Flood-Drain (Ebb and Flow) System

Another low-maintenance hydroponic system is the reservoir (or ebb and flow) system. The growing medium is placed directly into a pan filled with water and nutrients. The pan just needs to be filled every few days and your system will run smoothly on its own. The plant's roots will be able to spread out throughout the pan and receive a great deal of oxygen from the water.

In the flood and drain method, the plants sit in their own container separate from the nutrient reservoir. From time to time, a pump will kick on. The nutrient solution from the reservoir floods the upper container for a while, soaking the plant roots and the grow medium. The pumps than turn off, and the solution drains back into the reservoir.

Your choice of grow media determines how often and how long you flood the container for. Fast draining, clay pellets may be flooded for a half hour 4 times a day, while the slower draining rockwool can be watered less. This system is also well suited for growing in straight perlite or lava chips.

The parts and function of this hydroponics growing system are pretty basic, making it another good option for a homemade hydroponics system. With a good water pump, you can also use this method for organic hydroponics. It is always a good idea to have a filter before the pump in any system.