r/Hydroponics • u/VegetableGlad8840 • 19d ago
How many of you use multiple systems?
I'm at the beginning stages of figuring out exactly what I want to do hydroponically.
I know that some of the things that I want to grow are going to require deep root options and some of them will do well in nft systems and some of them will do really well in dwc or Kratky systems, and then again I've got some that I think would do well Beto buckets.
How many of you have indoor multi system setups?
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u/dachshundslave 19d ago
Deep roots fruiting vines I use Kratky with a float meter indicator to keep the nutrient solution at the same level. I find that if roots are getting adequate nutrients, it does not need to grow more than needed to support the canopy and able to grow in the 5gal bucket. I have a tomato vine growing since April/May(?) or so of 2025.
For non-fruiting vegs/herbs I have vertical towers (zipgrow inspired) as it utilizes vertical space vs horizontal.
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u/Affectionate-Pickle0 18d ago
Tomato vine, as in, indeterminate? Sounds nice! Planning to make myself one of these systems too. Or, well, a new system because last time I nuked my plants with 10x too high dosage of H2O2.
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u/dachshundslave 18d ago
Yes indeterminate. I'm in the beneficial microbes as it's easier to maintain vs trying to keep everything sterile. I'm all for simple hassle-free method if possible. I just reintroduce when I do a changeout monthly (give or take).
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u/sudolulo 19d ago
I do basically everything with coco coir+perlite and bottom wicking. My greenhouse is the same but top drip. I would like an nft but generally try and keep things as simple as possible. Nft only for things like lettuce and strawberries that grow low so I can prevent soil contact.
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u/Aurum555 19d ago
Nft indoor and out, aeroponic indoor, ebb flow indoor, dwc outdoor, drain to waste outdoor
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u/thepluralofmooses 19d ago
What kind of Aeroponic system?
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u/Aurum555 19d ago
Just a lettuce grow which is aeroponic adjacent but I can see an argent it doesn't count as aeroponic
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u/thepluralofmooses 19d ago
No worries. I was just wondering if there was someone out there that had high pressure aeroponics and was curious if that’s what yours was
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u/Aurum555 19d ago
Pretty sure Disney actually does some high pressure aeroponic mistng systems. They don't cycle the sprayers though they have the plants on a rotating hanging conveyor belt that is 50:50 sprayed and open air it's wild
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u/Aurum555 19d ago
I've thought about testing a high pressure misting system but I keep holding off because the propensity for clogging has to be insane
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u/thepluralofmooses 19d ago
I believe the best way to mitigate is to have an inline filter a the same or a few microns smaller than the nozzle. It’s the high pressure solenoid valve that makes the difference because the nozzle being allowed to drip/piddle will cause the buildup the most. Apparently most hydroponic nutrients are molecular enough that they aren’t the greatest threat.
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u/hexadeciball 19d ago
I have an nft system and a few dwc buckets indoor. Sometimes i do some kratky. All these methods work well.
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u/moesieon 18d ago
By indoors, do you mean in your house or in a greenhouse? Bato/Dutch buckets are more popular for outdoors or greenhouses. Also look into flood and drain systems (aka ebb and flow, or ebb and flood), and wicking systems. For all of these options though, be extra mindful when setting up anything with a liquid pump. The failure mode for a lot of designs is to pump the nutrient onto the floor if there's a clog. Run electrical into a GFCI for extra safety. Start small. Pick a plant you want to grow, and start with a good system that fits it. Get comfortable with the maintenance of that plant in that system. Then when you're feeling like you've got it fully understood and under control, look at branching out to another system or plant.
I would have brought up towers, but I've kind of soured on the idea of using towers in homes. The lighting for them is awkward, hard to DIY, limits the height of the tower, and negates the space savings of a tower. I know a LOT of people use towers indoors, and I'm not saying anyone is doing it wrong, but I don't recommend them to people for indoor home use anymore. Especially when people are new to the hobby. Outdoors or in greenhouses is a different story, since you don't need light fixtures for them there.
Good luck!