The flood and drain tray is an essential part of the hydroponic ebb and flow or the flood and drain mechanism. They are also called hydroponic, grow trays or plant trays that allow that stand on a rolling bench as a pedestal and under that, there is a reservoir of water, for the growth of plants. Moreover, it also allows air to come in contact with the roots of the plants.
Different Elements Of The Ebb And Flow Hydroponics System
There are various elements that make up the ebb and flow hydroponics system. These include –
Flood and drain tray
Also known as the plant tray, these are shallow containers within which you must place the plants. The perforated pots which contain the plant seedlings must have an efficient growing medium. For instance, if you are keen to grow plants that require more water and become dry very fast during one session of the day, then you need to water at least 8-9 times to keep the plants safe and not to retard their growth.
The main function of this particular component is to ensure that the reservoir is connected to the hydroponics systems. It allows water to flow into the system. Moreover, it also determines the height that the container’s nutrient solution can reach.
Growing container
The growing container can either be a bucket or it can be a container. The only thing that you need to pay attention to is that placing all the plants in one single growing container might entangle the roots. It will make it difficult to remove them to another place. You need to clean this container from time to time.
Medium
In the ebb and flow hydroponics system, the growing media must have a strong connection. Some of the most common ones include stone wool, hydroton, etc.
Submersible pump
The submersible pump is present within the reservoir. It pumps the nutrient solution into the growing container. This pump takes time to install, but once when it is done, it keeps the level of water intact as a good solution for the plants to grow.
Reservoir
The reservoir is present just beneath the stand of the flood tray.
Benefits Of Using The Flood And Drain System
There are numerous advantages that one can gain from the usage of a flood and drain tray. Here is a list of benefits that you can take into account while taking care of your plant.
Easy To Manage
In order to keep the ebb and flow mechanism working smoothly, you don’t have to make many efforts. It is easy to handle the system if you have set it up with suitable components such as the flood and drain tray, reservoir, etc.
Affordable
The total cost of buying the flood and drain tray along with other parts is relatively affordable. It is not too expensive and can be bought by anyone.
Abundance Of Nutrients
With the flood and drain tray, the plants can now get the nutrients that they need. Moreover, there will be no flooding due to the presence of the overflow tube.
Easy To Create
If you have the right flood and drain tray and other components, you can develop the hydroponics system with ease. There is no need for expert knowledge to create the ebb and flow system.
Propagation
The ebb and flow hydroponics system is mainly used for the process of plant propagation. However, the yield is not as good as compared to other hydroponic systems such as the deep-water culture or the DWC system.
These are some of the advantages that you can obtain from using a flood and drain tray. With such an effective mechanism, you can now grow healthy plants with ease.
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