Choose the system before you count the plants
A nutrient-film system, floating raft and media-based setup use space and water differently. Describe the selected approach and the crop you intend to grow. Nutrient management and environmental control require crop-specific knowledge. A connection to water and power does not turn a standard space into a ready-to-run greenhouse or a certified production facility.
Count canopy area separately from floor area
A rack may have several shelves, but only correctly lit and accessible growing levels belong in your canopy estimate. Plan the reservoirs, pumps, inspection points and handling space too. Keep harvest preparation and storage separate if the activity requires them. Avoid calling the entire unit floor productive area when part of it is needed to operate the system.
Use measured light at the crop
Electrical watts are an input to the utility budget, not a measurement of plant light. Daily light integral totals photosynthetic light over time, and crop requirements differ. Measure or obtain a suitable assessment at canopy level. Enter a crop-appropriate plan from qualified guidance; the example values on this page are not a nutrient recipe or a growing recommendation.
Water circulating is not necessarily water consumed
A pump may circulate the same solution many times. Do not multiply circulation flow by the entire day and call it purchased water. Estimate fresh makeup, system replacement, cleaning and other actual supply volumes. State how discharge will be handled. Supply quality, drainage, humidity, ventilation and outage response must be discussed for the intended activity.
An original idea: a canopy-per-footprint comparison
Compare illuminated canopy area with the floor area your selected service allowance requires. This describes a layout scenario, not the yield of the system. Run another scenario with fewer levels or more working space and compare the consumption budget. The most densely packed drawing may be the hardest to service; an operating plan should explain how plants, equipment and water remain accessible.
Turn the scenario into an enquiry
Send the crop, system sketch, rack dimensions, reservoir arrangement, equipment schedule and light plan. Ask about suitability, supply, water quality, drainage, access, fit-out and utility charges. Hydroponics arrangements are available subject to intended-use approval and terms, with utilities and fit-out at client expense. No guaranteed harvest, climate control or food-production approval is promised.
WORKED EXAMPLE · ILLUSTRATIVE INPUTS
Growing footprint, light & utility planner
A 4 m² rack footprint with two illuminated levels gives 8 m² of canopy. A 25% service-area share gives 5.33 m² planning floor area. At an average PPFD of 200 µmol/m²/s for 16 hours, DLI is 11.52 mol/m²/day. A 400 W lighting load and 40 W pump running 24 hours/day use 220.8 kWh over 30 days. These are planning examples, not recommended crop settings.
Before you book
- Identify the crop, growing system and illuminated levels.
- Measure rack, reservoir and working-access footprints.
- Separate actual water supply from recirculation flow.
- Confirm activity, environmental, drainage and utility arrangements.
Arrange a site discussion with your measurements. Rental quotations exclude VAT; ask for the payable total. Availability, intended use and fit-out are subject to agreed terms.
Questions about hydroponics spaces
Can the calculator predict crop yield?
No. Yield depends on crop and growing conditions that this planning tool does not model. It estimates geometry, light total and utility consumption only.
Can I enter light wattage as PPFD?
No. Watts and canopy PPFD describe different quantities. Use an appropriate light measurement or assessment for PPFD.
Are multiple growing levels automatically suitable?
No. Each level requires appropriate light, environment and access. Only enter levels that your growing plan actually illuminates.
Are nutrients, racks or climate control supplied?
No such equipment package is promised. Confirm precisely what is supplied, client-funded and approved before installing the system.