Do-It-Yourself/Homemade hydroponics wick system

Water works/wick hydroponics systems are probably the most basic form of hydroponics kits available. The way they function is fairly simple to understand. The roots of the plants are constantly submerged under water and a pump is used with an airstone to provide aeration.

Water works systems do not provide proper aeration of the roots. To allow roots to breath, a pump must be used, usually an external one connected to an air line running into the reservoir. At the other end of the tube is an airstone that gently diffuses oxygen into the reservoir tank.

Water works usually utilize grow rocks, rockwool or a combination of both mediums to grow plants and keep them up-right and sturdy. Water works can be classified as a wick system because wick strips are generally placed in the planters (net pots) to pull nutrient from the reservoir to feed the upper root system. When you submerge the planter into the reservoir, the wick strip will transport water from the reservoir to feed the part of the roots that is not submerged under water or the roots growing at the top level of the root system.

Compartments

Planters/Net Pots - The planters will house the base of the plants for structural support
Reservoir - Contains the nutrient solution
External pump - Facilitate aeration of root system
Tubing - Connects to pump and airstone to aerate root system
Airstones - Gently aerate the root system (Oxygen Diffuser)
Wicks - Transport water from reservoir to feed upper root system that is not submerged under water using capillary action

Additional notes:

Water works hydroponics systems are not the most advanced, however, it will get the job done and the system is great for beginners and hobby gardeners. Water works may cause root rot and other problems because the roots are in water for longer than they need to be and is not recommended for large or long term plants.

Submerging plant roots into water for a long period of time will usually kill the plant or slows growth. Air stones will aerate the roots, but some plants may still die because of soaking up too much water.

One of the few crops that would be "perfect" for water works hydroponics systems is lettuce. Lettuce is a crop that loves water and plenty of it. Lettuce growers should have great results using this hydroponics technique.

Build your own

Building your own water works system is quite simple and can be fun, if you know how to follow instructions :-). This type of system would be best used for water loving plants such as lettuce.

Only a few items are required to get you up and running in no time. The things you will need to build a water works hydroponics system are listed below with illustrations for visual reference.

Required items

External pump
Airline/tubing
Airstones
Water proof bin, bucket, fish tank to use as a reservoir
StyroFoam
Mesh Pots
Growing medium - Rockwool, Grow rocks, etc
Hydroponics nutrients - (Grow fertilizers, Bloom fertilizers, Supplements, pH)

Required tools

Black spray paint - * Only required if reservoir is transparent
Sharp object - Knife, box cutter, scissors

Getting started

1. Find a container to use as a reservoir such as a fish tank or a bin/bucket of some sort. The reservoir should be painted black if it is not light proof. Allowing light to enter the reservoir will promote the growth of algae. It is a good idea to use a reservoir that is the same dimensions (length x width) from top to bottom (Example: Top: 36"x20" Bottom: 36"x20").

If possible, use a fish tank or similar container as your reservoir. Spray paint tank (if translucent) to black and let dry. Using a knife or other sharp object, score a vertical line on the side of the tank -- i.e. scratch off some paint in a straight line from top to bottom. This will be your water level meter; it will allow you to see how much water is in reservoir. Creating this line, however, is not necessary as you can determine how much water is in the reservoir simply by see how far down the floater (StyroFoam) has sunk. Adding the line gives a more accurate and convenient view of the nutrient solution level.

2. Use a tape measure to get the length and width of your reservoir. Measure from inside of the reservoir from one end to the other. Once you have the dimensions, cut the StyroFoam 1/4" (inch) smaller than the size of the reservoir. For example, if your dimensions are 36" in length and 20" in width you should cut the StyroFoam to 35 3/4" x 19 3/4". The StyroFoam should fix nicely, with just enough room to adjust to water level changes.

lf the reservoir tapers off at the bottom (the bottom is smaller in dimension than the top) the floater (StyroFoam) should be 2"-4" smaller than the reservoir, or more if necessary.

3. Do not place StyroFoam in reservoir yet! First, you need to cut the holes for the net pots. Put the net pots on the StyroFoam where you want to place each plant. Using a pen or pencil, trace around the bottom of the net pots. Use a sharp tool such as a knife or box cutter to follow the trace lines and cut the holes for pots. (KIDS!!! Get help from an adult). On one end of the StyroFoam (any end), cut a small hole for the air line to run into the reservoir.

4. The amount of plants you can grow will depend on the size of the garden you build and the types of crops you grow. Remember to space plants appropriately so the each receive ample amounts of light.

5. The pump you choose must be strong enough to provide enough oxygen to sustain plants. Ask for a help choosing a pump at your local hydroponics supply store. Telling them the size of your reservoir (In gallons - 2, 5, 10 gallons, etc) and they should be able to make a recommendation.

Connect the air line to the pump and attach the air stone to the free end. The air line should be long enough to travel from the pump into the bottom of the reservoir or at least float in the middle some where so the oxygen bubbles can get to the roots. It also must be the right size for the pump you choose. Most pumps will come with the correct size air line. To make your best guest, use a one gallon bucked/bottle or any container that you know the capacity and fill the reservoir. Remember to count how much it takes to fill the reservoir and you will know the capacity of your reservoir.

Setting it up

a. Fill reservoir with nutrient solution
b. Place the StyroFoam in tank
c. Run the air line through the designated hole/notch.
d. Fill the net pots with growing medium and place one plant in each pot.
e. Put the net pots into the designated holes in StyroFoam.
f. Turn on/plug-in pump and start growing with your fully functional, homemade hydroponics system.

Artificial lighting

If your hydroponics system is for indoor use, you will need to provide artificial lighting for plants to thrive. The size of your garden will determine how much light fixtures and watts you will need for proper coverage. Lighting stores can provide more information on selecting lights. When plants are in growth phase, they benefit more from HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps. In Bloom, HPS (High Pressure Sodium) increases yield and grow denser, heavier flowers.

Fluorescent light is also an option. However, fluorescent lamps does not offer the same amount of lumens as HID's or HPS lamps. Fluorescent are good for starters and seedlings and for growers with ventilation problems. Fluorescent also burns much cooler than HID's and HPS lamps allowing you to place plants closer to the light source without burning tender foliage.

Footnotes:

A homemade hydroponics system like this is not ideal for a large scale production or commercial usage. This particular system plan does not offer a way to conveniently change nutrient solution. An extra container would be required to hold the floater while you change the solution.