6 Types Of Hydroponics Systems Explained

There are six main types of hydroponic systems, each designed to tailor specific growing needs. Deep water culture (DWC) submerges plant roots in an aerated nutrient solution, making it ideal for fast-growing plants. The nutrient film technique (NFT) uses sloped channels for continuous nutrient flow, which is fantastic for commercial operations. Aeroponic systems are more advanced, consisting of misting nozzles for maximum nutrient absorption and rapid growth. Drip systems deliver precise nutrients via individual emitters, supporting larger plants. Flood and drain systems periodically flood growing beds with nutrients. Finally, the wick system, the simplest method, uses passive nutrient delivery, great for small plants and beginner growers. 

Recently, hydroponics has revolutionized the way we grow plants. This soil-free cultivation method is becoming increasingly popular with both commercial growers and hobbyist gardeners as it offers faster growth rates and higher plant yields, while only taking up a small amount of space. 

But what exactly is hydroponics, why have they gained tremendous popularity, and what are the different types of hydroponics? 

The Basics Of Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method for growing plants without soil. Instead, it uses a nutrient-rich water solution that provides all the essential nutrients for optimal growth. This means that the plant roots do not have to search for nutrients in the soil, as they have direct access to a perfectly balanced solution. Hydroponics also allows the plants to be supported by alternative mediums such as clay pellets, peat moss, rockwool, or perlite.

The key to being a successful hydroponic grower is found in maintaining precise control over the environmental conditions and nutrient levels in the hydroponic system. This is why it is essential to be prepared with quality monitoring equipment such as accurate pH sensors, dissolved oxygen probes, and electrical conductivity (EC) meters. Monitoring the hydroponic system ensures that your plants receive optimal growing conditions 24/7.

The Benefits Of Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponic systems have many benefits over traditional soil-based farming. The biggest benefit is significantly higher crop yields. As plants receive optimized nutrition directly to their roots, they can grow approximately 30-50% faster than in soil, plus they can produce much more in a smaller space. For example, hydroponic lettuce can grow up to 10 times more per square foot than lettuce grown in soil. 

Water efficiency is also another major advantage, and water scarcity is affecting four billion people worldwide (that’s almost ⅔ of the world’s population!). Hydroponics use up to 90% less water than traditional farming as the water is recirculated instead of being lost to soil absorption and evaporation. This makes hydroponic systems invaluable in water-scarce areas. 

These are just two of the benefits of hydroponics, we have more information on unearthing the benefits of hydroponics here. 

What Are The Main Types Of Hydroponic Systems?

There are six main types of hydroponic systems, each with unique advantages and challenges. You should always select a system that focuses on your growth goal. 

1. Deep Water Culture

Deep water culture, known as DWC, is one of the purest type of hydroponics. A DWC system suspends plants in net pots above a reservoir of nutrient solution. The plant roots remain fully immersed in the oxygenated water, continuously aerated by air stones connected to an air pump.

Pros:

• Simple to set up 
• Easy to maintain
• Cost-effective
• Fantastic for fast-growing plants
• Perfect oxygen exposure for roots

Cons:

• It requires consistent water temperature monitoring 
• Not recommended for larger plants 
• More susceptible to power outages which can affect the air pumps

System Specifics

• Reservoir Depth: Typically 6-12 inches
• Air Stone Requirements: 1 large (or multiple smaller stones) per 10 gallons of water
• Temperature: 65-75 °F
• Net Pot Size: Small plants – 2-3 inches, larger plants – 5-6 inches

Ideal Plants for DWC Hydroponic Systems

• Herbs: Cilantro, oregano, mint, parsley
• Compact Fruiting Plants: Small peppers (a support system is needed when growing these), cherry tomatoes
• Leafy Greens: Kale, lettuce, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard 
• Asian Greens: Water spinach, bok choy, Chinese cabbage

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Fast-growing leafy green plants benefit from DWC systems as they have constant nutrient access
• Herbs in DWC systems quickly develop large root systems
• Small fruiting plants can easily be supported without massively modifying the whole hydroponic system

2. Nutrient Film Technique

Nutrient film technique (NFT) systems use sloped channels to create a continuous flow of nutrients. The plant roots are partially suspended in a thin film of solution. NFT systems are extremely popular in commercial hydroponic operations because of their scalability.

Pros:

• Good oxygen exposure for roots
• Excellent for commercial scaling
• Maintenance is easy once everything is set up
• Highly efficient water and nutrient use

Cons:

• The initial setup is complex 
• Limited to smaller plants – larger plants may be used if additional support is provided
• Dependent on pump operation 

System Specifics

• Channel Slope: 1:30 – 1:40 
• Flow Rate: 1-2L per minute
• Channel Length: 10-12ft
• Channel Spacing: 6-8 inches for leaf green plants, 10-12 inches for larger plants

Ideal Plants for NFT Hydroponic Systems

• Small Herbs: Oregano, thyme, sage, marjoram
• Compact Greens: Radicchio, endive, all lettuce types
• Leafy Aromatics: Cilantro, dill, basil
• Strawberries
• Compact Brassicas: Small varieties of kale, mustard greens

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Shallow root systems work well with thin nutrient films
• Lightweight plants don’t put pressure on the channel supports
• Fast-growing varieties maximize system efficiency

Aeroponic Systems

Aeroponic systems are the highest-tech system in the hydroponic world. Inside this type of hydroponic system, plant roots are suspended in dark chambers while specialized misting nozzles spray a fine nutrient solution.

Pros:

• Excellent oxygen exposure
• Most water-efficient hydroponic method
• Fast growth rates (3x faster than soil methods)
• Maximum nutrient absorption

Cons:

• Higher initial setup cost
• Requires a reliable power supply
• Maintenance is more complex
• Nozzle clogging can be problematic

System Specifics

• Misting Intervals: 5-10 seconds every 2-3 minutes
• Droplet Size: >50 microns
• Root Zone Temperature: 65-75 °F
• Chamber Humidity: 95-100%

Ideal Plants for Aeroponic Hydroponic Systems

• High-Value Crops: Specialty lettuce varieties, medical herbs
• Fruiting Vegetables: Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes
• Leafy Greens: Kale, lettuce, spinach
• Root Crops: Carrots (only in specialized systems), radishes
• Vining Plants: Pole beans, cucumbers

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Fast-growing plants benefit from optimal nutrient absorption
• Plants with extensive root systems thrive without the need for constant misting
• High-value crops/herbs justify the initial setup cost

4. Drip Systems

Drip hydroponic systems deliver precise nutrient delivery via a network of individual emitters, allowing high adaptability for larger-scale growing operations. Each plant in the drip system receives nutrients through dedicated drip lines, which release the nutrient solution directly to the growing medium at controlled rates.

Pros:

• Can support larger plants
• Excellent for large operations
• Efficient nutrient delivery 
• Highly customizable allowing you to grow different plants

Cons:

• More complex to set up
• Requires regular maintenance
• Higher initial costs
• Individual emitters need monitoring

System Specifics

• Feeding Schedule: 2-15 minutes every 1-2 hours during light period
• Emitter Flow Rates: 0.5-2 GPH dependent on the plant size
• Growing Medium: Rockwood, perlite, or coco coir
• Container Size: 1-5 gallons dependent on the plant size

Ideal Plants for Drip Hydroponic Systems

• Larger Herbs: Lavender, rosemary, sage
• Large Fruiting Plants: Peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes
• Vining Crops: Squash, melons, pumpkins
• Tree Seedlings: For nursery operations
• Cannabis: Commercial and medical operations

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Flexible spacing allows different plant sizes
• Customizable feeding schedules suit different plant growth stages
• Strong support systems allow for larger plants to be grown

5. Flood & Drain Systems 

Flood and drain hydroponic systems, also known as ebb and flow, operate on a straightforward yet very effective concept of periodic flooding and draining of the growing bed. In flood and drain systems, plants are placed in a growing bed and filled with media. Periodically, the bed floods with the nutrient solution before draining back into the reservoir.

This cyclical flooding and draining action creates a perfect environment for root development by providing both essential nutrients and optimal oxygenation during the drain cycles. 

NOTE: It is essential to monitor the root zone temperature. At Atlas Scientific, our humidity sensors are crucial for preventing mold and maintaining optimal growing conditions for plants. 

Pros:

• Efficient nutrient delivery
• Good oxygen exposure during drain cycles
• Versatile for different plant types
• Works well with different growing media

Cons:

• It relies on timer and pump reliability
• Sometimes less efficient with water usage
• Regular maintenance is needed
• Potential for root disease if drainage is poor

System Specifics

• Bed Depth: 6-8 inches (for most applications)
• Flood Duration: 10-15 minutes
• Flood Frequency: 4-6 times during light period
• Growing Medium: Vermiculite mix, clay pellets, or perlite

Ideal Plants for Flood & Drain Hydroponic Systems

• Root Vegetables: Radishes, carrots, beets
• Medium-Sized Vegetables: Compact tomatoes, bush beans
• Ornamental Plants: Houseplants, small flowers
• Microgreens: Commercial production
• Mixed Herb Gardens: You can grow multiple varieties in one system 

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Root vegetables benefit from loose growing mediums
• You can grow multiple plant types in the same bed
• Regular flooding and draining cycles suit different growth patterns

6. Wick System

The wick system stands out as the simplest soil-less growing method, operating entirely through passive capillary action without any electrical components or moving parts. In the wick hydroponic system, plants grow in containers filled with perlite mix or vermiculite while the wicks draw the nutrient solution up from the reservoir below, much like how a candle draws up wax.

If you are a beginner, wick systems offer an inexpensive entry point into hydroponics!

Pros:

• No electricity is needed
• There are no moving components
• Requires very low maintenance
• A fantastic option for beginners
• Inexpensive setup

Cons:

• Slower growth than other hydroponic systems
• Can cause salt buildup
• Nutrient delivery is less efficient 
• Limited to growing smaller plants

System Specifics

• Growing Medium: Perlite mix or vermiculite
• Wick Number: 2-4 per plant depending on its size
• Wick Material: Cotton cord or nylon rope
• Container Depth: 4-6 inches (most applications)

Ideal Plants for Wick Hydroponic Systems

• Small Herbs: Mint, thyme, chives
• Classroom Projects: Educational demonstrations
• Small Leafy Greens: Arugula, baby lettuce
• Low-Feeding Plants: Peace lilies, African violets

Why Do These Plants Work Well?

• Small size complements passive nutrient delivery
• Low water and nutrient requirements match the system’s capacity
• Slow, steady growth suits the wicking action

What Hydroponic System Is Best For Me?

When selecting which type of hydroponic system is best for you, you should consider:

1. What space is available? Some hydroponic systems require a horizontal area, while others work best in a vertical space. 
2. What are your growing goals? If you are a hobbyist grower, your system will very likely be different from commercial plant production setups. 
3. How much time can you dedicate? System maintenance takes time, so always select a system that works within your schedule. 
4. How much do you want to spend? When budgeting for hydroponic systems, consider both the initial setup costs and how much it is estimated to cost you for ongoing operational expenses. 
5. What plants do you want to grow? Check that your chosen hydroponic system suits the crops you intend to grow.

The Importance Of Monitoring And Controlling Hydroponic Systems

Whichever type of hydroponic system you choose, being successful and operating a system at peak efficiency lies in proper plant and hydroponic maintenance. At Atlas Scientific, we offer a wide range of monitoring solutions to make your life easier:

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• For optimal nutrient absorption, frequently monitor the pH levels using a high-quality pH sensor and adjust the pH when needed
• For proper nutrient concentration, keep track of EC levels using an electrical conductivity meter
• For healthy root development, measure the dissolved oxygen content 
• Temperature plays a large part in plant growth, so be prepared with an accurate and reliable temperature sensor

Summing Up, Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponics is an interesting method, with each hydroponic system having its advantages and disadvantages. While simpler hydroponic systems such as wick and deep water culture are fantastic for beginners, there are more complex systems such as NFT and aeroponics more suited for experts/professionals. Regardless of which hydroponic system you decide, it is key to properly maintain it through careful monitoring and control.

If you are new to hydroponics and would like to know more about the different types of hydroponic systems or if you would like to learn more about our range of professional-grade sensors, contact our expert team at Atlas Scientific for personalized advice – we’re here to help!