1. Hydroponics vs. Soil
Do Plants Grow Better in Water or Soil
• External pump. You will also need a switch system for multi flow to
automatically regulate water levels.
• Tubing. This should be PVC for multi flow systems and an air tube for water
culture. any normal tubing will work for ebb and flow.
• Water proof bin, bucket, fish tank to use as a reservoir. If you are building a multi
flow system, it should be verticle to allow for better flood control. It should also
have a controller unit to plug the water pump into.
• StyroFoam if you are implementing a water culture system. An inch or so thick
should be fine.
• Pots. Mesh Pots are ideal for water cultures, whereas plastic nursery pots are
acceptable for ebb and flow systems.
• Plant trays. You will create your own from StyroFoam if you are planning on
implementing a water culture system. Otherwise, you should have at least six
trays for a multi flow system or a plastic/plastic-covered metal ebb and flow tray
for an ebb and flow system.
• Growing medium - Rockwool, Grow rocks, etc.
• Hydroponics nutrients - (Grow formula, Bloom formula, Supplements, Ph)
• Black spray paint, paint (only required if reservoir is transparent)
• Sharp object - Knife, box cutter, scissors (This is not a task for minors)
• Air stones for a water culture system
• A flow/drain system for ebb and flow. This is a group of drains and pipes that
water to be cycled back into the reservoir.
• Make sure you keep your pots on stable surfaces, or you may result with uneven
plant growth.