How do Hydroponic Systems Work?

Growing with hydroponics is the art of gardening without a medium (soil). Also known as growing in a soilless medium. Hydroponics comes from latin, the word meaning ‘working water’. In the absence of soil, water gets to work on providing direct nutrients, oxygen and hydration to the roots and plant. From watermelons to high value crops, most plants absolutely flourish when using the superior form of cultivation; hydroponic systems.

Free Up Space Using a Hydroponic Systems

Using hydroponic systems allows you to free up more space in your growing area and use 90% less water than traditional agriculture methods. The ingenious design of hydroponic systems, like the MEGAPot gravity fed system, enables growers to reach higher yields with beautiful fruits and flowers in half of the time.

The History of Hydroponic Systems

The technology used in hydroponic systems is modern and cutting-edge. The history of hydroponics dates far back to the infamous Hanging Gardens of Babylon, known as one of the seven wonders of the world. You could argue that Hydroponic systems came into existence because the Euphrates River was diverted into channels that made their way down the lavish garden walls.

Way back in the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote about witnessing the floating gardens in China. With this said, Hydroponics is far from merely an ancient age innovation. More recently in the 1990’s, NASA grew aeroponic bean seedlings in a zero gravity environment aboard the space station. This opened up the possibility of sustainable agriculture in space.

Hydroponics continued to be an extremely timeless and dynamic method of agriculture and water conservation when geared towards crop production. 

Why Use Hydroponic Systems?

Most Hydroponic systems can help you grow high value crops faster than using a traditional soil method. Of course, it’s harder to grow using hydroponics in the early phases, at first. Once you get your head around it, you’ll realise it’s much more simple and straight forward than you had ever imagined. Some growers even find using Hydroponic systems to be much more convenient than traditional methods.

The world of indoor grow systems can be pretty daunting to a new grower. There’s a hella lot of choice on the table. At MEGAPot, we’ve built a system that’s easy to setup, easy to transport, and even easier to operate. If you’d like to learn more about he MEGAPot gravity fed system, you can visit this link or visit our shop.

What Does a Hydroponic System Need to Get Started?

The most straightforward setups require very little equipment when you’re looking to move over to benefits of growing using hydroponics.

Mainly, you’ll require: 

• A space for your growing area 
• A grow tent 
• Grow lights
• Coco Coir or Moss Peat (non soil mediums)
• Pots / fabric pots
• Nutrients (organic or mineral)
• pH Tester for acid & alkaline levels

For a more detailed breakdown of what’s required, have a further read below.

Growing Media

Plants grown using Hydroponics are often grown in nert media that support the plant’s weight and can help to anchor its root structure. All growing media is a substitute for soil. It’s important to note; this type of medium doesn’t provide any independent nutrition to the plant.

Instead, these porous media alternatives help to retain moisture and nutrients from the nutrient solution being administered to the plant. Most growing medias in this league are pH-neutral, so they won’t upset the pH balance of your nutrient solution. 

There is a range of different growing mediums to choose from. Your specific plant and hydroponic system will help to determine which media best suits your growing endeavour.

Air Stones and Air Pumps 

Plants that are submerged in water can quickly drown if the water is not sufficiently aerated. Air stones disperse tiny bubbles of dissolved oxygen throughout your nutrient solution reservoir. These bubbles also help evenly distribute the dissolved nutrients in the solution.

Air stones do not generate oxygen on their own. They need to be attached to an external air pump via opaque food grade plastic tubing (the opacity will prevent algae growth from setting in). Air stones and air pumps are popular aquarium components and can be purchased easily at pet stores. 

Net Pots 

Net pots are mesh planters that hold hydroponic plants. The latticed material allows roots to grow out of the sides and bottom of the pot, giving greater exposure to oxygen and nutrients. Net pots also provide superior drainage compared to traditional clay or plastic pots.

To Conclude: How do Hydroponic Systems Work?

Hydroponic systems are easy to use and can give you great results really quickly. They don’t need a lot to get started. And that means you can have your system set up and running soon.

You can purchase all of the appliances needed in our shop. If you require any more information, do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Try out the MEGAPot Gravity Fed Hydroponic System

MEGAPOT has been designed for growers who want the benefits of a gravity fed system but prefer growing in larger pots. 

The key components of the MEGAPot system are:

• Mega Deep – 15mm/5” from base to rim.
• Air Curtain Channels – 10mm channels to grip and hold air curtains to super-oxygenate the root zone.
• Raised Base – 10mm raised areas to allow nutrients to run underneath the pot.
• Mega Valve – 10mm inlet hole to prevent blockages. Pre-set to allow 30mm of nutrient solution into the tray.
• Mega Tray – 50cm Base to fit 56ltr pots.

MEGAPOT MODULE FOOTPRINT = 66cm x 58cm x 12.5cm

This is the most innovative gravity fed system currently available on the market.