How to Build an Aerator for Fertilizer Mixing

Aerators for fertilizer mixing are common in hydroponics systems. Hydroponics is a system in which plants are cultivated in a nutrient-rich solution instead of being planted in soil. Instead of fertilizing the soil directly, the aerator mixes the fertilizer internally and sprays the fertilizer and nutrients directly onto the roots of the plants. This method eliminates the need to add additional nutrients to the growth medium.

1-gallon plastic bucket
Two pieces of limewood or other air stones
12 cups of distilled water
Ice pick
1/2-inch poly hose, length of 2 feet
Air pump

Instructions

- 1
  Open the lid of a 1-gallon plastic bucket. Insert two pieces of limewood into the bottom of the container. The limewood helps aerate the container naturally.
- 2
  Pour 12 cups of distilled water into the plastic bucket. Pour the manufacturers recommended amount of fertilizer into the container.
- 3
  Poke tiny holes into the surface of a 1/2-inch poly hose using an ice pick. Connect one end of the poly hose to the output of an air pump.
- 4
  Insert the other end of the poly hose into the bucket and submerge the hose in the water. The hose should run along the side of the bucket, to the bottom of the bucket and along the opposite side of the bucket.
- 5
  Plug the air pump into an electrical outlet to turn the device on. The air pump and air stones generate air bubbles which mix the fertilizer as well as aerate the solution. Close the lid on the aerator to trap the air inside.

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