While there are many different hydroponic systems available on the market, they all can be broken into two categories. One is the recycling system and the other is the run-to-waste system.
We’ll begin by looking at the recycling system; so named because nutrient solution is fed to the plants and then recycled back into the nutrient tank. The same nutrient is then fed to the plants again and again over the course of several days (via set feed times) until the nutrient solution is eventually dumped and replaced with fresh nutrient.
We’ve chosen to explore four of the most commonly available recycling systems. The aim is to provide examples that use different types of feeding methods. Keep in mind here that there are many variations of these systems. There are also many other types of systems. This information is simply aimed at providing you with a better understanding of how some of the more commonly used systems work.
The NFT system consists of gullies where a thin film of nutrient is constantly recycled through them. Plants are placed in these gullies in small cups containing Perlite. The Perlite absorbs the nutrient and as the roots grow they enter the gullies. From here they absorb nutrients, quickly developing larger root systems which form on the base of the gullies.
NFT is a very efficient growing system. Because of the constant nutrient feed it is possible to maintain ideal, constant root zone temperatures.This greatly aids plant growth due to (potential) optimum uptake of nutrients.
The downfall of this system is that NFT channels are relatively narrow and lack the necessary space for large root systems. As the roots fill the space inside the channel they become blocked and the nutrient starts backing up, eventually flooding the gullies. In extreme cases this will lead to oxygen starvation of the root system, i.e. drowning. This is more likely in cases where larger plants are grown in NFT channels.
There are NFT systems that have been developed specifically for larger plants. This type of system incorporates a wider channel that, in turn, accommodates a larger root system. (Contact us to learn more about different types NFT system that are available)
Another (potential) problem associated to NFT is that it lacks the safety features of media based recycling systems. That is, the lack of media and the constant wetting of the plant’s root system can become a problem in areas prone to high ambient air temperatures. This is because the water/nutrient can become too warm (the warmer the water, the less oxygen it can hold), resulting in low oxygen levels that are available to the plant’s root zone. Once the roots are starved of oxygen they can die quite rapidly.
* Ideal for cooler climatic zones.
Positives:
Negatives:
In an aeroponics system, a plant is generally placed into a small basket of expanded clay.The basket is then placed into a much larger lightproof tank (surface of basket sitting flush on the lid of the tank).The tank does not contain any growing media.
The tank has a series of spray jets that are used to spray a fine mist of nutrient onto the basket and throughout the inside of the tank. The mist keeps the growing media in the basket moist (and feeds the plant/s). As the root system of the plant grows it enters the tank where it hangs freely (in the air environment) and is kept moist by the mist that is emitted from the sprayjets.The spray jets, typically, are run 24 hrs a day.
Aeroponics, like NFT, allows the grower to maintain constant root zone temperatures.This can help facilitate explosive growth and, in some instances, earlier finishing times. Again, however, oxygen starvation can be a problem in areas with warmer climates.
Ideal for cooler climatic zones.
Positives
Negatives
The Satellite system is the generic term used for a growing system that consists of multiple pots that each hold one plant. This system can be used with Perlite, Coco coir, Expanded Clay, Rockwool. or any other growing medium it is both suitable for recycling and run-to-waste systems. Undoubtedly it is the most versatile of all the systems if you need to add some plants, simply add new pots to the existing system. Need to remove a couple of plants that arnt quite looking the goods, simply remove their pots from the system; no decaying root matter left in a single system to create problems for the other plants.This versatility gives the satellite system the growing edge over other stems
Each unit of the satellite system consists of two pots; one of which is placed inside the other leaving a gap for air and water between the pots. The top pot, which holds the medium, has holes drilled in its base to a allow the nutrient to run into the lower pot.The lower pot has a runoff pipe which feeds back to the reservoir via 19mm hose.
Nutrient is fed via a line from the nutrient tank (approx 15 min of feed every 2 hours depending on medium) to the top pot. This then runs through the top pot, into the bottom pot and back to the reservoir via the 19mm hosing .
The satellite system is ideally suited for larger plants due to its ability to accommodate large root system
Positives
Negatives
The Flood and Drain or Ebb and Flow system is a recycling system that feeds nutrients to the plants from underneath. A Flood and Drain table is setup with two flow regulators, one of which is connected to a pump. The other is set to release the flow of nutrients at 45mm or thereabouts. A reservoir containing water/nutrients sits at one end of the table beneath the flow regulators. A pump in the reservoir feeds water/nutrients upwards into the table. The table floods to a height of approximately 45mm at which point it begins emptying water/nutrients back into the reservoir.
When the pump switches off the remaining water/nutrients drains back into the reservoir (via the pump line) completely emptying the table. This feed routine should occur for a total of 15 minutes every 2-3 hours.
Plants are placed in the system in net pots filled with expanded clay. The table itself is at least half filled with clay to ensure the root system has something to grow into. A light proof material is used to cover the entire top of the table. The lightproof material stops light from hitting the growing medium, eliminating the ability for algae to form on top of the medium. Holes are cut in the material to accommodate the net pots. As the roots grow they enter the growing medium (in the table), eventually forming a dense root mat across the bottom of the table.
Positives
Negatives
Run-to-waste is the term used for a hydroponics system where nutrients are not recycled (typically) use an inert medium that has similar fluid retention rates to that of soil. Run-to-waste mediums retain a high degree of moisture for an extended period. Because of this, feeds are smaller and not as frequent as feeds in a recycling system. In the run-to-waste system plants are given a regulated dose of water and nutrient at such a rate that a small amount of the water/nutrient (15-20%) drains from the medium. The excess water and nutrient is then allowed to drain into some form of catchment away from the reservoir. The waste is never fed to the plants again!
Because nutrients are not recycled there are some distinct advantages associated with the run to waste system
Coconut Coir is rapidly becoming the medium of choice for run-to-waste enthusiasts. Coconut coir holds eight to nine times its own weight in water and more air than premium brand rockwools.
In addition to this Coco coir, unlike rockwool, is bio-degradable which makes it perfect for the garden as a mulch. Beware however, not all Coco coir products are created equal. In fact, most are not suited for use in hydroponics due to high levels of sodium and other impurities. Because of this, where possible, purchase coir that has been presoaked and pre-buffered. Failing this the medium needs to be flushed with large amounts of water to remove sodium.
Coco coir has a very strong cation exchange ability.This means that the medium can hold and release nutrient elements according to:
Large amounts of potassium are naturally present in coco coir. Potassium competes with Calcium and Magnesium. For this reason, buffering and plant nutrition need to compensate for this.
For this reason there are several nutrients that are specifically formulated with coco coir’s unique characteristics in mind. By using a nutrient specifically formulated for the coir-based system, you are ensuring that your plants are receiving the best possible nutrition.
Different growing techniques will determine the optimum system configuration for the coco coir system. Smaller plants are best grown in a Libra Tray system with coir slabs or bricks.
Larger plants, because of their larger root systems, will be ideally suited. to growing in 15 — 30 litre pots. Even larger plants will require 50 — 100 litre pots. Many growers use a 40% Perlite, 60% Coco Coir mix in this system.
In either case either manual or automated watering can take place. Automated watering is highly recommended as this allows for many smaller feeds rather than one or two larger feeds done by hand.
We avoid recommending rigid feed regimes because different plants have their own set of unique characteristics. Suffice to say that feeding rates should be determined by the plant. A good way to ensure that the plant is getting what it needs is to allow for approximately 10% runoff from the overall nutrient delivered per feed (these feed rates can be increased to as much as 30% runoff to compensate for the buildup of salts in the media).
Let’s say you had 10 pots and you were delivering a litre per day to each pot; in this case you would ideally be getting 500 -1 000ml of runoff over the course of the day.
That is 10% of a litre = 100ml x 10 =1000.
You may like to increase this to as high as 15% – 20% runoff if you are using tap water with relatively high salt levels.
When you first put the plants in the system it is a good idea to hold back with feed rates. That is, keep the coir somewhat drier than what you would later on in the cycle. This is because it will force the roots to go off looking for food, ensuring that the root system establishes itself well in the early stages of growth. With this in mind you may want to start the feed regime at 60 – 100 ml per plant, per day. Use your discretion. If the plants begin wilting, in all likelihood they are not getting enough water/nutrient.
Automated irrigation of run-to-waste systems generally incorporate a digital timer (which can be set to 1 minute on/off intervals) with at least 6 on and off settings and a high-pressure pump that feeds through high-pressure line onto 30ml per minute drippers. This system ensures absolute control over the amount of water/nutrient that your plants receive.
Another method less commonly used is feeding from a standard water pump through 13ml line onto 4 ml lines with some form of flow regulator. Again, there is the need for a digital timer that allows for 1-minute settings. Using this system you can ideally bring feeds down to between 30 — 50 ml per minute.
Keep in mind here that run-to-waste mediums have high fluid retention rates so several smaller feeds throughout the duration of the day is the go.This is to maintain optimum oxygen/moisture ratio. Flow regulation is therefore critical.
Rockwool is used on a large scale in greenhouses. A growing number of hobby growers are using it also. Rockwool is clean, sterile and very light. The medium itself does not provide any nutrients. As a result, the grower is able to determine the exact level of nutrients for the plant. This increases the control over the growing process. Rockwool has a good water/oxygen ratio for the roots.
Method
Make holes in the plastic underside of the rockwool slab, ensuring that the lower end’s edge is cut to allow complete drainage. The Libra trays are on an angle to assist drainage. To enable this we allow for a 10mm difference between each side of the stand’s legs. Cut square holes in the plastic on top of the rockwool slab. Soak the slabs prior to use with a nutrient solution (EC: 1.4, pH: 5.3 — 5.5).
The rockwool slabs are placed in a Libra tray with a corrugated base that allows for runoff and airflow. Attach the drainage pipes to the end of the tray.The excess water can now run into an outlet via these pipes: Regularly check to see that the pipes are not blocked and that runoff can flow freely.Three to five 7.5cm propagation blocks can be placed on each rockwool slab where the square holes have been cut. Use three to five rockwool trays per 600 Watt lamp.The watering process for rockwool systems can be easily automated. In the early stages feed amounts should be regular but minimal to ensure a healthy root system. Once the plants begin to thrive increase feed amounts to achieve a desired runoff of 20%.
A drip-emitter is placed near each plant. The drip-emitters are connected to a capillary pipe, which in turn, is connected to a pump. The pump is controlled by an electronic timer that pumps water to the drip-emitters several times a day.The system can be easily expanded and can be made to fit into any growing area.
The Autopot is a hybrid of the run-to-waste system. In reality it is neither a recycling nor run-to- waste system. Instead nutrients are released to the plant/s via a gravity fed valve. Only when the entire amount of nutrient has been used does the valve release more nutrient. Through this system the plant is determining its own feed rates. Because of this there is absolutely no waste.
The key to this system is the Smart Valve. The Smart Valve is basically a float that doesn’t allow fluid through it until the reservoir that the valve is sitting in is completely empty. When this happens the valve reopens and allows more nutrient/water into the area where the pots are sitting.The plants then uptake the nutrient through a capillary action that occurs naturally in the growing medium. This process is called the Damping and Drying Out process.
This method of hydroponics is simplicity in itself. However, be aware that simplicity is not always the best thing. Our experience with the Autopot has determined several things.
On the other hand, this gravity fed system takes away the need for pumps and timers.
Disadvantages aside, the Autopot system tends to perform well and is ideally suited towards beginners and those of you who like to keep things as simple as possible.
We’ve covered a few of the different types of hydroponic systems. You may want to further investigate some of the other options yourself.
We always recommend the run-to-waste method of growing. After many years of experimentation with many different systems we have found that run-to-waste has the most advantages.
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