There are a variety of different hydroponic grow system available; however there are only a select few systems that the others are based upon. These hydroponic systems are:
Wick
This hydroponic grow system does not require an aquarium air pump as it uses a common candle wick. It uses these wicks to move the water soluble rich nutritional solution from the clay pellets or even lava chips to the plant roots. This hydroponic grow system is the most inexpensive route, but it can become unhealthy for the plants as they become too wet. This is the major drawback and tends to produce less surviving plants, in the long run.
Ebb and Flow
This indoor gardening system is also known as the Flood and Drain system. It is an indoor growing system that requires an aquarium air pump to push the rich water soluble nutrients to the plant roots where low oxygen contained air is constantly changed air rich in high density oxygen. The pump for this system remains active for roughly 15 minutes, until the high nutrition water soluble fluid reaches the required level. When this happens, the drainage tube drains the excess fluids back into the holding tank. As this indoor gardening system required low maintenance so this is a great pick for the beginner hydroponics hobbyist.
Continuous Drip
As another good beginner system, this hydroponics active system may be used for both, a recover / non-recovery depending on whether or not a tray is used underneath to collect and recycle the nutrient solution. It is considered as an active system due to the usage of a pump to push the solution to the nutrient lines that thread through each plant, connecting them for supplying proper balanced nutrition. To stabilize the plant, a growing medium, like rockwool, is used.
Nutrient Film Technique
This indoor growing hydroponics system is a recovery system that requires the help of gravity, through the means of slanted grow tubes which take the rich nutrient fluid back into the unit. These growing tubes allow the plant roots to be exposed to the nutrient solution which makes this system less forgiving. The reason being is that the plant roots are totally dependent on the continual flow of the nutrients for sustaining plants. This system required higher maintenance and more technical knowledge.
Aeroponic
In this hydroponics system the roots of the plants are continuously misted with nutrient solution. Roots are suspended in midair and receive air constantly. The nutrient mist consists of 20% oxygen, which allows the plan to access a maximum amount of oxygen possible which results in tremendous growth of the plant. As far as hydroponic systems goes, this one is not for the beginner as it’s better suited for the advanced gardener.
There are a variety of hydroponic systems available, however when you’re choosing one it’s best to do your research and know exactly what you want before buying one.
Related Articles
Why You Can Use Hydroponic Grow System
By: Anne Harvester | 19/05/2008 | Gardening
The innovative hydroponic system of growing plants, without the use of soil or compost but using only water soluble organic nutrients definitely makes it a very popular hobby. More and more people want a home hydroponic system, but learning about the best method is important.
Growing Indoors is a Full Time Job
By: Anne Harvester | 19/05/2008 | Gardening
Hydroponics gardening is a type of indoor gardening where plants are grown in a method other than top-soil. Usually, this refers to allowing the plant roots to suspend in a tray of water that is concentrated with nutrient solution. This allows the plants to absorb the necessary nutrients required for optimum growth. Due to this, hydroponics gardening tends to use the nutrients more efficiently and produce superior blossoms and yields.
Guide to Growing Indoors
By: Anne Harvester | 20/05/2008 | Gardening
Thanks to the help of new technology there is a large selection of hydroponic supplies available on the market today.
Invaluable Safety Tips for Your Hydroponic Grow Lights
By: Michael Straumietis | 17/05/2008 | Gardening
Hydroponic systems for growing your own fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables require several key things: nutrients, a pump to circulate the nutrients, growing trays and pots for the plants to be held in, and some sort of grow media. Indoor systems also require an efficient light source and good ventilation. Often overlooked, lighting makes the difference between good results and superb results!
Hydroponics - Why Not Start Your Own Hydroponic Garden?
By: Susan Fielding | 29/01/2007 | Gardening
Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants in a nutrient rich solution rather than in soil. It involves growing plants inside without using real sunlight. The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words, meaning "water working".
If you enjoy gardening, but have limiting factors such as very little gardening space, problems with...
Hydroponics Kits Simplify the Process of Hydroponic Gardening
By: Susan Slobac | 17/03/2008 | Gardening
The best advantage to hydroponic kits is that they take all the guesswork out of growing indoors, because all of the major components are included.
Indoor Gardening Supplies Overcome Weather and Soil Conditions
By: Susan Slobac | 18/03/2008 | Gardening
There are basic indoor gardening supplies common to every style of indoor gardening, including hydroponic systems.
Ventilation for Indoor Gardens
By: Susan Slobac | 01/04/2008 | Gardening
Learn about some of the different options for indoor ventilation that are used to deliver an abundant supply of fresh air to your garden.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Animal deterrant with cinnamaldehyde??
By: tobedreamin | 08-07-2008
Are there any products with cinnamaldehyde in them that can be used around your home as a cat and dog deterant? My mother has a small garden and all the cats are using it as there litter box.
First time using garden pest control products
By: flibrtjibt | 07-07-2008
After discovering that the Japanese Beetles were in my garden this weekend - I sprayed some Triazacide I bought last year (and didn't have to use). It was easy enough- hooked up to the hose and all...but the instructions were no longer readable...So- having not used it, or any major pesticides, before- My question is when, if ever, is the garden safe for my toddler and cocker spaniel again?? I have been scared to even cut the flowers and bring them inside since spraying. Anyone have the story on this stuff???
Garden
By: tumbleweed | 06-07-2008
During the hot dry days, do you have any suggestions for keeping your garden watered?
Sweet bay magnolia
By: robi | 06-07-2008
How do you trim a sweet bay magnolia? It is getting entirely too big.
How to kill wisteria
By: HEJ | 06-07-2008
I have wisteria vines throughout my yard. I also own dogs. I am looking for a way to kill these vines without using poison
Beginner Gardener
By: Rosie | 05-07-2008
I just bought a bougenvalia plant and I need to know whether they like direct sunlight, morning sunlight, etc. I am a beginner and could any all advice possible. Might as well ask about the hibiscus plants I bought too. The vendor told me they like morning sun, afternoon shade. Any other hints would be appreciated.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Gardening Articles
Companion Planting is an Important Part of Gardening
By: james ellison | 19/07/2008
Companion planting is the process of placing particular vegetables,flowers and herbs near by other types of plants that will help keep safe from pests, diseases and fungus. This action also helps each plant to produce maximum flavor of vegetables and its blooms on flowers.
Important Organic Gardening Tips You Need To Know
By: Scott Goodman | 19/07/2008
Organic gardening is just like regular gardening with the only major difference being that there are no pesticides and other chemicals used in the process. If there are any sorts of products used in organic gardening they are all natural and gentle, and safe to use.
Best Gardening Tips: Pests on Houseplants
By: Scott Goodman | 19/07/2008
No matter what your problem is there will be appropriate gardening tips to assist you and act as a solution, but of all these different tips there are a few in particular that you will find useful.
Where Do I Go For Gardening Help
By: Scott Goodman | 19/07/2008
Whether you are a seasoned gardener who has been at it for years or a newcomer to the hobby, we all need a bit of gardening help now and again. Whether this refers to getting a few gardening tips or actually having a professional gardener there who is going to be able to show you the ropes, it is important to know about where you can go to get gardening help if you ever need it.
Four Tips For A Thicker Lawn
By: Al Haneson | 18/07/2008
Follow these tips to help your lawn grow thicker in just one year.
All Garden Tools Are Not Created Equal
By: Vera Pappas | 17/07/2008
Tools, all gardeners need them, but which tools to buy? What tools will I really use? A good quality tool will get much more use and will last much longer, than a tool you bought just because it was on sale.
The following is a list of Garden Tools all gardeners...
Hydroponics Nutrients
By: Jovan Gomez | 17/07/2008
Get basic tips in choosing nutrient solution for plants raised in hydroponic gardening and why is it important to have the right nutrient solution. Also provided, for your knowledge, are some guidelines in mixing nutrient solution for hydroponic plant.
How to Maintain Your Pool Without the Hassles of Paying Too Much
By: Andrew Beene | 17/07/2008
Regular Pool maintenance CA should never be missed. Whether you personally own a Pool or a resort, you should always make sure that you maintain it clean and bacteria-free. You need not worry about the price. There are many ways, which allows you to have a very clean Pool without getting your pockets drained.
More from Anne Harvester
The Benefits of Shea Butter
By: Anne Harvester | 22/06/2008 | Skin Care
Despite its name, shea butter is not true dairy butter, nor is there any such animal known as the shea that gives shea milk. However, it looks like and has the consistency and look of dairy butter, and has been used in the preparation of fried foods in West Africa for many centuries.
Save yourself and the Planet With Safe Personal Care Products
By: Anne Harvester | 21/06/2008 | Wellness
If you’ve never enjoyed the benefits of using safe personal care products before, there’s no time like the present to make the switch. Using safe cosmetics, chemical free shampoos and other natural skin products will not only make you look better, you’ll feel better as well.
Put the Fun Back in Your Relationship With Trashy Lingerie!
By: Anne Harvester | 19/06/2008 | Clothing
Plus size lingerie will set off your full figure in trashy wonderful style. Why not try on a vinyl fishnet baby doll for a glamor look, or experiment with a leather chastity thong for raising the trash level to a new high in fun. How about a plus size lingerie lace-up corset, a vinyl school girl skirt or a cupless mini dress to show off all your voluptuous curves?
Protect yourself With Natural Skin Care Products
By: Anne Harvester | 17/06/2008 | Skin Care
Sensitive skincare is necessary to help ward off the ravages of the sun, the weather, environmental toxins and not the least of all, aging. However, there is a bewildering variety of natural skin care products on the market - how does one choose?
Sheer Lingerie for Sexy Nights!
By: Anne Harvester | 17/06/2008 | Clothing
One classic style of sheer lingerie is the teddy. Teddies come in a wide variety of styles, such as deep V-neck or halter styles, and are decorated in a plethora of ways, including floral embroidery, rings, lace, satin and keyholes. For the adventurous, open bust teddies are available. Some teddies can be worn on their own, or you could wear them under a jacket or blouse for a sexy glimpse of lace under your clothing.
All About Glycerin Soap
By: Anne Harvester | 16/06/2008 | Skin Care
Glycerin soap is one of many safe personal care products that may be more appropriate for people with sensitive and/or delicate skin. In an increasingly toxic environment, more and more of us are finding our resistance strained to its limits.
Stay Healthy With Organic Teas
By: Anne Harvester | 15/06/2008 | Tea
Part of tea-related traditions include tea accessories such as tea pots, tea warmers and platters. If you are purchasing organic loose teas, you’ll definitely need tea balls, as bulk tea comes loose – there are no tea bags.
Add a Little Spice to Your Romance With Sexy Lingerie!
By: Anne Harvester | 15/06/2008 | Fashion
Add the polishing touch to your adult lingerie outfit by using fun accessories to set off the look. For instance, a deep V-neckline can be accentuated with an appropriate drape necklace crafted from shimmery rhinestones.
Home and Family 
