DIY Flood and Drain Hydroponics system with Root Pouch fabric aeration pots

You can build a suitable flood and drain hydroponics system (Flood Table) with just a few parts.

DIY Hydroponics Flood and Drain Table

Materials:
Rubbermaid style table (cart w/wheels) approximately 2ft x 3ft, 4 inches deep (used $50)
Rubbermaid style tote with lid $10
Small submersible pump $12
Flood and drain fittings  $10
Fabric aeration pots $10





Carrots, Tomato, Basil & Onions Grown in Flood and Drain Hydroponic System

 You can Grow a variety of plants using this method.


Bio Intensive Flood and Drain Hydroponics System



 



Alpha Hydroponics Flood and Drain Fittings Kit

  Flood and drain fittings consist of

2 1/2" fill and drain fitting

1 1/2" extension fitting

2 1/2" screen fitting

2 1/2" fitting washer

4 zip ties

12 feet of black  1/2" tubing

Center the 1/2 inch fill fitting with screen, drill and install with washer. Add the 1/2 inch drain fitting (off center) with washer,extension fitting and screen fitting. We added a grid (made from trimmed flats) to the surface of the table to catch any sediment and slightly raise the fabric pots.

Root Pouch Fabric Plant Containers.

Coco coir, perlite/vermiculite mixture.

Inexpensive alternative for hydroponics reservoir 18 gallon

 



 Cut access points in reservoir top for fill and drain tubing as well as power cord for pump. A small door cut in the lid allows for quick access. Attach fill tubing to pump and fill fitting. Drain tubing will attach to drain fitting and return nutrient solution to reservoir.



800 liter per hour submersible pump





Flood Table Hydroponics System



Fill the reservoir about 1/2-2/3rds full of nutrient solution. Set pump on timer according to the requirements of the plants and climate conditions. You can use a variety of grow media and fabric pot sizes with this system. One huge advantage to this system is it is all on wheels. Moving the entire system is effortless.













Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics systems with Lumigrow 330 ES LED Grow Lights



Indoor Hydroponics Garden set up:

Alpha Hydro with Lumigrow 330 es LED

This indoor garden features two independent Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponics systems from AlphaHydro. The first system (shown on left) features a 5 gallon bucket reservoir, a 10 inch net pot bucket basket, and General Hydroponics chipped  coco coir grow media. The second system (same picture on right) features a 3.5 gallon bucket reservoir with a 6 inch net pot bucket basket and expanded clay grow media. Both systems have their own air pump and air stone, although you can run multiple systems off of one pump should you choose. The air pumps run constantly to provide oxygen and aerate the nutrient solution.

  Both systems reside in a 2'x3.5' tub lined with 6 mil black poly sheeting. The tub serves to define the garden boundries and contain any plant matter or spills.

  The light source is the Lumigrow 330 ES, LED horticultural grow light. This 330 watt enhanced spectrum grow light will acommodate a garden area of  12-16 square feet.  We suspended the lamp using rope ratchet style hangers.

                                                                     We  also added a timer.

The enhanced spectrum provided by this unit delivers an optimum full PAR range (photosynthetically active radiation, 400 to 700nm) to the plants.  Internal fans keep the lamp cool, (warm to the touch) after hours of continuous operation. No additional cooling/ fans/ ducts, ballasts or reflectors are needed.  Power consumption is about 50% when compared to an equivalent 600 watt HPS or MH lamp.

You can read more about this light, including all the spec's here.

The nutrients for this grow are from Tecnaflora's Recipe for success.


We chose some datil pepper seedlings that we had started outdoors. They were propogated from seed in a mixture of coco coir, perlite and vermiculite. We transplanted 2 plants into each of the AlphaHydro dwc systems. Each of the plants were about 4-5 inches in height. Not the best specimens mind you, (left over stock that didn't make the cut for the outdoor garden), but they would do.

Alpha Hydroponics Deep Water Culture System

The light cycle runs 18 hours on 6 hours off. Initially, the grow light is placed about 2 ft above the plant seedlings.The air pumps run constantly for continuous aerating of the reservoirs. We added a small fan for increased air circulation around the plants.

Within 7 to 10 days, new growth began to emerge from each of the plants. As the plants began to develop several sets of leaves, the light was moved closer to the tops of the plants (approximately 8 - 12 inches above the canopy).

Nutrients replenished about every 7- 10 days. The two systems combined use about 3 gallons of nutrient  solution. As the plants grow in size and root system develops, we expect the amount of nutrient solution needed will increase.

Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics System Roots

Within 2 weeks, the plants began to extend and develop a healthy root system.
Plant development over the next 6 weeks was consistent in all but one of the plants. One of the plants in the 5 gallon system lagged significantly behind the others and was removed.



During weeks six and seven, the first sign of flower development emerged on each of the remaining 3 plants.
The root systems too, continued to develop and expand.

Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics Root Mass 8 weeks

Week 8 - The first flowers begin to open. We maintained the level of the lights above the plant canopy. Nutrient solution began to be used up a much faster pace. We increased the volume of nutrient solution to approximately 4 gallons between the 2 systems.

Hydroponic Datil Pepper Plant Flowering

During weeks nine and ten, the plants nearly doubled in size. Vegetative growth surged and the plants were filling out quite nicely with tight internodal patterns. More flowers began to emerge. We began to aid pollination using a cotton swab on the flowers.

Alpha Hydro DWC Hydroponics Systems Pepper Plants

During the course of this grow we employed the following techniques:
Each time we replenished the nutrient solution, we rinsed the grow media with fresh water.
We rotated the plants to make sure light was equally reaching all parts of the plants.
We monitored the pH and TDS levels in each system. (Neither seemed to fall out of favorable range. No adjustments neccesary).

Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics Systems

Growth surges during weeks 11 and 12.

Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics week 12

Flowering Datil Pepper Plant in Alpha Hydro DWC

Alpha Hydroponics Deep Water Culture under LED week 12

Alpha Hydro DWC: Thick stems and foliage.

Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponics System
Available at AlphaHydroponics.com

Growing with the Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System



Alpha Hydro DWC Hydroponic System



The Alpha Hydro Deep Water Culture Hydroponic  System  is available exclusively from AlphaHydroponics.com

Thank you for choosing Alpha Hydro for your Hydroponic Growing Needs.

Check your packing list to make sure you have all of the components for the hydroponics kit you purchased. Your kit should include a bucket reservoir, net pot bucket lid, air pump, air stone, ¼”  air tubing, and grow media*.   *Some kits require grow media to be purchased separately.

If you are missing components, please contact us via our website: http://www.alphahydroponics.com/

Alpha Hydro DWC sysem w/ grow stone

Grow media:

 For systems that include grow rocks/ expanded clay pellets:

Thoroughly rinse the grow rocks with fresh water until water runs clear and set aside.

                                                          

                                                           For systems that include CoCo media:

GH CoCo Coir for Alpha Hydro System

Soak the CoCo media in 1 1/2 gallons of fresh water or diluted nutrient solution.

Blend CoCo with coir, clay pebbles, soil, perlite, or as directed on package.

Clean:

Gently clean the interior of the bucket and net-pot bucket lid with a clean paper towel/ cloth and fresh water to remove any dust or packaging residue.

Fill:

Fill the bucket reservoir with one gallon of fresh water.

Attach the air-stone to one end of the 1/4" tubing, the other end attaches to the pump output.

Submerge air-stone in water and plug in pump.

The pump should deliver air to the reservoir, bubble, and aerate the water.

Your system is working correctly. Unplug pump for now. Reuse water to mix nutrients separately.

Nutrients (sold separately).

Mix your nutrients separately as directed on package.

You will need enough nutrient solution to fill the reservoir approximately 1/2- 2/3 full.

Set Up and Planting:

Detach the air-tube from the pump.

Alpha Hydro DWC Assembly

Thread the air-tube through your net-pot bucket basket so that the air-stone lies on the bottom of the reservoir.

Re-attach the air-tube to the pump.

Plant your seedling or clone and surround with the media.

Attach the net-pot bucket lid firmly to the bucket reservoir.

Plug in the pump and place the system under grow light or in a spot with adequate sunlight.

Grow media should remain moist but not heavily saturated.

Monitor and adjust nutrient solution levels as needed.

Follow these grow tips.

Nutrients, Less is more!

Alpha Hydro Systems under LED grow light

When starting from seedlings or young clones, a diluted nutrient solution is adequate.

Don't drown your plants. When roots appear through the bottom of the net-pot, allow them to reach for the nutrient solution, not bathe in it!

Top off the reservoir as needed. Factors such as heat, humidity and size of plant and root system, will determine how often you will need to add water and nutrients.




Alpha Hydro DWC Roots

  Occasionally, flush your grow media and reservoir with fresh water to avoid nutrient buildup.

Change your nutrient solution as needed. We suggest at least every two weeks.




Datil Pepper Plants in Alpha Hydro DWC Hydroponics systems

  Water quality is essential to any hydroponics grow.

The pH of your nutrient solution plays an important role.

A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral.

A reading below 7.0 is considered more acidic.

A reading above 7.0 is considered more basic or alkaline.

Most of the plants you grow will prefer a nutrient solution with a pH of 5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic).

Adjust pH slowly, as needed with water, pH up, or pH down solution.

Measure and adjust TDS (total dissolved solids) or EC to preferred concentration for the plants you are growing.

Most established plants grow well in a range of 750-1500 TDS.

 Don't forget to reuse spent nutrient solution for your other plants!

Datil Pepper grown in AlphaHydro DWC hydroponics system.

Simple hydroponics systems for less than $50/including shipping.

AlphaHydroponics.com is pleased to announce we now offer 8 simple hydroponics systems for less than $50/including shipping.

Alpha Hydroponics DWC systems

A great introduction to hydroponics for the hobbyist, kitchen, garden to table enthusiast, and student.


Our Deep Water Culture hydroponics system features a 5 gallon black bucket with handle, a 6" bucket basket net pot lid, air pump, air stone, 1/4 tubing, and grow rocks. It's everything you need to start growing!

The net pot lid fits snug onto the bucket reservoir, while the air pump and air stone deliver oxygen to the nutrient solution. A simple hydroponics system, perfect for beginners or growers with limited space. Works well indoors or out. Perfect for the patio, deck, or kitchen counter. A great hydroponics science fair kit. Nutrients sold separately.

AlphaHydro grower with CoCo Coir

V/MC/AMX/D/Paypal/Google Checkout accepted
Worldwide shipping available

For more information about this item and all of the quality horticultural products we offer please visit us online:
http://www.alphahydroponics.com/

Questions? or Place your order:
404.590.GROW (4769)
800.621.1099

Alpha Hydroponics & Garden Supply, Inc.

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Corporate Growers discovering hydroponics and the advantages of locally grown produce.

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Alpha Hydroponics Greenhouse & Garden Tour 2011

Tour Alpha Hydroponics garden featuring greenhouse hydroponics, aeroponics, ebb and flow/ flood table hydroponics, drip hydroponics, plant cloning, vertical hydroponics and deep water culture.

Our indoor garden features HID grow lights, stealth grow cabinet, T 5 fluorescent grow lights, and enhanced spectrum LED grow lights.

Our outdoor organic garden features bio intensive garden methods including double digging, companion planting and drip irrigation.

Visit us online: AlphaHydroponics.com

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a method of plant cultivation without the use of soil.

Instead, plants are grown by providing the roots with only the necessary mineral nutrients and water.

Plants may be grown in this "nutrient solution" alone or in conjunction with a variety of inert growing media.

The advantages of hydroponic growing are numerous.

Larger and more stable yields, lower water consumption, and reduced pollution from fertilizer runoff, are just a few.  Hydroponics also provides the opportunity for plant cultivation in environments where in-ground agriculture or gardening is simply not possible.

Hydroponic Lettuce
AlphaHydroponics.com

Choosing Grow Lights

Grow Lights

High intensity discharge (HID) grow lights are the preferred light source for indoor growing.

There are numerous options available today to suit any size indoor garden and budget.

Metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights have long been the preferred method of lighting for indoor cultivation. Typical target="_blank"MH and HPS grow light systems are comprised of a socket, a switchable ballast, bulbstarget="_blank", and a light reflector. Metal halide bulbs are used during the vegetative growth phase of the plant, while the high pressure sodium bulb is preferred during the flowering stage. A switchable ballast allows you to utilize either MH or HPS bulbs in the same system. Reflectors are often used with this type of system to direct light onto the plants. MH and HPS grow lights provide a tremendous amount of light. They also can produce a great deal of heat, necessitating a method of cooling the lights, such as an inline fan. MH and HPS grow lights are available in a variety of intensity or strengths. 150, 400, 600 and 1000 watt bulbs and ballasts are the common choices for indoor growing. It is important to remember to always match the wattage of your ballast to the wattage of your bulbs. Often, opting for a complete HID Lighting system will save you money and guesswork.

Metal Halide High Pressure Sodium Grow Lights
Alpha Hydroponics.com

High output (HO) fluorescent lighting provides substantial light for growing indoors as well.

Advantages to growing with (HO) fluorescent lighting are numerous. Typical fluorescent grow light systems include the same components as the other systems (socket, bulb,ballast and reflector), combined into one unit. These lights are available in a variety of sizes and intensity to suit any indoor garden scenario.

Fluorescent grow lights allow you to choose or mix and match bulbs for varying stages of a plants growth.

The heat generated by fluorescent light systems is typically much lower than with a (MH) or (HPS). This allows the lights to be placed closer to the plants without the heightened risk of burning them. Another important advantage these lights provide is through reduced power consumption. Mixed grow and bloom T 5 fluorescent bulbs allow for proper vegetative and flowering of plants.

T 5 High Output Fluorescent Grow Lights
AlphaHydroponics.com

LED ( light emmitting diode) grow lights are one of the latest advancements in indoor grow light technology.

The greatest advantages offered with LED grow lights is the reduction in power consumption and heat generated by them.  LED grow lights are available with white, red, and blue bulbs to provide the full spectrum of light needed for growing your plants. LED grow lights come in a range of shapes and sizes including spot lights that plug in to a typical household light sockets, UFO style grow lights, and larger light panels. The intensity of LED grow lights is governed by the wattage of the bulbs and the overall number of lights in a panel. Enhanced Spectrum LED grow lights as well as deep red and far red LED grow lights offer the light spectrum plants desire most. High quality LED grow lights manufactured in the USA, offer energy saving full spectrum lamps, reflector, and fan cooling all in one unit.

Enhanced Spectrum LED Grow Lights
AlphaHydroponics.com

Hydroponics Systems

Hydroponics Systems

Each hydroponics system has its own way of supporting plants throughout their lifecycle.

Despite the different techniques for hydroponic growing, the goal of each hydroponics system or hydroponics growing method is the same: Providing the optimal amounts of nutrition, water, and oxygen (to the roots), required by each plant.

Water culture hydroponics, often referred to as deep water culture or (DWC), is one of the more simple hydroponics systems to understand, build and maintain. Plants are suspended above a reservoir of oxygenated nutrient solution. Oxygenating or aerating the nutrient system is easily done with an aquarium style air pump. The roots of the plant are placed in direct contact with the nutrient solution, thus allowing the plant to receive the necessary nutrients and water.

Deep Water Culture Hydroponics System
AlphaHydroponics.com

The nutrient film technique or (NFT) hydroponics system is also a fairly simple method of hydroponics growing. Plants are placed in a tray or gutter separate from the nutrient reservoir. One end of the tray is elevated slightly to encourage the flow of water, while the lower end of the tray is suspended directly above the reservoir. A submersible pump located in the reservoir delivers a constant stream of nutrient solution to the top end of the tray. The roots of the plants take up the nutrients they need as the solution runs through the system from top to bottom.  The excess solution runs off and is collected in the reservoir. The process then repeats itself by constantly recirculating the nutrient solution through the system.

Nutrient Film Technique NFT Hydroponics System
AlphaHydroponics.com

The Ebb and Flow or Flood and Drain hydroponics system uses similar components to the NFT system described above. A reservoir with submersible pump will deliver nutrient solution to a separate container, such as a tray or flood table, that is located directly above the reservoir. The plants reside in the tray, rooted either directly in grow media or in pots containing grow media. The nutrient solution periodically “floods” the tray allowing the plants to uptake necessary nutrients. The excess nutrient solution is returned to the reservoir below via an overflow tube and the process repeats itself. A recirculating timer is used to control the intervals and duration of the flood and drain cycles. The flood and drain cycles can be determined by many factors including the size of the grow area, size of the plants, the porosity of grow media, and the concentration of nutrients.

Ebb and Flow Flood and drain Hydroponics system
AlphaHydroponics.com

Drip or top feed hydroponics systems are similar to the NFT and flood / drain hydroponics systems discussed above. Drip hydroponics systems also utilize a nutrient solution reservoir in conjunction with a pump, to deliver plants the necessary nutrients. It is the delivery of the nutrient solution to the plants however, that differs slightly. As the name suggests, the drip or top feed method, delivers nutrient solution  to the plants via irrigation tubing and drip emitters. Nutrient solution is provided to the plant from above rather than below. Excess nutrient solution can then be collected and returned to the reservoir allowing the process to repeat.  

Drip Hydroponics System
AlphaHydroponics.com

Aeroponic hydroponics systems or Aeroponics is a method of hydroponic growing where nutrient solution is delivered to the plant as a fine mist, and sprayed directly onto the roots. Most notably about aeroponics is the absence of any growing media other than air. Instead, the plant is suspended from above with the roots on the interior of an otherwise enclosed chamber. A nutrient solution reservoir with submersible pump, (typically a higher pressure pump) delivers nutrient solution to aeroponic jets located in the interior of the chamber. These jets and pressure from the pump turn the nutrient solution into a fine mist, optimal for consumption by plant roots.  Any excess nutrient solution is then returned to the reservoir via a conduit. This process is repeated using varying intervals and duration depending on the needs of the plant.

Aeroponic Hydroponics System
AlphaHydroponics.com

Welcome to Alpha Hydroponics & Garden Supply

Hydroponic Lettuce
AlphaHydroponics.com

Our goal is to promote and educate as many people as possible about the benefits of hydroponic growing and encourage the proliferation of ALL METHODS of sustainable gardening at home, in your school, and within your community. Periodically we will update our web content to reflect the most relevent links to information, articles, products, and instruction regarding hydroponic growing and sustainable farm/ garden techniques. Visit our online hydroponics and garden supply store AlphaHydroponics.com