Hydroponics

There are three main types of hydroponic systems; Ebb 'n' Flow, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Drip. Hydroponic systems vary in the way the plant obtains its feed and how often. However, all hydroponic systems are made to feed the plants at their best time according to which technique you are using. Each plant gets fed every time on time with a balanced oxygen rich nutrient solution using its own reservoir, pump and timer. Also, using the nutrient solution as frequently as possible, the hydroponic system ensures an oxygen enriched root. You, the grower, can be assured that the more oxygen to the roots of your plants, the more nutrients they can absorb and with the help of sunlight, they can grow faster and stronger. When you get the right balance of everything, you are a winner!

NFT

The NFT is a hydroponic channel system. It feeds your plants at the most optimal times using a programmed timer. When the timer goes off, the pump will feed each of the channels with a small film of oxygen rich nutrient solution that runs on the bottom of every channel. Each channel contains net pots which hold the plants, allowing the roots to hang freely. This allows the root area to get all the oxygen it needs, letting the root tips feed on small streams that run along the bottom of the channel. Which in turn takes full advantage of the fact when there is more oxygen in the plants root zone, the more nutrient the plant will absorb in sunlight. The film recirculates into the resevoir where it eventually recirculates again. A wide channel NFT system for aggressive growing plants such as peppers and tomatoes would be recommended because their roots tend to clog smaller channels.

Advantages of using NFT systems include:

1. Easy to assemble
2. Low level to maximize headroom
3. Size fits most spaces or Gro-Light arrangements
4. Durable and sturdy

Ebb 'n' Flow

The Ebb 'n' Flow systems are a flood and drain technique of hydroponic system. The resevoir holds the oxygen rich nutrient solution that floods the tray wich holds your plants above it. The plants are grown in a hydroponic medium that ensures an oxygen enriched root zone. The plants feed automatically at their most optimal times using an automatic timer. This is the easiest hydroponic sytem that you can use, therefore is easiest for the beginner! Plants that grow in perlite medium have the tendancy to tip over more frequently when feeding in Ebb 'n' Flow systems. To avoid this, try using a heavy medium such as clay pebbles.

Drip System

The Drip system is a hydroponic system where the plants are drip-fed an oxygen enriched solution. The plants are fed at the top of their medium. The nutrient solution drips down through the medium and drains through the tray. It recirulates from the tray to the resevoir. The adjustable drip lines makes the sytem very versatile. You can move your plants closer to the light. No other hydroponic system allows you to do this. With this technique, you can use virtually any medium.

Which Hydroponic system should you use?

First you will need to get a hydroponic system. There are many different types of hydroponic systems to choose from. You can buy one at our shop. We recommend you start with an Aqua farm system. This is important because if you are growing plants inside then you will need artificial lighting.

You will need the following supplies:

Growing Medium
Soil is not used in hydroponic gardening. The most commonly used growing mediums in hydroponics are Clay Pebbles, Perlite and rockwool. They can be used independently of each other or in combination.

Artificial lighting (indoors)
Unless you have a very bright room you will need to supplement your plants with artificial lighting. If you are planning to grow typical house plants then you can purchase a light to give your plants the added light that they require. For even faster plant growth use two lights suspended side by side. If you are planning to grow tomatoes, peppers, etc. then you will need High intensity discharge (HID) lighting. These lamps give off tremendous amounts of light that vegetables need to thrive in your indoor environment.

Fertilizer
You cannot use regular garden fertilizer for hydroponic gardening. This is because the kind of fertilizer that is found in garden centers do not contain all of the necessary micro-nutrients that plants need. You must buy fertilizer specifically formulated for hydroponic gardening.

pH Tester
The nutrient solution (water + fertilizer) needs to be tested to determine the acidity or alkalinity. Since this affects the plants ability to take up nutrients, the pH has to be tested and adjusted every day. This is where a pH test kit comes in. Every plant has a different pH range so you will adjust the the water accordingly with either a pH up formula or a pH down formula. This process is very similar to testing the pH in a swimming pool or a fish tank.

TDS or EC Meter
This will measure the strength of your nutrient solution. While not absolutely necessary, sooner or later you will want to find out how strong or how weak your nutrient solution is since it will change over time. If it is too weak you will add more fertilizer. If it is too strong you will drain some of the solution out of your reservoir and add just plain water. Like pH, every plant has an optimal range. You can buy one of these meters that will also check the pH. Hope this helps you on the way to your first grow.

Further information is available online; you can view our Hydroponics Glossary or read our Hydroponics Growing Tips.

Alternatively, for advice on hydroponics and recommendations for hydroponic products, please don't hesitate to call us on  01274 694444 or send your Hydroponics queries by e-mail to newage1812@hotmail.com.