Building Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems
Ebb and flow hydroponic system is also known as flood and drain system. It is one the most popular hydroponic systems for the fact that it is simple and easy to use. You can easily build an Ebb and Flow system yourself under the budget of US$100. Ebb and flow hydroponic system is most ideal for growing plants smaller than 24 inches tall.
Concept of Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System
A reservoir filled with hydroponic nutrients and water is placed under a growing tray. The growing tray holds the plants pots, which are filled with growing mediums like rockwool, perlite, clay pebbles, or coconut fiber. The plants are flooded with hydroponic nutrients and water on the timed schedule by using a pump and a timer. When the timer is off, the nutrient solution is slowly drained back to the reservoir providing oxygen to the root system of the plant. To prevent overflow of hydroponic nutrients, an overflow drain is usually installed to adjust the maximum height for filling the nutrients.
Things you need to build an Ebb and Flow hydroponic system
1. Hydroponic tray
Plastic tray is more preferable as it is lighter and more durable to hold up the plants, growing mediums and nutrient solution. Take note that light should not shine through the tray in order to protect the roots system. The tray must be able to drain thoroughly to prevent root rot and mold problems due to standing water pools.
2. Growing medium
You can basically use any growing medium in an Ebb and Flow system. Though grow rocks or clay pebbles are more effective as this type growing mediums does not hold lots of water.
3. Support system
You will need a support system to hold the growing tray above the reservoir. The support system used must be strong and sturdy to bear the weight of your plants, growing mediums, and nutrient solution. You can use table, sawhorses, or milk crate as the support system in your Ebb and flow hydroponic system.
4. Plant pots
You can use almost any plastic pot as long as it has a hole at the bottom to allow the fill and drain of hydroponic nutrients.
5. Reservoir
Large plastic container works best as reservoir as it does not rust over time. Make sure the container is light proof to prevent algae growth problem.
6. Water pump
For a small scale setup, using an aquarium pump is adequate.
7. Drains
Basically there are 2 types of drain required in an Ebb and flow system. One for the filling and draining of the water from reservoir. Another drain is for controlling the overflow where you can adjust the maximum water level for your hydroponic system.
8. Timer
You can use any timer that allows the adjustment for an interval of 15 minutes or 30 minutes.
9. Flexible Tubing
Flexible tubing is required to connect the pump to your growing tray. Make sure you use non-transparent type of tubing to prevent algae growth.
Watch this video to learn how to build Hydroponic Ebb and Flow System easily.
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