Hydroponic systems
9 growing systems — passive Kratky to commercial NFT. Each entry has a cost band, power draw, and the plant classes it suits.
- №001recirculating · diff 1/5
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
- COST USD
- $50–$300
- POWER
- 25 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb
- №002recirculating · diff 2/5
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
- COST USD
- $150–$600
- POWER
- 30 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb
- №003recirculating · diff 2/5
Ebb and Flow (Flood & Drain)
- COST USD
- $100–$400
- POWER
- 40 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb · fruiting
- №004advanced · diff 4/5
Aeroponics
- COST USD
- $300–$2000
- POWER
- 60 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb · fruiting
- №005passive · diff 1/5
Wick System
- COST USD
- $10–$50
- POWER
- 0 W
- BEST FOR
- herb
- №006passive · diff 1/5
Kratky Method
- COST USD
- $5–$30
- POWER
- 0 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb
- №007recirculating · diff 2/5
Dutch Bucket (Bato)
- COST USD
- $200–$800
- POWER
- 40 W
- BEST FOR
- fruiting
- №008recirculating · diff 3/5
Vertical Tower
- COST USD
- $300–$1500
- POWER
- 50 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb · fruiting
- №009advanced · diff 4/5
Aquaponics
- COST USD
- $500–$5000
- POWER
- 80 W
- BEST FOR
- leafy · herb · fruiting
Frequently asked
- Which hydroponic system is best for beginners?
- Deep water culture (DWC) and the Kratky method. Both have few moving parts, and DWC is the most forgiving system for first-time lettuce growers.
- What is the difference between DWC and NFT?
- In DWC the roots hang in an aerated reservoir; in NFT a thin film of nutrient solution flows along a channel past the roots. NFT uses less water but stops feeding the moment the pump stops.
- Do I need a pump for hydroponics?
- Not always. The Kratky method and the wick system run without electricity; DWC needs an air pump, and NFT, drip and ebb-and-flow need a water pump.