The drip hydroponic systems consist of
Installing a drip hydroponic system
To install a drip hydroponic system, you will need
- A tank, which will house the pump, air stone and nutrient solution.
- A water pump, an air pump and an air stone, to oxygenate the water and transfer it to the plants.
- Piping: you have to distribute the pump jet to each plant individually.
- Your plants in their medium. We recommend mediums that retain moisture well, such as rockwool or coconut fiber.
The process is very simple:
- Set up your reservoir, air pump, water pump and air stone
- Install the cups and plants
- Cut your piping according to your needs
- Install the tubing, then attach it to the pump.
- Pour the nutrient liquid into the tank.
- Test the flow of the pump. You can attach a timer if it is too strong.
- Start the pumps!
It is recommended to test the flow from each end beforehand: is it constant? Is it too strong? Not enough? This will be the main issue of your system.
You will recover the excess liquid in principle. However, be careful to check that the pH does not change too much.
Pros and cons of the drip system
Advantages of the drip system
The system allows high yields.
You can grow large plants, like zucchini or pumpkins.
You have a very precise control of the nutrient solution supply
Needs little
Disadvantages of the drip system
Pipes and nozzles can get clogged.
Like all active systems, if the pump stops working, your plants are deprived of water and nutrients and can quickly decline.
Requires more work at installation, to install the piping.
You have to manage the supply and its uniformity.