-Ryan Blankenship-
With all of the different types of hydroponics systems out there, drain to waste has to be my favorite. The main reason I like this one so much is the delivery method of the plants’ nutrients. In the other hydro systems (Deep Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, Nutrient Film Technique, and Aeroponics) the nutrients are in a reservoir and are cycled through the system. Deep water culture or DWC uses a bucket, water, air stone and nutrients, and the plants’ roots grow into the bucket and consume the nutrients it wants.
The same goes with the other systems. Roots are emerged or constantly being sprayed while taking up what nutrients are in its reservoir. The only problem with this method is that there are only so many nutrients in that reservoir. So as your plants eat, they are taking up the nutrients that are available.
Most gardeners will change their reservoir out weekly, but let’s say you only change it every two weeks. Your plants could have eaten up all of a specific macro or micro nutrient, and you will start to get nutrient deficiencies. With a drain to waste system, these nutrient deficiencies never happen.
So what consists of a drain to waste system and why is there never a nutrient deficiency? A drain to waste system has a reservoir to keep your nutrients in, a submersible pump, a type of square or round mesh pot that has good drainage, soilless media, a flood tray, and a waste bucket. The way this system works is you fill your reservoir with water and adjust the PPM and pH to how you desire, connect your drip lines to your containers, set your water pump to come on 3-6 times a day depending on water/nutrient uptake, set up your flood tray to drain into your waste bucket, and you’re ready to grow.
The reason this system will never have a nutrient deficiency is because your reservoir will stay at the exact Ph and PPM that you set it at, and your plants receive those exact same nutrients every single time. You no longer have to worry if your plants are taking up more macro or micro nutrients because this will stay consistent.
I’ve been lucky enough to get to play with the Flora Flex line. This company makes different sizes of square and round pots, but what makes them so different is their lids that fit each size container. These lids have several perforated holes on top which allow an even flow over your media, unlike the drip lines which only flow in one space. They also have this manifold which allows you to run up to 8 plants off each one and can also be run in a larger growhouse and be connected by ¾ inch pvc up to 1 inch. They also have quick disconnects that allow you to take apart the manifold without interfering with your growing equipment.
If you are looking to grow hydroponically, I’d seriously consider using the Drain to Waste method for consistency of results and strong, productive plants. We are happy to talk with you about how to construct a drain to waste system or to troubleshoot with you about any issues you may have with your indoor growing projects!
Fred Powell says
That’s what I want to do.Can you give more information.
Steven says
Would be interested in having this system explained in greater detail please.
Peter Stanley says
Do you know if oxygenating the reservoir nutrients would add any benefit for the roots?
ashley says
Yes, as long as your water temps are within an acceptable range, adding oxygen is never a bad idea! Your water will likely have a higher dissolved oxygen ratio when it hits the root zone. We will also put a ventricle on the mixing pump in the reservoir to add more dissolved oxygen. — Mike and Ryan at Fifth Season
Fred says
Do you think it’s
really necessary to feed in a drain to waste system as often as 3-5 times a day?? Seems a Lil excessive?! I currently use Coco and only feed 1 time every 24hrs in order to avoid root issues and waste of nutrients. Do you think I’d benefit from more frequent feedings?? I use 1gallon pots with Coco…. Just curious what you think??? Thankyou
ashley says
Hi Fred,
I feel it is important to feed 3-5 times a day in a drain to waste system if the system is setup properly. You want 10%-15% runoff for maximum nutrient uptake. Coco actually expands around the rhizosphere to allow oxygen flow to the roots without causing root rot like peat would do. I could tell a difference in my plant size between 1 time feedings vs 3-5 times per day. – Ryan at Fifth Season Gardening
Angel says
Can you email me what supplies and where I can order this system and complete instructions on how to set it up and run it please?
ashley says
Hi Angel,
I’d recommend either the 6 site or 8 site complete Floraflex kit that we offer. There are instructions inside to show how to completely set it up. The only items not included in the kit are:
Reservoir
Tray
Pots (we offer the quick fill 1 gallon from FloraFlex that comes with container and media)
Media (if going with the quick fill, this won’t be needed)
If you need assistance with set-up, or to talk through this system and to order it for delivery, you can call me at our Greensboro, NC location (336) 271-3373 — Ryan at Fifth Season Gardening
Dude says
Little late to the party but figured I’d throw out a question. Past few grows I was running air stones 24/7 but was replacing them pretty often and read some opposing views to that setup. I’ve read about having a recirculating pump or even a wave maker of some kind to agitate the water. My question is, how often should I run the recirculating pump and for how long? Initial thoughts are to time the recirculating pumps to run for 10 minutes before each feeding (3x daily). Thanks a lot!
brian says
Thanks for your question. The key is to aerate your nutrient solution…it’s probably less important how you choose to do so. Air stones work well. If you wanted to agitate the water that can work too. Just make sure that you’ve got water and air exchange (splashing, falling, etc.). If you’re simply recirculating water with a submerged pump, your aeration will likely be minimal. As for how long and how often, it really depends upon how much solution you’re moving and how much agitation you have. Best of luck!