The most popular and basic hydroponics systems among growers is the Wick hydroponics system. Most other hydroponics systems have their own set of advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken care of. Wick hydroponics systems like flood and drain systems work efficiently with the help of growing media like rockwool or coco coir. The plants are not suspended directly into the water. Wick systems are passive hydroponics systems because there is no need of electricity to pump the nutrient solution from the reservoir to grow tray.
The amount of water needed by the plants is controlled by plants in wick hydroponic systems. The highly-absorbent lower end of is set in a reservoir filled with nutrient solution. And the other end is fixed close to the roots into the growing medium. The nutrient-enriched water is pulled up and supplied into the growing media by capillary action. The more plants absorb the nutrient solution the more is pulled from the other end.
It’s a known fact that in hydroponics it’s very important to have good aeration. The air is pulled up to the plant roots along with the water solution. The growing medium you choose also helps your plants to receive adequate air. Although it’s optional, many growers aerate the nutrient-enriched water with the help of air pump and airstones.
However, wick-based hydroponic system also has its disadvantages; for instance, all plants do not require a constant supply of water. It is ideal for plants like lettuce as they need constant supply of water. The supply of nutrient solution is inadequate for bigger and faster growing plants and the chances of root rot are more here because the grow media can reduce or stop aeration.
The best feature of wick-based hydroponics system is its simplicity. You can build your personal homemade wick-based hydroponics system in minimal time with very little investment. Even kids can include building a wick hydroponics system as their fun activity. Wick-based hydroponics system is an ideal hydroponics system for beginners because it’s inexpensive, affordable and simple!