silicone on the end caps. Could that keep it alive in the system? My guess is yes. If anyone knows a way to sanitize my system"aeroflo knockoff" without using a flamethrower then please please throw me some info before I hurt myself--->

 

[coconaut]

Disinfect, 10% bleach solution with a minimum contact time of 10 minutes.
Sterilize, 30% bleach solution with a minimum contact time of 10 minutes.

 

[majortom9]

Thanks coconaut. Do you mean a 10%-30% sodium hypochlorite or a 10%-30% common 6% bleach in the res? I have used regular bleach but maybe not enough for my 20 gall res. Im thinking pool shock may be better but if I cant get my hands on any then bleach it will have to be. Thanks for the reply...PEACE

 

[FreezerBoy]

When I use a 10% bleach solution, I use generic Clorox. 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Follow the soak with a STRONG rinse of water.

 

[coconaut]

Sorry I could have been more clear.
I did mean regular household bleach. 3 parts clorox, 7 parts tap water.
Don't skimp on the contact time.

These practices are used in orchid propagation

 

[majortom9]

Thanks coconaut, FreezerBoy. I went with about a 20% household bleach recipe, scrubbed everything best as I could and submerged it all nearly 48 hours. Have new tomatoes in her and so far so good...only time will tell if I whooped it. Now I have to deal with this 90+ degree heat wave and near 90 degree res temps. Im running a sterile reservoir,20 gal. and 150/200 ml 3% H2o2 daily. Think I will be ok or is my maiders gonna mutate and grow arms and eyeballs? This outside setup is new to me and nothing but challenge after challenge so far.

 

[majortom9]

Forgot to mention, I found some silicone that had lost its bond in the top of one of the end caps and was almost black with gunk and buildup. Apparently it is a "dry" spot in my system and my previous attempts at sterilization wasn't touching it. Im pretty sure that is where my problem was hiding. My own fault for not removing the caps and completely resealing them the first time, but oh well...live and learn. PEACE

 

[Tr33]

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