Different Hydroponic Systems

Hand Watering

One of the simplest methods of growing hydroponically is by hand watering. Using a media such as coco, vermiculite or perlite (these are all free of nutrients) to grow in means that you will have to add some some plant food into the water. 

DWC (Deep Water Culture)

A tank or reservoir holds the nutrient solution where several containers (normally net pots) sit in the solution. An air pump is used to constantly pump bubbles into the solution keeping it aerated and free of pathogens and algae and the roots of the plant grow into the tank. 

Flood and Drain or Ebb and Flow

Flood and Drain systems are re-circulating systems. The main aim of these systems is to bring a fresh supply of nutrient solution to the root zone of the plants by flooding the system and then draining the system drawing oxygen to the root zone. There are 2 types of these systems: Table and bucket / pot.

Dripper System

With a dripper system the plants are in their own pots or a tray and the nutrient solution is pumped from a reservoir or tank through many small pipes and emitters into the pots. 

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

With this system the plants are placed into a gutter or tray separate from the reservoir. One end of the gutter is lower than the other to allow a steady flow of nutrient solution. A layer of absorbent material ( a capillary mat) is placed in the bottom of the tray to ensure the solution is flowing freely. 

Aeroponics

A large tank holds the nutrient solution at the bottom an a pump then pushes the solution through spray heads which constantly soak every inch of the container with fine drops of the nutrients. The plant roots hang down into the tank and receive a very fine highly oxygenated spray of food.