Hydroponics is a way of growing plants without soil, using water and nutrients instead. Hydroponics has many advantages, such as saving space, water, and energy, and producing healthy and fresh food. But hydroponics is not simple. It requires careful monitoring and control of many factors, such as light, temperature, humidity, pH, and nutrient levels. That’s why there are different types of hydroponic systems, each with its pros and cons.
In this blog, you will learn about the six main types of hydroponic systems, how they work, and how to build your own. You will also learn about some common variations and tips for choosing the best system for your needs.
The Six Main Types of Hydroponic Systems
The six main types of hydroponic systems are:
- The Wick System
- The Deep Water Culture (DWC) System
- The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System
- The Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System
- The Aeroponics System
- The Drip System
These systems differ in the way they deliver water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots. Some systems are active, meaning they use pumps or other devices to move the nutrient solution. Some systems are passive, meaning they rely on wicks or the hydroponic growing medium to transport the nutrient solution. Some systems are recovery, meaning they reuse the nutrient solution. Some systems are non-recovery, meaning they discard the nutrient solution after each use.
Let’s take a closer look at each system and how it works.
The Wick System
The wick system is the simplest and most basic type of hydroponic system. It is a passive and non-recovery system, meaning it does not use any pumps or devices, and it does not reuse the nutrient solution.
The wick system works by drawing up the nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants through a wick, such as a rope or a strip of fabric. The wick is inserted into the growing medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir, where the plant roots can absorb the nutrients.
The wick system is easy to set up and maintain, and it is ideal for beginners and small plants, such as herbs and lettuce. However, the wick system has some drawbacks, such as:
- It is not suitable for large and hungry plants, such as tomatoes and peppers, because the wick cannot provide enough nutrients and water.
- It is not efficient in nutrient use, because the nutrient solution is constantly exposed to air and light, which can cause evaporation and algae growth.
- It can cause overwatering and root rot, because the growing medium is always wet and has low oxygen levels.
To build your own wick system, you will need:
- A reservoir, such as a bucket or a tub, to hold the nutrient solution
- A growing container, such as a pot or a tray, to hold the growing medium and the plants
- A wick, such as a rope or a strip of fabric, to connect the reservoir and the growing container
- A growing medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir, to support the plants and the wick
- A nutrient solution, such as a premixed hydroponic fertilizer, to feed the plants
- A pH meter and a TDS meter, to measure and adjust the pH and the nutrient concentration of the solution
- A light source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a LED light, to provide the plants with the necessary light
To set up your own wick system, you will need to:
- Fill the reservoir with the nutrient solution and check the pH and the TDS levels. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5, and the ideal TDS range is 500 to 1500 ppm. You can use pH up or pH down solutions and more or less nutrient solution to adjust the levels as needed.
- Fill the growing container with the growing medium and make a hole in the center for the wick. Insert the wick into the hole and make sure it reaches the bottom of the container and the reservoir.
- Plant your seeds or seedlings in the growing medium and make sure the roots are in contact with the wick.
- Place the growing container on top of the reservoir and make sure the wick is not too tight or too loose. The wick should be moist but not dripping.
- Place the light source above the plants and set the timer according to the plant’s light requirements. For most plants, 12 to 16 hours of light per day is recommended.
- Check the reservoir regularly and refill it with more nutrient solution as needed. Also, check the pH and the TDS levels and adjust them as needed. Change the nutrient solution completely every two weeks to prevent nutrient buildup and salt accumulation.
- Check the plants regularly and prune, harvest, or transplant them as needed.
If you need assistance setting up your own wick system or have questions about hydroponics, we, BNJ Gardens, a leading Hydroponics Manchester UK Grow Shop, is ready to help you. Visit us for expert advice, quality supplies, and everything you need to kickstart your successful hydroponic journey. Let’s grow together!
The Deep Water Culture (DWC) System
The deep water culture system, also known as the raft system or the reservoir system, is a popular and easy type of hydroponic system. It is an active and recovery system, meaning it uses a pump to move the nutrient solution, and it reuses the nutrient solution.
The DWC system works by suspending the plants in a net pot above a reservoir of nutrient solution. The plant roots are submerged in the nutrient solution, which is aerated by an air pump and an air stone. The aeration provides the roots with enough oxygen and prevents them from drowning.
The DWC system is inexpensive and simple to build and operate, and it is ideal for fast-growing and water-loving plants, such as lettuce and spinach. However, the DWC system has some drawbacks, such as:
- It is not suitable for large and heavy plants, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, because they can tip over the net pot and the raft.
- It is not suitable for plants that prefer dry conditions, such as cacti and succulents, because they can suffer from root rot and fungal infections.
- It is sensitive to temperature changes because the nutrient solution can get too hot or too cold, which can affect the plant growth and health.
To build your own DWC system, you will need:
- A reservoir, such as a bucket or a tub, to hold the nutrient solution
- A raft, such as a sheet of polystyrene or a lid with holes, to hold the net pots and the plants
- A net pot, such as a plastic cup with holes, to hold the growing medium and the plant
- A growing medium, such as clay pebbles, rockwool, or foam, to support the plant and the root
- A nutrient solution, such as a premixed hydroponic fertilizer, to feed the plant
- A pH meter and a TDS meter, to measure and adjust the pH and the nutrient concentration of the solution
- A light source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a LED light, to provide the plant with the necessary light
- An air pump and an air stone, to aerate the nutrient solution and provide oxygen to the root
To set up your own DWC system, you will need to:
- Fill the reservoir with the nutrient solution and check the pH and the TDS levels. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5, and the ideal TDS range is 500 to 1500 ppm. You can use pH up or pH down solutions and more or less nutrient solution to adjust the levels as needed.
- Connect the air pump and the air stone and place them in the reservoir. Turn on the air pump and make sure there are bubbles in the nutrient solution.
- Cut holes in the raft or the lid according to the size of the net pots. The holes should be spaced evenly and allow enough room for the plants to grow.
- Fill the net pots with the growing medium and plant your seeds or seedlings in them. Make sure the roots are long enough to reach the nutrient solution.
- Place the net pots in the holes of the raft or the lid and place the raft or the lid on top of the reservoir. Make sure the net pots are stable and the roots are submerged in the nutrient solution.
- Place the light source above the plants and set the timer according to the plant’s light requirements. For most plants, 12 to 16 hours of light per day is recommended.
- Check the reservoir regularly and refill it with more nutrient solution as needed. Also, check the pH and the TDS levels and adjust them as needed. Change the nutrient solution completely every two weeks to prevent nutrient buildup and salt accumulation.
- Check the plants regularly and prune, harvest, or transplant them as needed.
The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System
The nutrient film technique system, also known as the film technique system or the channel system, is a common and efficient type of hydroponic system. It is an active and recovery system, meaning it uses a pump to move the nutrient solution, and it reuses the nutrient solution.
The NFT system works by pumping the nutrient solution from a reservoir to a series of channels or tubes, where the plants are placed in net pots or cups. The plant roots are exposed to a thin film of nutrient solution that flows through the channels or tubes. The excess nutrient solution drains back to the reservoir.
The Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) System
The ebb and flow system, also known as the flood and drain system or the table system, is a versatile and reliable type of hydroponic system. It is an active and recovery system, meaning it uses a pump to move the nutrient solution, and it reuses the nutrient solution.
The ebb and flow system works by flooding the grow tray with the nutrient solution from a reservoir at regular intervals, and then draining the solution back to the reservoir. The grow tray can be filled with any type of growing medium, such as gravel, sand, perlite, vermiculite, or rockwool. The plants are placed in the grow tray and their roots are exposed to the nutrient solution during the flooding cycle, and to the air during the draining cycle.
The ebb and flow system is flexible and adaptable, and it is ideal for a wide range of plants, from small and shallow-rooted to large and deep-rooted. However, the ebb and flow system has some drawbacks, such as:
- It is not suitable for plants that need constant moisture, such as watercress and mint, because they can dry out during the draining cycle.
- It is not suitable for plants that are sensitive to waterlogging, such as orchids and cacti, because they can rot during the flooding cycle.
- It is dependent on the pump and the timer, because if they fail, the plants can either drown or starve.
To build your own ebb and flow system, you will need:
- A reservoir, such as a bucket or a tub, to hold the nutrient solution
- A grow tray, such as a plastic tray or a wooden box, to hold the growing medium and the plants
- A growing medium, such as gravel, sand, perlite, vermiculite, or rockwool, to support the plants and the roots
- A nutrient solution, such as a premixed hydroponic fertilizer, to feed the plants
- A pH meter and a TDS meter, to measure and adjust the pH and the nutrient concentration of the solution
- A light source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a LED light, to provide the plants with the necessary light
- A water pump and a tubing, to pump the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the grow tray
- A timer, to control the frequency and duration of the flooding and draining cycles
- A drain fitting and an overflow fitting, to drain the excess nutrient solution back to the reservoir
To set up your own ebb and flow system, you will need to:
- Fill the reservoir with the nutrient solution and check the pH and the TDS levels. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5, and the ideal TDS range is 500 to 1500 ppm. You can use pH up or pH down solutions and more or less nutrient solution to adjust the levels as needed.
- Fill the grow tray with the growing medium and plant your seeds or seedlings in it. Make sure the roots are well covered by the growing medium.
- Place the grow tray above the reservoir and make sure it is stable and level.
- Connect the water pump and the tubing and place them in the reservoir. Connect the other end of the tubing to the drain fitting on the grow tray. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach the bottom of the reservoir and the top of the grow tray.
- Connect the timer to the water pump and set it according to the plant’s water requirements. For most plants, 15 minutes of flooding every 3 hours is recommended.
- Connect the overflow fitting to the grow tray and place it slightly below the drain fitting. This will prevent the nutrient solution from overflowing the grow tray and spilling over the reservoir.
- Place the light source above the plants and set the timer according to the plant’s light requirements. For most plants, 12 to 16 hours of light per day is recommended.
- Check the reservoir regularly and refill it with more nutrient solution as needed. Also, check the pH and the TDS levels and adjust them as needed. Change the nutrient solution completely every two weeks to prevent nutrient buildup and salt accumulation.
- Check the plants regularly and prune, harvest, or transplant them as needed.
The Aeroponics System
The aeroponics system is the most advanced and sophisticated type of hydroponic system. It is an active and non-recovery system, meaning it uses a pump to move the nutrient solution, and it does not reuse the nutrient solution.
The aeroponics system works by spraying the nutrient solution directly onto the plant roots, which are suspended in the air. The plant roots are exposed to the air and the mist, which provide them with oxygen and nutrients. The excess nutrient solution is collected and discarded.
The aeroponics system is very efficient and productive, and it is ideal for plants that need high oxygenation, such as strawberries and orchids. However, the aeroponics system has some drawbacks, such as:
- It is not suitable for plants that need constant moisture, such as watercress and mint, because they can dry out between the misting cycles.
- It is not suitable for plants that are sensitive to nutrient concentration, such as basil and cilantro, because they can burn from the high nutrient levels.
- It is dependent on the pump and the nozzles, because if they fail, the plants can die quickly.
To build your own aeroponics system, you will need:
- A reservoir, such as a bucket or a tub, to hold the nutrient solution
- A growing chamber, such as a box or a tube, to hold the plants and the mist
- A net pot, such as a plastic cup with holes, to hold the plant and the root
- A growing medium, such as foam or sponge, to support the plant and the root
- A nutrient solution, such as a premixed hydroponic fertilizer, to feed the plant
- A pH meter and a TDS meter, to measure and adjust the pH and the nutrient concentration of the solution
- A light source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a LED light, to provide the plant with the necessary light
- A water pump and a tubing, to pump the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the growing chamber
- A misting nozzle, to spray the nutrient solution onto the plant roots
- A timer, to control the frequency and duration of the misting cycles
To set up your own aeroponics system, you will need to:
- Fill the reservoir with the nutrient solution and check the pH and the TDS levels. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5, and the ideal TDS range is 500 to 1500 ppm. You can use pH up or pH down solutions and more or less nutrient solution to adjust the levels as needed.
- Connect the water pump and the tubing and place them in the reservoir. Connect the other end of the tubing to the misting nozzle in the growing chamber. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach the bottom of the reservoir and the top of the growing chamber.
- Connect the timer to the water pump and set it according to the plant’s water requirements. For most plants, 5 seconds of misting every 5 minutes is recommended.
- Plant your seeds or seedlings in the net pots and fill them with the growing medium. Make sure the roots are long enough to hang out of the net pots.
- Place the net pots in the growing chamber and make sure they are stable and secure.
- Place the light source above the plants and set the timer according to the plant’s light requirements. For most plants, 12 to 16 hours of light per day is recommended.
- Check the reservoir regularly and refill it with more nutrient solution as needed. Also, check the pH and the TDS levels and adjust them as needed. Change the nutrient solution completely every week to prevent nutrient buildup and salt accumulation.
- Check the plants regularly and prune, harvest, or transplant them as needed.
The Drip System
The drip system is a popular and easy type of hydroponic system. It is an active and recovery or non-recovery system, meaning it uses a pump to move the nutrient solution, and it can either reuse or discard the nutrient solution.
The drip system works by dripping the nutrient solution from a reservoir to the plants through a network of tubes and emitters. The emitters are small devices that regulate the flow and pressure of the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is delivered to the plant roots, which are embedded in a growing medium. The excess nutrient solution is either collected and returned to the reservoir, or drained away.
The drip system is flexible and adaptable, and it is ideal for a variety of plants, from small and shallow-rooted to large and deep-rooted. However, the drip system has some drawbacks, such as:
- It is not suitable for plants that need high oxygenation, such as strawberries and orchids, because the growing medium can become waterlogged and anaerobic.
- It is not suitable for plants that are sensitive to salt accumulation, such as blueberries and cranberries, because the salt can build up in the growing medium and damage the plants.
- It is dependent on the pump and the emitters, because if they fail, the plants can either dry out or drown.
To build your own drip system, you will need:
- A reservoir, such as a bucket or a tub, to hold the nutrient solution
- A growing container, such as a pot or a tray, to hold the growing medium and the plants
- A growing medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir, to support the plants and the roots
- A nutrient solution, such as a premixed hydroponic fertilizer, to feed the plants
- A pH meter and a TDS meter, to measure and adjust the pH and the nutrient concentration of the solution
- A light source, such as a fluorescent lamp or a LED light, to provide the plant with the necessary light
- A water pump and a tubing, to pump the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the growing container
- An emitter, to drip the nutrient solution onto the plant roots
- A timer, to control the frequency and duration of the dripping cycles
- A drain fitting and an overflow fitting, to drain the excess nutrient solution back to the reservoir or away
To set up your own drip system, you will need to:
- Fill the reservoir with the nutrient solution and check the pH and the TDS levels. The ideal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5, and the ideal TDS range is 500 to 1500 ppm. You can use pH up or pH down solutions and more or less nutrient solution to adjust the levels as needed.
- Connect the water pump and the tubing and place them in the reservoir. Connect the other end of the tubing to the emitter in the growing container. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach the bottom of the reservoir and the top of the growing container.
- Connect the timer to the water pump and set it according to the plant’s water requirements. For most plants, 10 minutes of dripping every hour is recommended.
- Fill the growing container with the growing medium and plant your seeds or seedlings in it. Make sure the roots are well covered by the growing medium.
- Place the emitter near the plant roots and make sure it is stable and secure.
- Connect the drain fitting and the overflow fitting to the growing container and place them slightly below the emitter. This will prevent the nutrient solution from overflowing the growing container and spilling over the reservoir or the ground.
- Place the light source above the plants and set the timer according to the plant’s light requirements. For most plants, 12 to 16 hours of light per day is recommended.
- Check the reservoir regularly and refill it with more nutrient solution as needed. Also, check the pH and the TDS levels and adjust them as needed. Change the nutrient solution completely every two weeks to prevent nutrient buildup and salt accumulation.
- Check the plants regularly and prune, harvest, or transplant them as needed.
Conclusion
To sum it up, hydroponic systems offer a variety of ways to grow plants without soil, and each method brings its own perks. Whether you’re leaning towards the straightforward Wick System or the high-oxygen Aeroponics setup, there’s something for everyone. These six main types—Wick, Deep Water Culture, Nutrient Film Technique, Ebb and Flow, Aeroponics, and Drip—open up a world of possibilities for growers of all levels. So, dive into this world of innovation, try out different systems, and enjoy the journey of enhancing your gardening skills with hydroponics.