Ebb and Flow HydroponicsUsing the ebb and flow hydroponics method, plants are grown in small pots or Rockwool blocks and filled with a nutrient solution. The system works best for plants smaller than 2 feet high. The liquid nutrients are stored in a tank and pumped to the tray via a submersible pump.
A timer connected to the pump controls turning it off and on several times each day. How often the pump automatically turns on depends upon the types and size of the plants grown, type of growing medium used, the humidity and temperature. The idea is to keep the growing media continually moist. When the pump turns off, solution flows out of the pump back down the drain fitting. The overflow regulates the solution amount flowing into the tray to prevent overflowing. Steps to Building Hydroponics Ebb and Flow First step: Gather materials needed: * Pump * Grow tray * Tank * Fill/Drain fitting overflow kit * Tubing * Timer The pump needs to be strong enough to lift water up to the tray. If the device is rated at two feet of head, which means how high, it pumps. Some pumps are measured by pounds per square inch or PSI. On average, you need a pump with a rating double the height of the water you want lifted. If necessary, the overflow fitting can be extended with 3/4 inch PVC pipe. Second step: Test before filling the tray with plants that it only is filled to around 80 percent. You don’t want the water to overflow and tip the plants over. Third step: It is a good idea to purchase a pH test kit and adjust the pH level. Add the preferred nutrient solution. Use 1.4 inch Rockwool cubes to start seeds in a small tray and it‘s all ashore, that‘s going ashore! Pros of Ebb and Flow Hydroponics The Ebb & Flow is a reliable system that can be used with a variety of growing mediums. The grow tray can be filled with gravel, rocks, or Rockwool. Many people like to use individual pots, making it more convenient to move plants around. Ebb and flow is one of the most versatile and easy to manage hydroponics systems. This creative way of growing plants has become incredibly popular over the last few years. If you are concerned with buying produce that has been doused in pesticides, this growing method is one you should definitely consider for organically grown food. Cons of Ebb and Flow Hydroponics The main disadvantage of this type of system is the plants are vulnerable to timer and pump failures as well as power outages. This can cause damage because the roots can dry out quickly if a watering cycle is suddenly interrupted. Avoid the chance of this happening by using a growing media that retains moisture like a quality soil less mix, vermiculite, Rockwool, or coconut fiber. When cultivating your own vegetables, you decide whether to use insecticide, grow indoors, outside in a garden, or in a simple nutrient solution grown with the Ebb and Flow hydroponics where only organic products are used.
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