Are you looking for a system for growing cannabis indoors? If so then you should consider one of the hydroponic systems that are available. Each system has different levels of complexity and different benefits. There are various options including:
- Aeroponics
- Continuous Flow/Top Feed
- Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- Drip Irrigation
- Ebb and Flow
- Nutrient Feed Technique (NFT)
- Screen of Green
- Sea of Green
When picking a system you should think about your personal preferences as well as your herb growing goals.
There are various kits available that can help you get started with hydroponic growing systems. It’s important to figure out what are you priorities, needs, and budget are. This will help you to pick the equipment that best suits your cannabis growing needs.
How Do Hydroponic Systems work?
So you might be wondering about the general mechanics of hydroponic systems. The word “hydroponic” is based on the Latin language and translates to “working water.” It’s the art that involves growing plants but without any soil.
There are various types of hydroponic systems. One of the most well-known systems is nutrient film technique (NET) but there are several types of systems. The main feature of this approach to growing herbs is it provides the right amount of stuff the plant needs when it needs it. That will make the plant as healthy as possible. Hydroponics involves growing plants in an “inert growing medium” and a well-balanced PH-balanced nutrient solution that delivered to the roots. So instead of the roots looking for and collecting nutrients from soil the process is much easier.
Things To Consider When Buying Hydroponic System
When buying a hydroponic system what are the most important issues to consider? There are several to take up including the following ones:
Costs
This includes the price of the hydroponic system itself and setup costs. The total costs can be thousands of dollars and include the hydroponic system, online help, etc. If you hire professional services to set up your system the rates can be $100 per hour or even higher.
The key is to find a system with high value. That includes systems that are pre-built and self-contained. You can find systems costing a few hundred dollars that are pre-assembled and ready to roll. Since there’s no assembly, plumbing, air conditioning, or wiring, the total costs are much lower.
Energy Efficiency
Some hydroponic systems have high energy costs to operate so it’s an important issue to consider. Many systems use a basic 1,000-watt bulb. It creates light with a full spectrum of colors but can run up bills costing hundreds of dollars per month.
Another factor is after one year the light output starts to degrade. This requires more money to operate in future years in order to produce the same output. An air conditioning system used to prevent burning/wiling due to high heat levels will also boost energy costs.
Return on Investment
The ROI of a hydroponic system is also an important issue to take up. A good system can produce herbs year-round so you won’t have to worry about changes in prices. A quality system can also last for several years so you can recover the up-front costs within time. It’s important to pick a system that’s built-to-last. This will generally involve higher price tags but is worth the higher cost if you think of it as an investment. In fact, you can even find hydroponic systems that can last for decades.
Space Requirements
Some hydroponic systems can require a whole room. A small setup often includes a 4×4 tray. There are also other required components that take up some space. They include cooling, lighting, and water reservoir.
If you’re developing a non-commercial system experts recommend picking a system that’s small and self-contained. These units can be as small as one square foot and fit in a small space like a kitchen countertop.
Automation
Bad temperature control and over-feeding can result in bad results with a hydroponic system. In many situations growers much use special devices to monitor temperature, humidity, and water level. Another important tool including lighting timers used to switch the hydroponic system’s lights on/off.
Smart systems make the experience of growing herbs easier and better. Various systems on the market can automate these functions. They monitor various metrics to optimize your plant growth. They also include helpful features like on-screen alerts and red alarm lights.
Top 10 Best Hydroponic Systems Reviews
1. General Hydroponics GH4720 Farm Controller
Key features
Reservoir/Controller Capacity
This provides a big enough capacity for your herb crops. The reservoir’s capacity is one of the most important factors to consider since it affects the amount of herb you can grow.
This unit also includes an 8-gallon controller unit, which is another key feature related to the unit’s capacity. There are other key factors to consider but the capacity of the reservoir/controller unit is both important when selecting a hydroponics system.
Module Units
This system contains 8 module units out of the box. However, it can be expanded to 12 module units if you want that option. This is an effective feature that increases the amount of herbs you can grow using the system.
Flexibility
The unit can also fit in a 4×4 space if you want that option. It’s one of the key features since it provides more flexibility in terms of the space needed.
Price
The price of the unit is in the under-$500 range. It might seem like a steep price at first. However, it’s important to note that when picking a hydroponics system it’s important to factor in other issues like the value it provides. There are cheaper units on the market but in terms of the value it provides it’s an excellent option.
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2. General Hydroponics EcoGrower Drip Hydroponic System
Key features:
Large Plants
This is one of the main benefits of this system over others. You can grow small or medium plants if you want. Another option is to grow large herbs if that’s the approach you want to take. It’s a plus because it provides more flexibility. In fact, you can even use this hydroponics system for growing huge plants if you want to do that.
Flora Nutrients
These are included in the bundle. It’s an important feature since it’s important for plants to get all the nutrients they need. The costs of nutrient solutions required for hydroponic systems can add up quickly. So it’s definitely a plus when a system is bundled with flora nutrients.
Newbies/Pros
The system is a good option for people who are beginners or pros at hydroponics. This is one of the ways the unit provides more flexibility. Even if you’re new to growing plants in a soil-free environment this product is an excellent option because it can help to get you started.
Spider Drip System
This is one of the various methods used for growing hydroponic plants. This type of system involves 1+ drip emitters. They drip a blend of water/nutrients onto the grow media’s surface instead of spraying/washing it over the plants in big quantities.
Grow containers can be used to set up the system. These systems are very easy to set up and cheap to run since they lower water loss through evaporation, runoff, etc.
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3. Hydro West AquaBuckets DWC Hydroponic System
Key features:
High-quality AquaBuckets
This is one of the most important factors to take up when picking a hydroponics system. In this case the system includes high-quality planters and reservoirs. This means the units will be long-lasting and you can avoid the need to replace them sooner rather than later.
DWC Tech
This Deep Water Culture (DWC) culture produces big yields of high-quality herbs. This is done by circulating a nutrient solution to the plants 24/7. This is a simple yet practical type of hydroponics system. It functions by putting the plants’ roots in an oxygen-rich nutrient solution. These systems are effective, easy to build and a good option for people new to hydroponics.
Grow Space Compatibility
This system can work in different grow spaces, which allows you to adjust the plant spacing anytime. That includes 400/600/1000-watt grows spaces. This is a key feature since it provides more flexibility when using hydroponics.
Nutrient Circulation
One of the major benefits of this type of system is it helps to make sure there’s a good blend of nutrient circulation in the water. There’s also a good stabilization of PH in the whole system.
Mesh Filter
This attached in the mixing cell. It’s part of the DWC system and improves the functionality of the unit. When picking a hydroponics system this is one of the main features to look for. It might seem like a major component but it can improve the functionality of the system.
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4 Hydro farm Active Aqua Grow Flow Ebb & Gro Hydroponic System
Key features:
Plant Sites
This system allows you to control 6-48 plant sites. This offers the ability to expand the hydroponics system when you want. :For example, you can scale up or down as needed. This is one of the main benefits of this particular hydroponics system since it adds flexibility.
Reservoir
There are a few main benefits of this feature. It’s a smaller unit at 55 gallons. This allows you to use the system with less water, which helps to save resources. In addition, the reservoir isn’t required to be at a lower level than your herb plants. This is another great feature.
Price
The price tag of this hydroponics system is in the under-$500 range. It might seem like a steep price but it’s important to note this unit provides a lot of major benefits you can enjoy.
12/48 Pots
The unit includes a standard 12 pots but can be expanded to 48 pots. Since there’s individual pots it’s easy to move/relocate plants, which is definitely one of the top features of this unit. When maintaining a hydroponics system you’ll certainly want one that’s more versatile. That’s the case with this system.
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5. DWC Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit by PowerGrow Systems
Key features:
Easy Water Changes
The process is easy with this system. That’s because it includes a water level indicator as well as a drain. This helps to make the process of water changing much easier. It’s an important part of the process of hydroponics so it’s definitely a plus when the entire process is easier.
1-Year Warranty
The system includes a 1-year warranty. This is critical because it helps to protect your investment. That’s definitely a key feature since you’ll be able to save money in certain situations instead of replacing different components or the entire system.
DWC system
This is one of the key features of the unit since it includes a complete DWC that’s easy to use. This is one of the best features since it makes it a cinch to set up and operate the hydroponics system. The system includes everything you need for growing soil-less plants.
Multi-Plant System
You can grow 4 plants in this one system. This helps to add to the functionality of the hydroponics system. That’s definitely a key factor to consider when picking one. It’s a plus when you can grow multiple plants in a single system.
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6. HTG Supply Bubble Brothers 6-Site DWC Hydroponic System
Key features:
Electrical Air Pump
This unit is bundled with the hydroponics system so you won’t have to spend extra money on it. The pump is a bit loud but powerful enough to provide enough juice for the system. That’s the most important issue to consider when considering an air pump for your system. This unit produces 41 watts/42 amps.
Clay Pebble Grow
This medium is included with the unit and includes a 10-liter bag. When picking a hydroponics system it’s important to consider the system however. However, you should also pick the right nutrients. This will help
Assembly Instructions
These are included with the hydroponics system. TI’s a major plus because it means you won’t have to figure out the setup, for example. If you’re a hydroponics newbie this feature is especially helpful.
Price
This hydroponics system retails for about $100. That’s much cheaper than other systems on the market. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an affordable way to grow soil-less plants. Even though the price is lower you can still get a quality system that grows healthy plants.
DWC System
This system includes a 6-site DWC system that allows you to grow tons of plant using one system. That’s certainly one of the main features to consider.
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7. General Hydroponics Eco Complete Power Grower
Key features:
GH Controller Systems
This system is 100% compatible with GH controller systems. This is a plus since you can use one ecosystem when growing soil-less plants. When picking a system you’ll certainly want to select one with more versatility.
DWC System
This particular unit uses a DWC system. It helps to provide all the nutrients your plants need in an efficient and effective manner. This is one of the main goals of an hydroponic system. The entire system is quite durable and high-quality so you can avoid a lot of problems resulting from low-quality units.
Plant Sizes
The PowerGrow Eco grows a wide variety of plant sizes ranging from small to large. That’s a plus since there’s more flexibility in the plants you can grow using this system. Meanwhile, other systems include less flexibility so this is a better option since you can grow plants of different sizes.
Price
This system is in the under-$100 range so you won’t have to spend a small fortune you get your hydroponics system up and running. That’s a plus over other systems with a sky-high price. If you want a quality unit at a lower price than other units it’s a good option.
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8. DWC Hydroponic Bucket Kit
Key features:
Air Pump
This unit also includes an air pump. You can save a lot of money you’d normally have to spend on the pump. It’s always a plus when you can reduce the amount of money you invest in your hydroponics system. That’s especially true when you’re on a shoestring budget.
1-year Warranty
This is a 1-year warranty provided by the manufacturer. It’s a standard warranty on all DWC systems. This will give you peace of mind your investment is protected.
5-Gallon Bucket
The bucket has a capacity of 5 gallons and is FDA-approved. This helps to make sure you’re using an effective and quality bucket for your hydroponics plant growing.
Water Level Indicator
This is another key feature and will make your unit more efficient. There are various things to monitor when using hydroponics systems and that includes the water level.
Price
The price of this unit is in the under-$200 range. It’s not the cheapest hydroponic system on the market but is certainly more affordable than several others available. It’s always important to consider not just the price tag but also the value you’re getting.
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9. EMSCO Group Hydropickers Hydroponic Grow Box
Key features:
Price
The unit’s price is in the under-$100 price range so you won’t have to spend several hundreds of dollars for a hydroponic system. This is definitely a key feature of this unit over others.
Big Yields
This hydroponic system can boost plant growth since there’s no soil required. The nutrients are included in the water. That’s directly/evenly sent to the plant’s roots, which speeds up the growth process. This helps to produce quick hydroponic growth.
Easy Assembly
This unit is easy to assemble and includes instructions to get you started
Non-Electric
This system requires no electricity so it’s easier and cheaper to use. It’s especially helpful if you want to start using hydroponics but save money in the process. You could later upgrade to more expensive unit after learning the basics of hydroponics.
Compact
This makes the hydroponic system easy to install and move. It’s a plus over other systems that require a larger space for installation.
Starter Kit
If you’re new to hydroponics this is an excellent option. That’s because it’s cheaper and includes the basics for getting started with hydroponics. There’s no need for resources like electricity, for example. That makes the process easier and also easier to learn.
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10. Viagrow Complete Ebb & Flow Hydroponics System
Key features:
Value
This hydroponics system has a retail price around $700. However, it also provide high-level quality. This is critical to provide users with the best experience possible. So if you’re willing to spend more for a hydroponics system this is a good option.
Nursery Pots
The unit includes a 1-gallon nursery pot. This is one of the most important items you’ll need for hydroponics so it’s a plus that it’s included with the system.
Bundle
The unit includes everything you need to get started. That includes a submersible pump, 50-liter bag of grow rocks, and flood& drain fitting kit. This is everything you need in order to get started with your hydroponics system.
Flood Tray/PVC Tray Stand
These are key items that will improve your experience when using the hydroponics system. The tray and tray stand are important items that are required and will save you money since you won’t have to purchase them through a third-party company.
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Final Verdict
These are some of the top hydroponic systems to consider if you’re in the market for one. The method itself is an effective one that eliminates the need to grow plants with soil. There’s many options to consider include a system’s type, size, and quality. The key is to think about your particular growing needs. That will help you to pick the right system.
Which system is the best one? It really depends on what you’re looking for. Picking a hydroponics system with all the bells and whistles might not be the best option if you’re a newbie and want to get started growing a small number of plants.
