HYDRO SYSTEMS
Overview

Ebb and Flow

Ebb and Flow is also known as Flood and Drain. Plants grown in this method are often supported in pots, filled with clay pebbles, which are placed onto a tray. The tray is regularly flooded, soaking the clay pebbles with nutrient solution and then allowed to drain back into a holding tank. This cycle is repeated several times a day. When the nutrient drains away fresh air and oxygen are drawn to the root zone of the plants. Highly efficient and easy to manage method of soiless gardening.

Future Garden Flood and Drain Table Systems
Dual Flow
Ebb and Flood Systems

Aeroponics

Aeroponics is effective method that involves suspending the roots of the plants being grown in a darkened sealed chamber, where they are misted with a nutrient mix. Due to the high oxygen level in such a system rapid growth rates can be achieved. Similar management issues to NFT.

The AeroFarm
The Amazon

Pot Culture

Pot culture is the cheapest and simplest means to grow hydroponically. This is ideal for beginners. Simply fill a suitable pot with a soiless medium and fill a bottom tray (or aqua tray) or saucer with nutrient solution by hand. The nutrient will reach the plant using capillary action in the first stages.

Aqua Trays
Pots
Self Watering Tray
Plant Tray

Drip Irrigation

A reservoir of nutrient feed is pumped via drippers to plants usually supported in pots, Rockwool cubes or slabs. The excess nutrient may then be recirculated or allowed to drain away. It is possible to use this method to feed plants in individual pots giving maximum flexibility.

Pot Systems
The Flo-Gro

Deep Water Culture has the plant contained in a net pot suspended from the lid with the roots suspended in the nutrient solution. An air pump powered airstone oxygenates the nutrient solution, if sufficiently oxygenated the plant roots can remain submerged indefinitely.

Plants absorb vastly more oxygen directly from the air than from the oxygen dissolved in water. Deep water culture allows plant roots to absorb large quantities of oxygen while also allowing the uptake of nutrients. This leads to explosive growth throughout the life of the plant.

Deep Water Culture Systems

Nutrient Film Technique

Commonly known as NFT. The plants rest on a flat but sloping tray or channel, often without support or using Rockwool cubes. The nutrient solution is simply pumped around the system with the roots bathed constantly during day light hours and switched of during dark periods. The system is quick and easy to install and provides fast growth rates.

Aqua Flow System
The Gro-Tank
Multi-Duct