Growing Long white Rice hydroponically

by Robin Wightman
(Brisbane, Australia)

I have a friend, a refugee from afghanistan who wishes to try growing rice hydroponically and due to language skills has asked me to assist in this effort.

He, like me has zero knowledge on the subject of hydroponic growing, thus we will be extremely grateful for your kind assistance with advice and instruction on how to attempt the task with the best possible chance of success.

We live in Brisbane, Queensland. Australia.

While in the 1st instance we expect a simple shed situated outdoors & enclosed with industrial grade clear PVC will be suitable.
Area approx:
Height 2 - 2.5m. L 1.5 x 1.5m may be suitable.

If the project succeeds, my friend hopes to locate a similar sized set up on his back veranda (garden space is zero)

1. Other than the shed & cover, what price should we expect the necessary equipment to cost. ??
2. What price can we expect to pay for seed sufficient to fill say: a 1m x 1m growing tray ??
3. Is it wise to purchase double the amount of seed in case of failure.
( If minimum purchase amount be greater than our need it is not a problem. Just let us know the expected cost)

4. Providing everything progresses well, how long from initial planting may we expect to harvest.??
5. What average weight of finished rice can we expect the project to produce in one cycle ??

Brisbane has a climate summer around 28c - 38c; winter around 5c - 20c

Average day time temp may be around 20c; sunny days may be around 300pa

4. What temperature should be constantly maintained within the shed for best result. ?
5. Will we need a growing light to assist growth.?

Recently I have attempted to source rice seed - long white. But it appears supply is controlled by Sunrice Australia who at present have declined to sell to me.

So if you are aware of any Australian supplier of LW rice seed I welcome contact details.
Alternatively if you have details of any US supplier of the same I will be grateful.

In case of US supplier, it is best that they be familiar with export documentation even where quantity is small.

Many thanks for any advice