hydroponics setup

A basic hydroponics setup can be an "active" system, which relies on some type of energy to provide the roots with aeration and nutrients or it can be a "passive" system, which often uses a "wicking" material to draw up liquid nutrients.

While it is possible to create a basic hydroponics setup using available materials there are a number of complete hydroponics systems readily available that can put you on the fast track towards growing plants without soil.

A hydroponics setup can be found in a variety of configurations and the following have been used quite successfully for hydroponics growing:

media-based

Relies on material like gravel, aggregate, vermiculite, or rock wool to support plants and roots.

wick based (passive)

This can be either a media-based or pure water-culture system using a "wicking" material to draw up liquid nutrients.

ebb and flow(active)

Plants and medium are flooded and drained of nutrient mix routinely.

top-feed or drip(active)

A timer-controlled pump delivers nutrient mix on a regular schedule through "emitters" (pipes with holes) to the top of the plant medium and allows the mix to drip down into a catch basin below.

water-culture

Using only water, regular contact between plant roots and nutrient solution is possible by using a support material such as wire mesh to keep the plants from drowning.

raft (active or passive)

Plants float on rafts above a reservoir of nutrient solution.

NFT (Nutrient Flow Technique) (active)

Plants are suspended in the nutrient mix, which is pump-circulated past the roots, aerating the solution.

aeroponics (active)

Plants suspended in the air are sprayed or misted with the nutrient solution.

For advice on the right hydroponics setup for you, please contact us.