Introduction to Hydroponic Systems

If you have read the section on "What is Hydroponics" then you probably already know what a growing system is.

Basically, any hydroponic growing system consists of some media in which to grow the plant, a container to hold the media, some nutrient, and some method of supplying the nutrient to the plants roots (this may be as simple as using a watering can yourself or as complex as using timed pumps and a reservoir). Also a system must expose the plants in it to light, either natural light, or artificial using special hydroponic lights.

This article will introduce you to the main types of Hydroponic Systems. To read about them, choose a link from the left or below.

• Wetpot Systems
• Autopot Systems
• Autopot Aquaponics
• Aeroponic Systems
• Flood and Drain Systems
• Mini Garden Kit (Hand-Fed)
• Drought Proof Garden Kit (Wetpot System)
• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT Systems)
• Dripper Systems

Wetpot System

Click here to see more information about the Wetpot Watering Systems.

Wetpots is a clever watering system that saves water whilst growing beautiful green gardens. Up to 70% less water is used.

They are buried under the soil beside your plants and slowly seep out water under gravity pressure, keeping the soil moist to provide gardens with the moisture needed for strong healthy plants. The pots are connected to each other by plastic pipe and are also connected to a water source. These make it an easy and efficient watering system.

We also provide an easy garden kit (Drought Proof Garden Kit) and detailed instruction for you to set up your own garden watering sytem.

Autopot System

Click here to see more information about the Autopot Systems.

The Autopot systems are designed so that the individual plants in their individual containers can dictate when they get their nutrient solution, according to their ever changing needs. A wide range of different plants in Autopot systems will each take on water at totally different times and cycles, rather than being tied to an automated cycle.

Let's use an example to explain. Imagine you have two plants, one a young seedling, the other a large mature plant. The mature plant may require four times more water during the day than the small seedling. In an Autopot system, this is no problem - both plants will receive a wet and dry cycle according to their own needs (without the use of complex electronic equipment). So each plant will become virtually dry again before the water is replenished, and as nature intended both of your plants will flourish.

Autopot Aquaponics

Click here to see more information about the Autopot Aquaponics.

The Autopot Aquaponics helps you to raise fish while grow plants. It is designed so that the plants can utilize the water used for fish.

Aeroponic Systems

Click here to see more information about Aeroponic Systems.

One of the most recent developments in hydroponics is Aeroponics. Aeroponics is defined by the ISOSC as a system in which the plants

"roots are continuously or discontinuously in an environment saturated with fine drops of nutrient solution."

Aeroponics simply requires growing your plants so that their roots are suspended in a deep air or growth chamber in such a way that the roots of the plants are periodically wetted with a fine mist of atomised nutrients.

Aeroponics gives you the advantage of excellent aeration. "The importance of oxygen in supporting the intensive metabolic processes associated with root formation and subsequent growth is well recognised." Carruthers, S. "Hydroponic Gardening", 1998). Simply put, by exposing your plants roots to more oxygen you are growing healthier plants faster.

Flood and Drain Systems

As the name suggests, flood and drain systems work by flooding plants with an aerated nutrient solution and then draining the growing tray in order to aerate the roots and supply them with much needed oxygen.

Flood and drain systems are very easy to use once set up. They consist of a tray, stand, pump and fittings. The tray holds the plants, the growing medium, and the nutrient solution. The pump is used to feed the plants with nutrient, and to drain the tray. The timer is used to regulate the pump and feed the system for 15 minutes every hour.

Flood and Drain systems are becoming increasingly popular by both hobbyists and professional growers alike. The method is able to supply fresh oxygen to the root system of your plants. As the tray is flooded with your nutrient solution, carbon dioxide rich air is pushed out from around the root system. When the pump is turned off, the tray is drained and oxygen rich air is drawn down to the roots. This oxygen is then used by your plants until the next cycle begins.

A further benefit of the Flood and Drain System is that it allows higher density planting than most other systems.

At the Hydroponic Warehouse, we use light expanded clay aggregate (LECA) as the growing medium in Flood and Drain Systems. Due to the neutral (no acid or base qualities) nature of Hydrogro, along with other properties it is perfect for growing plants, especially indoor plants. Hydrogro provides an ideal balance of moisture, food and air to your plants. Capillary action on the surface of the lightweight pebbles allows nutrient solution to be carried to the plants. Root rot is eliminated due to the space between the pebbles allowing all-important oxygen to get to the roots.

Mini Garden Kit (Hand-Fed)

This kit is also featured in our online catalogue. For more information you can click here

There are many ways to apply the solution to the plant roots. From simply applying solution by hand in a container to elaborate systems using pumps, pipes and frame structures. As you can imagine the more elaborate the system the higher the cost and more maintenance is required.

The mini garden kit is the simplest of all. Plant your seeds or seedlings into hydroponic medium in a grow tray and feed the plants by pouring nutrient solution into the tray which is drawn up and absorbed by the plant roots.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT Systems)

The basic principle of Nutrient Film Technique systems are that the plant's roots are given access to a constantly running and very shallow stream (film) of nutrient solution flowing down an enclosed trough. As with flood and drain systems, the flow of water is controlled by a pump submersed in your nutrient solution. However, rather than flooding the plants at regular intervals, the roots of the plants have access to the stream of water which runs constantly.

To enable this the plants are placed in troughs with holes cut in the lids, allowing the roots of the plant to "dangle" down into the stream of water.

Like flood and drain systems, N.F.T systems are easy to plant and harvest as all the work is done at waist level.

Dripper Systems

For more information on dripper systems click here

Dripper systems are fairly simple to set up automated systems that are ideal for the experienced grower on a budget. The setup involves a central reservior containing nutrient solution that is pumped up to drippers that feed solution into pots containing medium and plants.

This sort of setup requires that the grower knows how damp the medium should be without overwatering plants - the drippers are constantly on (except during the dark cycle), so overwatering is a real risk.