Hydroponics systems and supplies – hydroponics drip system
Hydroponics Drip systems belong to those most frequently used worldwide. They are often employed in commercial facilities and provide good yields of long-term plants and vegetables as, for example, peppers and tomatoes. Drip hydroponic systems offer even better aeration rates than flood and drain systems, due to the partial dipping of the plants roots, which are, at the same time, protected from drying out. Additional aeration, created by water splashing down into the reservoir, is also present.
Drip hydroponic systems have something in common with the yard drip irrigation system. The ducting from the pump branches out into smaller tubes, which supply nutrients to many plants. Nutrient rich water drips near the base of each plant stem. Then it flows down into the growing medium, where it can be easily absorbed by the roots of the plants. The access of the solution tickles down into the reservoir.
Hydroponic Drip systems can be on all the time; however, many gardeners prefer to water the plants for an hour and then turn the system off for another hour. The systems are also controlled with the timers, set according to the gardener’s preferences. Often it is recommended to experiment with the system to find out what schedule is best for the particular kind of plants you are growing.
Building Your Own Drip System
It is very easy to build and modify the drip systems. In addition, they are inexpensive. One of the most convenient ways is to arrange your system as follows: the plants are grown in the pots with the growing medium. Individual pots are then placed on a tray, underneath of which is a reservoir for nutrient solution. The latter is supplied with the help of a pump.
The main tube, connected to the pump, can be ½ inches wide. It is also possible to use several similar tubes to branch off this line. Try to make the ducting as smooth as possible with the help of the ½ inches connectors/tees/elbows, avoiding kinks. Do not forget to block each tube with ½ inches compression end cap. Then put the tubes along the top edges of the pots.
Next step is to connect the drip rings to the ducting. For this purpose define the places where the drippers should be and pierce the holes there. Upon connecting the drippers make sure that they are facing down.
Plug in and turn on the pump to check whether the hydroponic Drip system is working properly.
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