How a Flood and Drain Hydroponic System Works and How to Set One Up
A flood and drain system, also called ebb and flow, feeds your plants in cycles. A pump fills the pots with nutrient solution, then the solution drains back to the reservoir. Between floods the roots get access to air, which is one of the reasons the method is so popular.
The main parts of a flood and drain system
- Control unit: often called the brain, this holds the pump and the float switches that control the flood height, with a timer to set how often the system floods. On IWS Pro systems you can also control how long each flood lasts.
- Pots: the pots sit on stands or in channels so they drain completely after each flood.
- Pipework: flexible pipe links the control unit to each pot. IWS Pro systems use 25mm pipework for faster filling and draining.
- Fittings: tees and elbows join the pipe runs, stop ends close off a run and taps let you control the flow.
- Root control discs: copper discs in the base of the pot stop roots growing into the feed and drain pipework.
- Reservoir: a tank to hold your nutrient solution, sized to the number of pots.
How to lay out a line of pots
On an IWS system each line runs in the same order: control unit outlet, pipe, pot fitted with a tee, more pipe, and so on, with the last pot in the line finished with an elbow. Plan your layout first and measure each length of pipe to suit the position of your pots before cutting.
Tip: soaking flexible pipe in hot water before fitting makes it easier to push onto fittings and gives a better seal as it cools.
Standard or Pro?
Pro systems use larger 25mm pipework and a more powerful pump for faster fill and drain cycles. The Pro Remote versions add a wall-mounted timer that lets you set the flood cycle anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes. Larger pots and bigger systems tend to benefit most from the faster Pro cycles.
Keeping your system clean
Check pipework and pots between crops and replace any old, dirty pipe. Keep your reservoir clean, and use a pH and EC meter to keep your solution on target.
Shop flood and drain equipment
Not sure which system suits your space? Call us on 01744 382 066 or pop in to our Rainford shop and we will help you plan it.