How to Build a Wick System


Of all the different hydroponic systems the wick system is by far the simplest and also the most reliable as there are no moving parts. The wick system is more suitable for the beginner hydroponic grower.

The way in which the wick system works is by placing one end of the wicks (absorbent material) in the plant tray and the other end of them into the reservoir. The water and nutrients are then soaked into the wicks and then move up the wick and into the plants roots.

However having said that it isn't the most effective way to grow plants hydroponically. A couple of issues that could arise are:

  • If you have large plants, since they require more water, they may use up the nutrient solution faster than the wicks can supply

  • The system tends to keep the growing medium too moist, which prevents the right amount of oxygen getting to the root system

Wick
The main part of the wick system which can be made from long pieces of cotton cloth. Make sure they are long enough so it can be suspended from the root system down to the reservoir.

Reservoir
The importance of a reservoir is obvious as it holds the water 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.

Growing medium
Growing medium such as clay pebbles, coconut fibers or rockwool needs to be placed in the growing tray. The growing medium will not only hold down the plant, but will provide a healthier environment for the plant to grow in.

Structure
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.

Please note, the materials mentioned above describe what you will need to build an advanced wick system. Although the fundamentals are the same with even a basic wick system, don't feel that you cannot use less extravagant materials from around the house, because you definitely can if you wish to. For example, instead of using a huge container as a reservoir you could just use a bucket and instead of using a plant tray, you could use a smaller bucket or pot and place it inside the "reservoir bucket" while ensuring it doesn't go all the way down.

Now that you know the materials needed, follow the simple guide below and you'll have your own wick system built in no time.

  1. Set up your structure

  2. Fill your plant tray with the growing medium

  3. Place the containers (which are holding the plants) in the plant tray

  4. Fill your reservoir with the nutrient solution while making sure the level is just below the plant tray

  5. Place the reservoir in the bottom section of your structure while ensuring it's situated directly below the plant tray

  6. Drill 3 holes in the bottom of your plant tray

  7. Insert one wick per hole so the top ends are touching the growing medium while the other ends of the wicks are through the bottom of the plant tray holes and down to the reservoir solution.

  8. If growing from scratch, place your seeds in the growing medium and make sure the top ends of the wicks are touching the seeds.

  9. Congratulations on building your own wick system!