Ebb + Flow (Flood + Drain)

The ebb and flow or flood and drain method works by flooding the grow area with nutrient solution at specific intervals, which then drain back into a reservoir containing a pump on a timer. This type of flood and drain hydroponics system is ideal for plants that are used to alternating periods of dryness to wet. The four basic components of an ebb and flow system are the reservoir with your nutrients, a plant or flood tray, a submersible water pump, and a timer. Additionally, you may require a container such as a perforated or net pot(s) with hydroponic grow media in which your plant(s) will sit inside the flood table. Once the water/nutrient solution starts filling the tray it will be absorbed by your growing medium which is where your plant's roots will be waiting for food.