How to Build Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System


The ebb and flow system is one of the more easier to build hydroponic systems and requires less work to maintain. The ease of building and maintaining this system makes it the perfect choice for anyone starting out in hydroponics, yet it's still suitable for the more advanced hydroponic gardener.

The way in which the ebb and flow system works is by having a reservoir containing water and nutrient solution placed below a growing tray. The tray holds the plants as well as growing supplements like grow rocks, clay pebbles or rockwool. The water from the reservoir is then pumped into the growing tray, held there and then released back into the reservoir. A timer controls the pumping process, which shuts off at a specific time – releases the water back into the reservoir and then will re-pumps the water back into the plant tray depending on the timer settings that have been set. An overflow drain is also used to control the level in which the water rises and to prevent any overflowing or flooding occurring.

If you think the ebb and flow system is something that can help your hydroponic gardening, then read on and you will discover a simple guide in building your own ebb and flow system.


Reservoir
The importance of a reservoir is obvious as it holds the nutrient based water, which is needed to grow your plants. Any large container will be suffice but try and use a plastic container as apposed to a metal one as it will start to rust and could cause nutrient problems.

Growing tray
Remember to place the growing tray above the reservoir so the water will go back down into the reservoir. It's highly recommended you test out the tray in the beginning to ensure that the tray completely drains the water.

Flood and drain fittings
You will need to connect flood and drain fittings to each growing tray you are using. Two drains are needed, one will be used to pump water down to your reservoir and the other will be your overflow drain. The drain pipe will allow the water to go back down the same path in which it came up. You need to make sure that the overflow drain is draining as much water as the pump is producing. The overflow drain serves an important purpose, which is to prevent any water being held in the plant area.

Supports
As the plant tray will need to be situated above the reservoir you will need some type of structure. You could use a table or even build your own structure, just keep in mind the weight of the water and plant tray, you will need to use something quite strong.

Water Pump
Depending on the size of your setup, a simple aquarium pump should be enough to power the whole process.

Timer
The timer you use doesn't have to be a costly state of the art device. A 24-hour timer that allows you 15 to 30 minute periods will be fine.

Tubing
To connect your water pump to the tray you will need some flexible tubing. It's recommended that you don't use transparent tubing as algae can build up and clog the tube.

Plant Containers
Nearly any type of plastic pot will do, however make certain that they have holes on the bottom for the water to fill up and then drain.

Growing Supplement
A growing supplement (also know as growing medium) is needed to obviously help the growth in your plants. As previously mentioned, clay pebbles, coconut fibers or rockwool are all suitable.

Now that you know how effective it's to grow your plants using the ebb and flow hydroponic system and the materials needed, the following are easy to follow steps so you can build your own ebb and flow system:

  1. The first thing to do is build a structure which will hold your tray. Make sure it's strong enough and that there is sufficient room below to place the reservoir

  2. Install the overflow and drain fittings into the tray

  3. Place the tray on the structure while making sure the overflow and drain fittings are situated over the reservoir

  4. Connect the pump to the fitting using the flexible tubing

  5. Connect the pump to the timer

  6. Fill the reservoir with water and test out the system. Look out for any leaks and of course make sure the drain drains the water back into the reservoir.

  7. Place your plants into the containers

  8. Add growing supplement to the tray

  9. Add nutrient solution to the reservoir

  10. Congratulations on building your own ebb and flow system!