Two Main Types of Hydroponic Systems

The Best Hydroponic System

Now more and more individuals are growing their crops with the use of hydroponic systems, and with good reason. The growth rate of hydroponic crops is 30 to 50 % quicker than traditional soil based plants, developed under identical conditions. Generally, hydroponic crops are far healthier since the needed nutrients for optimum plant growth are fed straight to their root system. The plants don't have to search hard beneath the soil for the nutrients they need, permitting them to preserve their energy for healthier and quicker development and higher yields.

If you are ready to personally explore the perks of hydroponic gardening, there are two basic kinds of systems that you can use, the recirculating and run to waste system.

Recirculating System

The recirculating or recovery systems drive the nutrients and water from the main tank to the root system of the plants. The unused nutrients are returned to the tank which is used for another cycle. You can have either a recirculating system without a medium or with a medium. Among the most popular recirculating system without a medium is NFT or aeroponics, while the prevalent growing media for recovery systems are perlite, rockwool and expanded clay. These kinds of systems are very popular among hydroponic farmers because they are a lot more affordable than the run to waste systems.

On the other hand, the use of recovery systems also has its disadvantages. Because these systems use cycled nutrients instead of fresh and new batch of nutrient solution, it is imperative to regular examine and correct pH and EC levels. This augments the amount of time you will have to spend in the grow room. If you neglect to keep an eye on the appropriate pH and EC levels, the system can get unstable. Another possible threat that you may experience with recirculating systems is the quick spread of infectious diseases such as root rot which can easily be passed on from plant to plant because of the re-circulation of contaminated water and nutrient solution.

Run to Waste/Non-recovery System

In the non-recovery or run to waste system, water and nutrients are supplied from the tank, to the plant roots, down to the bottom of the pot and straight right to the ground, waste basket or catchment dish. Excess nutrients and water are disposed and never re-circulated. The wick system is a great example of the run to waste variety of hydroponic system. Despite the fact, it is more expensive to sustain than recovery type, the run to waste system offers more stable levels of pH and EC. And in case some of your plants acquire root illness, there are less possibilities of cross contamination simply because the nutrient solution is never reused.

According to Mike Biggs, founder of CX Hydroponics, "There are several variations of both kinds of systems in the market. However, the success of any of these systems is down to the management of it. It is a great idea to acquire a basic awareness of hydroponics and what these systems are expected to do before you start growing."

If you are looking for the best hydroponics system and supplies, simply go to www.cxhydroponics.net.