Hydroponics means “water works” in Latin. Growing cannabis in hydroponic systems means getting the plants to draw nutrients directly from the water. The pH of the water should be around 5.5 to 6.5. The pots are usually filled with beads that only serve to give the plant support. The nutrients are added to the water and absorbed through the plant's roots in the water. The water must be in constant motion to avoid tipping over and becoming oxygenated. Because the plant draws nutrients directly from the water and not from the soil, it requires less energy and can therefore grow faster.
Overview of Common Hydroponic Systems
DWC (Deep Water Culture)
DWC is a simple and effective hydroponic system. The principle is to hang the roots directly in the nutrient solution. Since the plants would die without oxygen at the roots, an aquarium air pump is taken to oxygenate the nutrient solution at the roots. [read more]
Drip irrigation
A good solution to save water and nutrients. Is often used in large outdoor farms. The nutrient solution is simply dripped continuously near the roots that grow in soil. This system is very quiet, which is a big advantage. See Blumats
Ebb and Flow
The nutrient solution is pumped to the pots and then flows back into the collecting bucket. The roots remain briefly dry. Then the water is pumped back to the pots.
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)
NFT is a "continuous flow system", the nutrient solution is in a container below or next to the plants and is slowly and steadily pumped into the channel in which the plants are standing. The channel is arranged so that it is higher on one side than on the other and on the lower side it ends into the nutrient solution container.
Wick System
In this system the plants are mostly in pots filled with soil. In the lower part of the pot is cotton, which is suspended from the pot in the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is continuously absorbed by the cotton and passed on to the roots.
