A Comprehensive Guide to Hydroponic Systems: Finding the Perfect Fit To Cultivate Your Cannabis Plants

If you know a thing or two about hydroponics, you're already aware that it's one of the best ways to cultivate marijuana. It excels compared to other types of cultivation as you can provide everything the plant needs throughout its lifecycle.

When growing cannabis, the nutrients you provide are one of the most important factors that determine how your buds turn out. Since hydroponics allows for precise nutrient delivery, it gives you more control over nutrition, so you'll end up with gorgeous plants from head to toe. 

However, there are many different types of hydroponic systems. While some are simple, others are a bit complex. Which one should you choose? That's what this article is about. 

Read on to learn more about which type might be suitable for you. 

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics, originating from the terms "hydro" (meaning water) and "ponos" (representing labor), involves cultivating plants without soil by utilizing mineral solutions in a liquid medium. Essentially, hydroponics enables plants to thrive in water with their roots directly exposed to a nutrient solution or supported by an inert substance, like perlite, gravel, or coconut coir.

Hydroponics stands out as an efficient method where plants are nurtured in nutrient solutions instead of conventional soil. The crucial elements essential for plant development such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are dissolved in water to offer access to the roots. This approach allows the management of nutrients and environmental factors resulting in optimal plant growth and increased harvests. You can use hydroponic systems whether you're a small-scale gardener or operating a commercial one. From cannabis to other vegetables, flowers, and fruits, you can use it to grow anything. 

Varieties of Hydroponic Systems to Grow Cannabis Plants

As you know already, there are many types of hydroponic systems. Let's go over each method to understand it and then we will compare them all. 

1. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

NFT is a method that uses a thin layer of water that's rich in nutrients. This solution flows over the plant roots ensuring a steady supply of oxygen, water, and nutrients. 

In an NFT setup, plants are positioned in channels or trenches to aid in the movement of the nutrient solution. The roots come into contact with this film while the upper portion remains exposed to air for oxygen intake. A reservoir holding the solution is linked to a pump that continuously circulates it through the channels. Once it flows over the roots, the solution returns to the reservoir for recycling.

Key elements of an NFT system include:

1. Growing channels: The channels are placed at a sloping angle, allowing the nutrient solution to flow effortlessly due to gravity. 
2. Reservoir for the nutrient solution: This will be a container storing the solution.
3. Pump: A pump helps the nutrient solution flow from the reservoir to the channels.
4. Delivery system: These are tubes or pipes that deliver and distribute the solution within the channels.
5. Drainage System: The used solution is sent back to the reservoir through the channels. 

As you can surmise, NFT systems are great as there's a continuous flow of solution that ensures that plants always have access to the nutrients with the thin film providing adequate water and nutrients while allowing roots to receive enough oxygen.

Advantages

1. NFT systems are highly effective in utilizing water and nutrients. Plus, recycling the solution minimizes waste while guaranteeing a steady nutrient supply for plants.
2. Roots are partially exposed to air, enhancing oxygen levels for healthy root development and plant growth.
3. The constant flow of solution prevents water stagnation, thereby lowering the chances of root rot.
4. NFT systems can be easily expanded by adding channels, allowing growers to scale up their operations. 

Disadvantages 

1. NFT systems are vulnerable to pump failures, which can cause the roots to dry up quickly and result in damage or even death of the plants.
2. NFT systems require constant monitoring and upkeep to keep the pump running smoothly, maintain nutrient balance, and prevent channel blockages.
3. Setting up an NFT system can be a little expensive initially due to the equipment like pumps, reservoirs, and specialized channels. However, the long-term advantages typically justify these costs.

2. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

DWC is an efficient hydroponic system where plant roots are submerged in a nutrient-rich solution. It's simple to install, and promotes excellent plant growth — what's not to love?

In a DWC setup, plants are placed in pots with their roots hanging in a reservoir filled with nutrient solution. The roots are completely submerged in the solution, allowing them continuous access to water, nutrients, and oxygen for growth. To prevent root suffocation and encourage development, an air pump along with air stones are utilized to ensure the nutrient solution remains oxygenated at all times.

The essential elements of a DWC system consist of:

1. Reservoir: A container that houses the solution, which can vary in size depending on how big or small the system is. From buckets for individual plants to larger tanks for multiple plants, you can choose reservoirs accordingly. 
2. Net pots: Containers with mesh structures that enable roots to penetrate through and reach the solution. These pots are typically filled with a growing medium such as clay pellets or rock wool to support plant growth.
3. Nutrient solution: A blend of water and vital nutrients customized to meet the requirements of the plants being cultivated.
4. Air pump and air stones: Equipment that supplies a stream of oxygen into the solution ensuring that submerged roots receive ample oxygen.

Advantages 

1. With steady access to nutrients, water, and oxygen, plants can thrive quicker compared to growing in soil and produce high yields.
2. The system is easy to set up and maintain. Plus, the components are generally affordable and easy to find, making it a viable choice for newcomers and veterans. 
3. Once you set up a DWC system, it doesn't require as much maintenance as other hydroponic systems. Also, there are fewer chances of mechanical failures. 
4. DWC systems are highly water efficient and reduce water usage compared to soil-based gardening as the solution remains in the reservoir for reuse. 
5. Continuous aeration of the nutrient solution ensures that roots receive sufficient oxygen which is crucial for preventing root rot and fostering robust growth.

Disadvantages

1. The nutrient solution in a DWC system can be susceptible to temperature fluctuations. If the water gets too warm, it could decrease oxygen levels and raise the chances of root diseases. Thus, it's crucial to maintain the temperature range for the health of plants.
2. Even though DWC systems oxygenate the roots, there's still a risk of root rot if you don't properly maintain the system or if there's a problem with the oxygen supply. Regularly checking and monitoring the system is important to prevent this issue.
3. The air pump plays an important role in DWC systems. But, if there's a power outage, it can stop working, leading to the plants receiving no oxygen and harming them. To prevent this, you should have a power backup. 
4. Since the roots are always submerged in the water plus nutrient solution, any imbalance or contamination can quickly impact plant health. So, you should monitor your plants for any issues and adjust the nutrient levels. 

3. Wick System 

The wick system is a type of hydroponic setup that uses a passive approach to provide water and nutrients to plants. It's a nice option for beginners because it's easy to set up and requires little maintenance.

In this system, plants are placed in a growing medium like coir, vermiculite, or perlite to hold moisture. The key element of the wick system is the wick that draws the solution from a reservoir to the plant roots through simple capillary action. The plants will take up whatever is necessary and the wick keeps replenishing the nutrient supply. 

Key components of a wick system include:

1. Reservoir: A container that stores the solution with varying sizes based on the size of the system. 
2. Wick: Usually made of cotton or felt, it sucks up the nutrient solution like a straw and delivers it to the plant roots.
3. Growing medium: An inert material that supports plant growth and aids in capillary action. Common options are perlite, vermiculite, and coconut coir.
4. Plant container: A pot that holds the growing medium and the plants. Typically this container features holes or slots at the base to enable the wick to access the solution.

Advantages 

1. The wick system stands out as one of the most cost-effective setups available. It doesn't necessitate pumps, timers, or intricate gear, making it perfect for beginners and those with budget constraints.
2. Once you set it up, maintaining it is a breeze. With no moving components that could malfunction, this passive system operates reliably even if you don't interfere too much. 
3. By delivering water to plant roots, this system makes excellent use of water. You won't lose a lot of water through evaporation or runoff, so it's very eco-friendly. 
4. Wick systems are easily adaptable even in small areas like balconies or indoor gardens. 
5. As this system allows you to choose one of many growing mediums, you can choose something according to your plant's needs and availability and start growing. 

Downsides

1. Wick systems are good for strains that don't need too much water and nutrients as it's excellent for smaller plants. Larger plants typically need more water and this system may not work in such cases. 
2. The growing medium can get excessively wet if the wick pulls a lot more water than the plants can absorb. Although the roots only take in what the plant needs, you may have to monitor this a little bit to prevent root or other water-related problems.
3. Since the wick draws the nutrient solution into the growing medium passively, there may be variations in distribution. As you don't have a lot of control over nutrient distribution, you may notice imbalances. So, again, you should monitor the system and make adjustments as needed. 
4. The plants grow slower with wick systems when you compare them with other systems because of their passive nature. Sometimes, the plants may not receive abundant nutrients like how they do with other types of hydro setups. 
5. Sometimes, the system can get clogged when you use an incorrect material for the wick or choose an incompatible growing medium. 

4. Ebb and Flow System 

Also referred to as the Flood and Drain system, the Ebb and Flow is a hydroponic technique widely used to cultivate many types of plants. This method involves flooding the plant roots with the nutrient solution before it's drained back into a reservoir, creating an optimal environment for plant growth.

In this setup, plants are placed in a growing tray filled with growing mediums like clay pellets or Rockwool. The tray is intermittently flooded with a nutrient-rich solution from a reservoir and then allowed to drain back into it.

A timer is used to control the cycle, where it turns on a pump to flood the tray and then turns it off to let the solution drain. 

The key elements of an Ebb and Flow system are:

1. Growing tray: This is where the plants are positioned along with the growing medium.
2. Reservoir: A container that stores the solution underneath the growing tray.
3. Pump: A pump that's operated by a timer to manage the flooding cycle is fit into the reservoir to transfer the nutrient solution into the growing tray. 
4. Drainage system: Typically contains drain pipes or fittings that enable excess nutrient solution to return to the reservoir after flooding.
5. Timer: Controls the pump operation overseeing how often and for how long flooding and draining occur.

Advantages

1. The cyclical flooding ensures that the roots receive nutrients and water while the draining phase lets them breathe in oxygen fostering healthy plant development.
2. These systems can be easily adjusted to fit both small and large spaces and cultivation requirements, making them great for both home gardeners and commercial cultivators. 
3. Ebb and Flow is relatively cheaper than other types and is also easy to set up and maintain as the required components are easily accessible and affordable.
4. The simple system design makes it effortless to tidy up and manage. As long as you check the solution, pump, and timer regularly, you don't need to do much. 

Disadvantages 

1. The system depends on the pump to water and drain the growing tray. If the pump fails, it could disrupt the cycle and harm the plants by either drying out their roots or oversaturating them. So, you must invest in a high-quality submersible pump to prevent any issues. 
2. Water sitting in the tray and reservoir constantly can encourage algae growth, which competes with plants for nutrients and may clog the system. Therefore, you must clean the system regularly. 
3. You must get the flood and drain cycle timing right to keep your plants healthy. Incorrect timing could lead to overwatering or underwatering, potentially causing root diseases or nutrient deficiencies.
4. It's crucial to monitor and adjust the solution regularly to maintain pH and nutrient levels. Neglecting this task could result in imbalances and hinder plant growth.
5. This system demands at least some vertical space for the growing tray and reservoir setup which might be a challenge in compact spaces.

5. Drip System 

The drip irrigation system is widely used due to its simplistic design that delivers nutrients and water straight to the plant roots. You have a lot of control over the growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for nurturing a large range of plants.

In this system, you will be cultivating your cannabis in containers filled with a growing medium like vermiculite or coconut coir. Each plant receives a consistent supply of solution via drip emitters or lines linked to a central nutrient reservoir. The solution is pumped from the reservoir through the lines ensuring each plant receives a regulated amount of water and nutrients at its base.

Key components of a drop system include:

1. Plant containers: Pots or containers to hold the plants and the growing medium, usually positioned above the reservoir.
2. Reservoir: A container holding the solution typically located beneath the growing area.
3. Pump: A pump for transferring the nutrient solution from the reservoir to the drip lines.
4. Drip lines and emitters: Tubes and nozzles that disperse the solution to each individual plant. The emitters regulate the flow rate of the solution.
5. Timer: A tool that manages the pump controlling how often and for how long nutrients are delivered to the plants.
6. Drainage System: Any excess nutrient solution draining from the plant containers is usually collected and sent back to the reservoir for reuse (in a recirculating drip system) or disposed of (in a non-recirculating system).

Advantages

1. You have a lot of control over the nutrient delivery to every individual plant when using drip systems. Not only will this improve nutrient uptake but also prevent over or underwatering.
2. By delivering nutrients and water to the root zone with precision, drip systems reduce waste, making them a more sustainable choice over other types of hydro setups.
3. Drip systems can be scaled to suit small gardens or big commercial farms. 
4. Due to the precise way of delivering nutrients only to the roots, it reduces the risk of fungal diseases. 
5. You can customize the system by adjusting the drip emitters to vary the flow rates based on each plant's needs. 

Disadvantages

1. The system has a risk of clogging due to blockages in the drip emitters when the nutrient solution has any particles or algae in it. You should clean and maintain the system regularly to avoid this. 
2. Drip systems can be expensive initially as you'll need to purchase some equipment to get it up and running. However, the long-term advantages often justify these expenses.
3. Drip systems need a bit more maintenance compared to other easy hydro setups. You will have to frequently check the emitters to make sure they are working or the plants won't get nutrients. Look out for blockages and leaks. 
4. As they rely on pumps, a power outage can halt the system and prevent the plants from getting the necessary nutrients. 

6. Aeroponics 

Aeroponics is a hydroponic method where plants grow with their roots suspended in air and are misted with a nutrient-rich solution. This setup maximizes oxygen exposure to roots promoting fast growth and efficient nutrient absorption.

In aeroponics, plants are usually anchored to a platform that contains holes and the roots hang down to another chamber. High-pressure pumps with misting nozzles are used to deliver the nutrients, water, and oxygen to plants through a fine mist at set intervals. 

Key elements of an aeroponics system include:

1. Growing Chamber: A closed area where the plant roots hang freely. This chamber helps maintain the mist and shields the roots from exposure to light. 
2. Misting System: High-pressure pumps and misting nozzles that transform the nutrient solution into a fine mist. The misting system delivers the solution to the roots.
3. Reservoir: A container that stores the nutrient solution. 
4. Timer: Regulates how long the plants are misted. It ensures consistent moisture to the roots without saturating or drying them out. 
5. Support structure: A frame, collars, or net pots that hold up the plants above the growing chamber. 

Advantages

1. Roots are exposed to a lot of oxygen and also receive lots of nutrients, promoting faster growth.
2. Aeroponics consumes a lot less water and nutrients compared to soil-based or other hydroponic systems as it delivers nutrients and water by misting. 
3. Aeroponic setups can be crafted to efficiently use space, making them suitable for gardeners with limited space. 
4. Since aeroponic systems don't involve soil they are less prone to soil-borne diseases and pests. 

Disadvantages

1. Aeroponic systems involve equipment like high-pressure pumps and misting nozzles, which can be costly to buy and install. The initial investment is higher compared to other hydro setups.
2. These systems are complex and require monitoring to prevent clogging of misting nozzles and ensure proper pump function. Maintaining misting cycles adds to the upkeep.
3. Aeroponic systems heavily rely on electricity for powering pumps and timers. During power outages, roots may dry out quickly, potentially causing plant stress or death, so you will need a power backup. 
4. You will need some technical knowledge to make and install these setups. So, it's best to grasp the nuances of misting cycles, nutrient levels, and system upkeep.
5. Failure or delays in misting cycles can lead to the exposed roots drying up. Aeroponics is a little less tolerant of mistakes during operations or equipment malfunctions.

7. Aquaponics 

Aquaponics is an eco-friendly farming method that combines fish farming with soil plant cultivation. This interconnected approach harnesses fish waste to nourish plants, thereby establishing an environment that benefits both the fish and your plants. 

In aquaponic setups, you will have fish in their tanks as usual. However, instead of cleaning fish waste and getting rid of it, that ammonia-rich waste is transformed into nitrates by beneficial bacteria, providing essential nutrients to the plants. 

The plants in return aid in purifying the water by acting as filters before it cycles back to the fish tanks. This self-sustaining cycle minimizes inputs once it's up and running.

Key elements of an aquaponic system include:

1. Fish tank: A designated space where various types of fish including tilapia, catfish, and decorative species like koi are raised.
2. Biofilter: An essential bacterial filtration mechanism that converts ammonia from fish waste into nitrates through a two-step process involving Nitrosomonas (ammonia to nitrites) and Nitrobacter (nitrites to nitrates). 
3. Growing beds refer to containers or beds filled with a growing medium such as gravel, clay pellets, or floating rafts, where plants are cultivated. Your cannabis plants absorb nitrates from the water as nutrients.
4. A water pump is utilized to circulate water from the fish tank through the biofilter and into the growing beds before returning it to the fish tank.
5. The aeration system consists of air pumps and air stones that oxygenate the water maintaining proper oxygen levels for both fish and beneficial bacteria.

Advantages

1. Aquaponics conserves lots of water as it recirculates within the system, making it very eco-friendly.  
2. The system produces both fish and plants offering two sources of food, thereby creating a diverse production system.
3. With fish waste serving as nutrients for plants, there's no need for other fertilizers. 
4. By combining fish and plant production, waste is minimized as fish waste is converted into plant nutrients creating a closed-loop system.
5. Aquaponics can be installed anywhere that has enough space for a fish tank, even in greenhouses. 

Disadvantages 

1. You will need tanks, biofilters, pumps, and other equipment, so the system can be a little expensive at first. 
2. Setting up and maintaining an aquaponics system will require some knowledge of both aquaculture and hydroponics. You must know about caring for fish, water chemistry, plant nutrient requirements, and system upkeep.
3. Continuous water circulation and aeration are vital for the system's operation, meaning there's a heavy dependency on a power source. Power failures can cause disruptions in the system and have an impact on both fish and plants.
4. Maintaining the balance between fish waste production and plant absorption can be quite a challenge. For instance, if you have a lot of fish with fewer plants, it can lead to water quality problems. Conversely, those overstocking plants with just a few fish can result in nutrient deficiencies.
5. When integrating fish and plants, diseases can affect both parts of the system. Thus, you have to monitor the system carefully for any disease outbreaks. 

Comparing Different Hydroponic Systems 

Different hydroponic systems vary significantly in terms of cost, complexity of setup, maintenance needs, space available, and water and nutrient efficiency. You also need to look at the scalability. Let's compare the hydroponic systems so you can choose the one that suits you best. 

Cost Breakdown

1. Nutrient Film Technique

• Initial Cost: Moderate as it requires a pump, tubing, and channels for your nutrient film.
• Operating Cost: Pretty low, including energy costs for the pump and occasional replacement of solutions.

2. Deep Water Culture 

• Initial Cost: Low since it involves just a few components such as a reservoir, air pump, and air stones.
• Operating Cost: Low as well, as it's mainly related to running the air pump.

3. Wick System

• Initial Cost: You just need supplies such as wicks, containers, and soil to get started, so the initial investment is low. 
• Operating Cost: Perhaps the lowest of all hydroponic systems as you don't need pumps or electricity for this.

4. Ebb and Flow System

• Initial Cost: Moderate, since you'll need a pump, timer, growing trays, and a reservoir.
• Operating Cost: Ranges from low to moderate because you'll use electricity for the pump and will also have to change the solution regularly.

5. Drip System

• Initial Cost: This can be moderate to high since you'll require a pump, timer, drip lines, and emitters.
• Operating Cost: Moderate cost as the pump will use electricity. There might be some maintenance needed due to clogging.

6. Aeroponics

• Initial Cost: Pretty high as you'll need high-pressure pumps, misters, and timers.
• Operating Cost: This will be high as well and you'll also have to continuously monitor the system. 

7. Aquaponics

• Initial Cost: On the higher side as it involves fish tanks, pumps, biofilters, and growing beds.
• Operating Cost: Ranges from moderate to high. Electricity is needed for pumps and aeration along with expenses for fish feed and regular system monitoring.

Ease of Setup and Maintenance

1. NFT

Setup: Moderately challenging as it involves assembling channels and installing pumps.

Maintenance: Requires cleaning to avoid clogging issues along with monitoring the levels of nutrients. 

2. DWC

Setup: Very easy as you have a few simple components that you'll have to assemble.

Maintenance: Low, as you only need to keep an eye on water levels and oxygen supply.

3. Wick System

Setup: Super easy! Just set it up effortlessly without hassle.

Maintenance: Simple installation with a few basic components.

4. Ebb and Flow

Setup: Moderate, since you'll have to install the pump along with a timer. 

Maintenance: Again, this is moderate as you'll have to clean the system. 

5. Drip System 

Setup: Depending on your technical knowledge, it can range from moderate to difficult as you have to install the emitters and drop lines properly. 

Maintenance: Moderately demanding since you'll have to regularly check for blockages and leaks.

6. Aeroponics

Setup: A little difficult as it involves installing misters. 

Maintenance: Pretty demanding as you will have to check for any nozzle blockages and overall system performance frequently.

7. Aquaponics

Setup: Pretty difficult as you have to integrate the plants with fish tanks. 

Maintenance: You will need to be very attentive to maintain a balance between fish and plant requirements along with regular water quality assessments.

Space Requirements

1. NFT

Uses space efficiently due to the way it can be set up at home. 

2. DWC

 Requires small to moderate space as there's a reservoir in action. 

3. Wick System

Optimizes space efficiently in compact spaces. 

4. Ebb and Flow

Moderate efficiency as you'll need some space for growing trays and reservoirs.

5. Drip System

Utilizes quite a bit of space but you can optimize it by configuring it for even vertical spaces. 

6. Aeroponics 

Doesn't take up a lot of space and is ideal for even vertical farming. 

7. Aquaponics

Needs more space as you'll have to manage the fish tank which can range from small to big. 

Water and Nutrient Management

1. NFT Systems

Efficiency: High, as it recirculates the nutrient solution with very little wastage. 

Water Consumption: Low

2. DWC Systems

Efficiency: Considered high in terms of performance as the roots always have access to nutrients. 

Water Consumption: Low to moderate depending on the system used. 

3. Wick System

Efficiency: Moderate, as it delivers water passively.

Water Consumption: Low.

4. Ebb and Flow

Efficiency: High, as it recirculates the nutrient solution.

Water Consumption: Ranges from low to moderate.

5. Drip System

Efficiency: High, as the precise delivery of nutrients reduces waste. 

Water Consumption: Low to moderate.

6. Aeroponics

Efficiency: High as it maximizes nutrient uptake with minimal water use.

Water Consumption: Low

7. Aquaponics

Efficiency: High with an integrated nutrient cycling system.

Water Consumption: Low, as it is recycled.

Scalability

1. NFT

Suitable for both big and small plants, this system is very scalable and can even be done vertically. 

2. Deep Water Culture 

Moderate scalability, although you can expand it easily if you add more reservoirs. 

3. Wick System

Limited scalability, and is best suited for small-scale plant setups.

4. Ebb and Flow

High scalability, and they can also be expanded by adding trays. You can grow large plants with this setup. 

5. Drip System

As an ideal choice for both small and large-scale operations, you can expand it by increasing drip lines. 

6. Aeroponics

Although this system is scalable, it requires significant investment for larger setups.

7. Aquaponics

Scalable setup and you just need to add more tanks and grow beds but it can be difficult to manage too many tanks and plants. 

Which Hydroponic System is Best for Various Scenarios 

• Best Budget-friendly System

DWC systems don’t need too many components. Since they are affordable, they are ideal for beginners or those looking to start with limited resources.

• Best for Limited Space

Nutrient Film Technique, as these systems are compact and can also be vertically arranged, making them ideal for areas like balconies, cozy rooms, or urban environments.

• Best System for Beginners 

Wick Systems, as they are low maintenance requiring no pumps or timers. They serve as a starting point for newcomers to hydroponics though they may not be suitable for high-yield cannabis plants. 

• Best System for Commercial Setups 

Drip Systems. They are scalable and offer a lot more control, making them perfect for commercial operations. In addition, they are versatile and you can grow both small and big cannabis plants. 

• Best System for High Yields

Aeroponics. These systems enhance root oxygenation leading to accelerated growth and increased yields. They are well-suited for a variety of cannabis strains and can produce high yields. 

• Best Eco-friendly System 

Aquaponics. This system merges fish cultivation with hydroponics forming a self-sustaining system that reuses waste. 

Summary: A Comprehensive Guide to Hydroponic Systems: Finding the Perfect Fit To Cultivate Your Cannabis Plants

We have discussed every hydroponic system, giving you an overview of how they work. If you want to start growing cannabis plants with hydroponics as a beginner, you can use this as a starting point to choose something that works for you. 

Remember to check out our other posts on hydroponics detailing every system so you can set up anything you want at home.