PLATINUM HYDROPONICS SYSTEMS
In this issue HYDROMAG takes a look at French / Canadian partnership Platinum Hydroponics, who are claiming to have produced the most versatile hydroponics pot system on the market. Using 90% recycled plastics; Platinum Hydroponics’ system has something for everyone, from the rank novice to the seasoned expert. Rising from their simple single-plant drip-fed HydroGrower system, through a crescendo of complexity until one reaches the Aeroponic Aerotop system for the serious pros; Platinum Hydroponics have all the bases covered!
There are eight separate systems in total, with a sliding scale of expertise required for each one. Choose your preferred system or get the job lot and experiment! But their key selling point is the interchangeability of their component parts – which they say is second to none. Here we put their claims to the test
INNOVATIONS
Flexible, modular design. Platinum Hydroponics have developed their systems to be entirely interchangeable, with an impressive array of “plug and play” options. Within their range are three aeroponic systems (with 360o spray); the Aerostar, the Aeropro and the Aerotop - and five hydroponic sytems, the HydroGrower (for a single plant setup), the Hydrostar, Hydropro, Ebb & Flow, and finally the Hydrostone. With Platinum’s products you can jump from one system to another – and back again – with ease. Importantly, each system is available to work with a number of different tray sizes; 40 x 40cm, 60 x 60cm, 80 x 80cm, 100 x 100cm and 120 x 120cm – something to cover whatever space constraints you have in your growing area. Finally, pots are also available in 6 litre, 11 litre, 18 litre and 25 litre dimensions (plants of all types and sizes can be grown) – making Platinum Hydroponics’ system easily one of the most versatile. Platinum Hydroponics have introduced a simple but nevertheless extremely useful feature into their systems – a viewing panel. If in doubt, remove the side panel and see directly what’s going on beneath your plants – check water levels and your nutrient solution, adjust the pump accordingly and hey presto! Or simply marvel at your plants’ roots to pass the time (whatever floats your boat).
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OTHER COOL THINGS
Over fifty products are available in Platinum’s line. As well as the interchangeable systems, Platinum Hydroponics have a range of EC and pH monitors, testing kits, clone machines, nutrient solutions and substrates. All the pots are constructed from recycled plastics. The benefit of plastic is a reduction in cross-contamination between plants. CONS CONS
OAs always HYDROMAG have to find a few drawbacks for the sake of balance. Here are our (minor) gripes: As a French company, Platinum Hydroponics’ systems currently only supply a continental-style power plug with its pump. Luckily a UK-plug converter is included. Expect this to be remedied fairly soon as demand increases in Britain. Despite detailed instructions, the drippers aren’t particularly easy to set up in comparison with other systems on the market.
See the interview with Matt Bromley from Platinum Systems on Hydroshow TV Episode 2, available on Sky and Freesat in September / October 2013.
For more infomation visit: platiniumhydroponics.com