In this article, you will learn how to build a NFT Hydroponic System, including the growing medium, nutrient-rich solution, and the pump. Also, you will learn about the size of your tank.
Once you’ve assembled all of these components, you’ll be ready to start growing!
So, what’s next? You’re probably wondering how much this system costs.
In this post, we will cover:
Nutrient-rich solution
A nutrient-rich solution is used to feed the roots of plants in a NFT hydroponic system. The solution flows through the grow channels and the plants absorb 100% of the nutrients in it.
Excess nutrient solution flows back through the nutrient return pipe and is recycled within the system. This makes the NFT hydroponic system an environmentally friendly growing method, and it uses up to 95% less water than traditional methods.
Furthermore, it uses no pesticides and is easy to maintain. The nutrient solution is recycled within the closed system.
If you’re planning to grow plants in an NFT system, you’ll need to select the right plants. Choose plants with short, light-growing roots.
They don’t take up a lot of space, and are fast-growing. Leafy greens are an excellent choice because they have short roots that allow them to grow close together without drowning out neighboring plants and rails.
The NFT hydroponic system is simple to operate, with one pump to move water from one reservoir to another.
It requires close monitoring of water quality and mixing the nutrient solution properly. Plants take up nutrients from the water that flows over their roots. The flow of nutrient-rich water creates a shallow nutrient-rich solution film that helps them absorb nutrients and access oxygen.
Unlike ebb and flow systems, NFT uses an active system to deliver the correct amount of water to the plants’ roots. This means that water from the reservoir is constantly replenished and the roots do not experience any nutrient salts.
This system requires very little maintenance, and it produces a higher yield than traditional methods. If you’re planning on using an NFT hydroponic system, be sure to check out the tips provided below to get the best results from your growing medium.
Growing medium
Perlite is a natural, lightweight, and porous growing medium. It is low in CEC and AFP, and can be used on its own or mixed with other growing mediums. Although it is light, it is not ideal for submerging in a flood and drain system.
However, it does have some advantages. Read on to learn more about it. Below, we’ll discuss some common problems and solutions.
NFT utilizes a pump to deliver a thin film of water and nutrients directly to the roots. This method recycles the solution, which means the growing medium is minimal.
However, it is important to note that if something goes wrong with the pump, your crop could be ruined. Water that isn’t balanced can clog your pipes and spoil your crop. Adding more NFT channels to your system will ensure that you’re getting the maximum yields possible.
While PVC pipes can serve as a growing chamber, they don’t allow optimal air-to-nutrient ratio. The best growing chambers for NFT systems are channels with flat bottoms, since these channels provide good oxygen exposure and large surface areas.
Besides, a growing chamber with a flat bottom is easier to maintain and monitor. And if you’re worried about soil moisture, a removable top will help you maintain the pH balance and monitor your plants’ growth.
The NFT system depends on the flow of nutrient solution to grow plants. If the flow of nutrients is interrupted, the roots will dry up. In addition, the newly-planted channels tend to get hotter than those of other techniques, but the heat diminishes over time as the nutrient solution flows.
Also, vigorous-growing plants can block the nutrient solution channel, and impede the flow of nutrients to plants planted down the tray.
Pump
There are many benefits of an NFT hydroponics system, including the ability to grow edible flowers. For example, you can plant a variety of flowers for salads or other food presentations.
The nutrients from the water flow directly to the roots of your plants, producing faster, higher yields than conventional gardening methods. Moreover, the water flow flushes away nutrient salts that build up in the plant’s root system.
When pumping a NFT hydroponics system, you should use soluble fertilizers. The solution must dissolve completely in water to provide all the nutrients the plants need.
Therefore, soluble fertilizers are the best option. This solution is available to the plants only through their roots. You should check the nutrient solution’s pH level before adding fertilizers.
It should be at least 1:40. Sometimes, it can go as low as 1:100. Make sure the water slope is gradual.
When pumping a nft hydroponic system, always remember that your plant’s health depends on the proper amount of oxygenation. Therefore, you should always use a pump that has at least five times the amount of water it is supposed to deliver.
Moreover, you should use tubing that is non-transparent to help prevent algae growth. This is because it helps to block out light and microbes. In addition, simple tubing is best for NFT systems.
An NFT irrigation system is similar to an ebb and flow hydroponic system, except that it uses a constant flow of water to provide plants with oxygen. A constant flow of water runs through the grow channels while delivering the nutrient solution to the roots.
Then, the water flows back down the channel and re-uses the nutrient solution. A NFT hydroponic system does not require air pumps, as the water keeps a thin film of water in the system.
Tank size
A tank size for an NFT hydroponic system will depend on how many plants you want to grow. In general, the smaller the reservoir, the more plants you can grow. However, if you are just starting out, a smaller tank may be enough.
You should always check the tank’s integrity before you start growing your plants. If the growing channels sag, you’ll have to change the tank size again.
Usually, a grower won’t need a large tank for their NFT hydroponic system. The small tank will hold just enough nutrient solution for the plants to grow. However, some growers may use growing media for the larger tanks.
If you plan to grow plants in an NFT system, make sure the roots are deep enough to pass through the bottom. Moreover, you should regularly trim the plants’ roots, as long ones can clog up the tank.
The NFT hydroponic system is typically composed of a reservoir of 5 gallons. The water pump in an NFT system is not on an automatic timer, so it runs continuously.
You will want to use at least a ten-foot-long tube to fit the NFT system, since any longer tube will interfere with the water pump. Since the roots are closer to the reservoir, the nutrient solution will reach them more quickly and evenly than those further away.
One of the most important features of an NFT hydroponic system is adjustable flow. You will also need to have adequate tubing to deliver the solution. The amount of tubing you choose depends on the design of your system.
For example, a simple one-chamber NFT system will require a small amount of tubing, but if you’re planning on growing larger plants, you can choose to build a larger tank.
Cost
Before you purchase an NFT hydroponic system, you should consider what type of plants you want to grow in it. These channels are generally designed to grow leafy green plants, such as bibb and leaf type lettuce, spinach, broccoli Raab, and certain herbs.
While these are not the most expensive plants, they do take longer to grow due to their large root systems. You can find a wide selection of NFT systems at a variety of hydroponics equipment stores.
When purchasing an NFT system, make sure you choose a high-quality system. A NFT system uses net pots for the plants, exposing their roots to the nutrient solution. The growing media also serves as a reservoir for nutrients and water from the nutrient solution.
However, most growers do not use the growing media in an NFT system. The growing media is not used, as the system will provide the roots with the right amount of oxygen, moisture, and nutrients. An NFT system will typically include a pump for the nutrient solution to be delivered to the plant, and a drainage pipe to recycle it.
Purchasing a high-quality NFT hydroponic system is a wise investment. This type of grow system does not require a large number of growing media, which will add to the cost of maintenance.
Additionally, NFT systems use food-grade materials. An air pump is also a necessary component of an NFT hydroponic system. If the air pump fails, your plants can die within hours.
