Build a professional-grade hydroponic system for Wolffia cultivation. Complete equipment lists with recommended products, nutrient formulations, and step-by-step assembly.
For personal production, volume is irrelevant; surface area is king
Shallow trays (10-15cm depth) provide thermal mass stability without wasting water and nutrients. HDPE or food-grade Polypropylene (PP) trays are required to prevent plasticizer leaching.
Recommended: 40" x 20" x 4" deep food-grade trays with opaque bottoms to prevent algal growth.
A "slow-flow" laminar system prevents nutrient stratification without disturbing the delicate fronds. Total volume turnover of 2-4 times per day is optimal.
The inlet should be diffused (spray bar below surface) to prevent surface agitation that can submerge plants.
Stagnant air encourages fungal growth (Pythium) and limits CO₂ supply. Gentle oscillating fans move air across the canopy without disturbing the water surface.
Full-spectrum white LED (4000K-6500K) at 150-300 µmol/m²/s PFD. Supplemental blue light (450nm) enhances anthocyanin and phenolic production.
Photoperiod: 16/8 or 18/6 cycle balances growth with energy efficiency.
Everything you need to build a 3-tier laminar flow system with recommended products
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40" x 20" x 4" HDPE or PP trays, opaque black. ~$30 each. Look for restaurant bus tubs or hydroponic flood trays.
48" wide x 72" tall wire shelving unit with 4 shelves. NSF certified for food safety. ~$80-120
20-gallon food-grade container with tight-fitting lid. Look for brewing or fermentation buckets. ~$25-35
200W aquarium heater with adjustable thermostat. Maintains 22-28°C water temperature. ~$20-30
400 GPH adjustable flow rate with 1/2" tubing. Essential for nutrient circulation. ~$30-45
1/2" PVC pipes, fittings, and spray bar components for even water distribution. ~$15-25
Commercial-grade air pump with multiple outlets and 3-4 air stones for reservoir oxygenation. ~$35-50
6-8" clip-on or desk fan for canopy air circulation. Prevents fungal issues. ~$15-25
Full spectrum 4000K-6500K, 100W per tray. Samsung LM301B diodes preferred. ~$45-80 each
7-day programmable digital timer for light cycle control. Multiple outlets preferred. ~$12-20
Adjustable ratchet hangers (3 pairs) for height control as plants grow. ~$15-25
Digital pH pen with automatic calibration and buffer solutions. Essential for nutrient management. ~$25-40
Electrical conductivity meter for measuring nutrient solution strength. ~$20-35
Digital indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity monitor with remote sensor. ~$12-20
Countertop reverse osmosis unit or 5-stage RO system. Critical for pure water baseline. ~$80-150
Commercial hydroponic fertilizer base (1kg bag). The industry standard for hydroponics. ~$20-30
Food-grade Ca(NO₃)₂ for nitrogen and calcium supplementation (1kg). ~$15-25
Food-grade MgSO₄ for magnesium supplementation. USP grade preferred. ~$10-15
0.1g precision scale for accurate nutrient measurement. 1kg capacity minimum. ~$15-25
Stainless steel or food-grade plastic skimmer (0.5mm mesh) for harvesting. ~$10-20
Collapsible stainless steel steamer basket for blanching. Fits various pot sizes. ~$10-18
Stainless steel tray dehydrator with temperature control (95-160°F). ~$80-150
For milling dried Wolffia into fine powder. Vitamix or similar high-power blender. ~$200-400
Calculate precise nutrient measurements for your reservoir
| Masterblend 4-18-38: | 12.0 grams |
| Calcium Nitrate: | 12.0 grams |
| Magnesium Sulfate: | 6.0 grams |
| Target EC: | 1.5-2.0 mS/cm |
| Target pH: | 6.0-7.0 |
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| Parameter | Optimal Range | Physiological Impact |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 – 7.0 | pH < 5.5 inhibits growth; pH > 7.5 precipitates iron |
| EC (Conductivity) | 1.5 – 2.0 mS/cm | Higher EC supports protein but increases osmotic stress risk |
| Nitrogen (Total) | 150 – 250 ppm | Direct correlation to crude protein % |
| Phosphorus | 30 – 50 ppm | Essential for ATP and rapid cellular division |
| Temperature | 22°C – 28°C (72-82°F) | >30°C invites bacterial pathogens; <17°C triggers turion formation |
| Light (PFD) | 150 – 300 µmol/m²/s | Balances growth rate with pigment production |
Safety protocols for contamination prevention
Aphids and fungus gnats are primary threats. No chemical pesticides can be used on a whole-plant food crop.
Duckweed hyperaccumulates heavy metals. Control points:
Visual diagnosis of common cultivation problems
Symptoms: Fronds turn pale green to yellow, starting with older tissue
Likely Cause: Iron deficiency or nitrogen limitation
Check pH first—iron becomes unavailable above pH 7.0. If pH is correct, supplement with chelated iron (Fe-DTPA) at 1.0 µM concentration.
Symptoms: Green film on tray walls, cloudy water, competing with Wolffia
Likely Cause: Light penetration into water column
Use opaque trays, maintain dense Wolffia cover, reduce light intensity or photoperiod. Consider UV sterilizer in reservoir line.
Symptoms: Doubling time >5 days, sparse coverage
Likely Cause: Temperature, light, or nutrient limitation
Verify temperature is 22-28°C. Check light intensity with PAR meter (target 150-300 µmol). Test EC and adjust nutrients.
Symptoms: Brown patches, foul odor, sinking fronds
Likely Cause: Anaerobic conditions or bacterial infection
Increase aeration and water circulation. Harvest more frequently to prevent overcrowding. Check for Pythium (cottony growth).
Symptoms: Sinking, starch-dense structures instead of floating fronds
Likely Cause: Phosphate starvation, low temperature, or high stress
Ensure phosphate levels 30-50 ppm. Maintain temperature >17°C. Check for consistent nutrient availability.
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