Ebb and flow, sometimes known as floor and drain systems, is one of the more complicated yet most effective systems used in hydroponics. The system is designed to fill with nutrient-filled water and to soak the roots at specific times before draining again to allow airflow to reach the root systems. This combination effort produces healthy plants which will be the envy of many garden enthusiasts who see the system you have created and the plants you are able to grow.
The tray you set up with your plants must be done properly in order to space plants out and to provide maximum drainage and air flow. If there is not enough air flow, the roots will continue to remain wet and will eventually rot killing the plant and any possibilities you have of a crop. Growing mediums are essential in providing your plants with stability if you choose this technique as otherwise the water flow can knock over or damage your plants. In addition, there are nutrients present in the growing medium which help your plant to stay healthy. Although you can add these nutrients to the soil, it is one less step by adding it into your growing medium instead.
The drain system must be foolproof in order to prevent leaking and to allow all of the root systems to be drained in order to dry. If you have an area in your piping which retains water, it will be necessary to rebuild this in order to make sure it does not stagnate. Proper drains and filters will help you to make sure your system is able to drain properly, and setting your system up at a slight incline will also assist you. However, it important to make sure this does not backfire and fight against your pump system forcing it to work too hard.
Airflow is vital for a healthy system as it will dry the roots and allow them the precious oxygen each plant needs in order to convert the oxygen and receive the nutrients it needs to survive. Hydroponic systems need to allow plant just enough time to dry and receive oxygen. Too much time and the plant will dry out, but too little will create mildew and rot within the root system, which will quickly kill your plants.
When you are choosing an ebb and flow system, the timer and when you set it to activate is very important to maintain your system. A mistake will either overwater your plants, which will make them rot, or not water them enough at which point they will wither and die. Due to this, it is important to properly design your system and to set up your timer in a way where you can monitor it at first in order to make any changes necessary. Once you have found the right settings to match maximum plant growth, you can look forward to a high yield crop which requires minimal long-term care.
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