What are the Components of a Hydroponic System?

To maintain a thriving hydroponic system, you will need to get to know a few components that make the hydroponics work efficiently.

Growing Mass Media

Hydroponic plants are mostly grown in inert media that support the weight of the plant and anchor its root structure. Rising media is a replacement for soil, but does not provide the plant with any individual nutrients. Instead this porous media retains moisture and nutrients from the nutrient solution that it then provides to the plant.

Many growing media are also pH-neutral, so they won't disturb the balance of your nutrient solution. There are a host of different media to choose from and the particular plant and hydroponic system can decide which media better fits your needs. Hydroponic growing media is widely available both online and in local nurseries and gardening shops.

Air Stones and Air Pump

Plants that are immersed in water will easily drown if the water is not properly aerated. Air stones spread tiny bubbles of dissolved oxygen in your nutrient pool. These bubbles also help to uniformly disperse the dissolved nutrients in the solution.

Air stones do not contain oxygen on their own. They need to be connected to an external air pump via opaque food grade plastic tubes (opacity prevents the growth of algae from occurring). Air stones and air pumps are common aquarium components and can be easily purchased from pet stores.

The Net Pot

Net pots are mesh planters housing hydroponic plants. The lattice material helps the roots to expand out of the sides and bottom of the pot, resulting in increased exposure to oxygen and nutrients. Net pots also have superior drainage compared to conventional clay pots or plastic pots.