Best hydroponic systems - The ultimate guide

There’s nothing worse than wanting to grow your own delicious, fresh produce or incredible herbs, only to find you don’t have the perfect growing system. That’s where hydroponics plays a role.

Hydroponic systems — which use a nutrient solution instead of soil to support plant roots — are the lazy gardener’s best friend. Whatever your space situation or your plants’ needs, there’s a hydroponic system for you.

However, there are countless products available in the market from various brands, and it can be hard to decide which one is good enough. Indeed, a basic Google search for “hydroponic stores near me” will probably return more results than you know what to do with, depending on your local jurisdiction and how much cannabis is allowed there.

Don’t worry, though — we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about hydroponics and guide you through our favorite hydroponics systems available today.

RELATED: Hydroponic Systems & Gardens for Sale

What Is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in a nutrient solution or hydroponic fertilizer without using any soil. In this technique, there is a container for the plant roots suspended in a nutrient-rich solution that provides all nutrients required for the plant to grow.

Hydroponics has been used for centuries, dating back to ancient Egyptians who used it to grow crops. The term Hydroponics comes from the Greek words hydro, meaning water, and ponos, meaning labor.

There are many types of Hydroponic systems that can be set up, but the same principles apply to all. Most importantly, Hydroponics allows us to grow plants indoors, in small spaces, or in extreme environments where traditional gardening is impractical.

How Does Hydroponics Work?

There are three basic things that plants require to grow: light, water and nutrition. Hydroponic systems give the plants all this using a nutrient solution instead of soil.

These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. An irrigation system circulates nutrient-rich water through the plant roots.

As the water flows through the plant roots, they absorb the nutrients. This phenomenon is known as ion exchange, enabling plants to directly absorb minerals from the water, bypassing the soil.

Hydroponics is a more efficient variant that allows for more precise control of the nutrient levels present in the water and the pH balance, both aspects that contribute to a healthier and quicker growth of the plants themselves.

Types of Hydroponic Systems

There is a variety of hydroponic systems available, with each one offering its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

1. Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Deep Water Culture (DWC) is one of the simplest and most popular hydroponic systems. It is a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) type system; the plant roots hang over a thin film of a nutrient solution.

The beautiful thing about DWC, when it is done properly, is that it is very forgiving, so it is super easy to get the hang of and relatively hard to mess up. That is when the roots of the plant are submerged in the nutrient solution. It allows them to be constantly bathed in nutrients and oxygen.

This also means that DWC systems are excellent for cultivating large plants since they have sufficient nutrients and oxygen available. DWC systems are ideal for plants with high water and nutrient requirements like cannabis.

How Does the Deep Water Culture System Work?

In Deep Water Culture, the nutrient solution is constantly being circulated through the plant roots, and an air pump oxygenates the solution.

The plants are held by net pots with growing media, like rockwool or clay pellets, floating with them in the nutrient solution. The net pots hold the plants in place while letting their roots reach the nutrient solution.

The platform also features holes for the air pump to oxygenate the nutrient solution, which ensures that the plant roots receive adequate oxygen.

2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a hydroponic garden system in which the roots of the plants are suspended in a continuously flowing thin film of nutrient solution. This system gets its name from the thin film of nutrient solution that passes through the plant roots.

NFT systems are most suitable for fast-growing plants with small, fibrous roots, like lettuce and herbs. Based on their growing types, they are low-maintenance as compared to other hydroponic systems, and so a good option for beginners.

Unlike other hydroponic systems, NFT allows for the growth of plants in vertical orientation, ideal for maximizing space in small areas or implementing large-scale commercial operations.

How Does the Nutrient Film Technique System Work?

In NFT systems, the plants are typically grown in net pots filled with grow media, just like in Deep Water Culture systems. The only difference is that instead of sitting on a raft floating in the nutrient solution, the net pots sit on a channel or trough.

These channels are slightly sloped so that a constant stream of nutrient solution flows through the roots of the plants. Having this constant flow also ensures that the gaseous side of the process can continue to occur without interruption, providing plenty of oxygen and nutrients to the plant roots at all times.

NFT systems perform minimal maintenance, and they can be used to grow many different types of plants. But they work best with smaller plants since larger plants would struggle to hold themselves up in the nutrient bath.

3. Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)

Another popular hydroponic system is known as Ebb and Flow, or flood and drain. This type of system floods the plant roots with a nutrient solution periodically and allows it to drain back into a reservoir.

Ebb and Flow systems are relatively simple to set up and maintain, making them a great option for beginner hydroponic hobbyists. They’re also quite adaptable in what you can grow in them.

In contrast to the Nutrient Film Technique systems, Ebb and Flow systems can utilize any form of grow media such as rockwool, clay pellets, coco coir, and also soil.

In an Ebb-and-Flow system, the plant roots are mounted in a growing tray located above a nutrient reservoir. Using a pump and timer, the nutrient solution is periodically pumped into the tray, where the roots of the plants absorb the nutrients.

The nutrient solution is then drained back into the reservoir for reuse after a time period. This cycle continues throughout the day, providing the plant roots with access to both air and nutrients.

The roots of the plant are also intermittently exposed to air, so they can breathe and not rot.

4. Aeroponics

As this type of hydroponic system is slightly more advanced than other existing systems, of course, it provides numerous benefits. The roots of the plants are suspended in air in aeroponic systems rather than a nutrient solution.

The nutrient solution directly reaches the plant roots through misters or sprayers that enable faster growth and bigger yields. It uses way less water than other hydroponic setups, too, since it only needs to mist the roots rather than constantly recycle a nutrient solution.

Aeroponic Systems are also very low maintenance and have easy access to their roots. But they do require careful monitoring and precise control of the nutrient solution and pH levels to be successful.

How Does the Aeroponic System Work?

Hydroponic seeds are “planted” in foam cubes or inserts in an Aeroponic System; technically, seeds are suspended in a grow chamber of air. Misters or sprayers then deliver the nutrient solution directly to the plant roots.

As the roots are in contact with the nutrient solution, pH levels and nutrients are monitored and adjusted accordingly. The roots are also misted with oxygen, which leads to healthy plant growth.

5. Wick Systems

Wick Systems is one of the cheapest and simplest hydroponic systems. A wick, often a rope or strip of fabric, moves nutrient solution from a reservoir to the root system of the plants.

Wick Systems are unique because they need no pumps or electricity to run. Nutrients are drawn up through a wick and into the grow media, feeding the roots of the plants.

Wick Systems are ideal for small, fast-growing plants like lettuce and herbs. Hydroponic systems can also be a great choice for first-time growers because they are easy to set up and maintain.

How Does the Wick System Work?

A Wick System usually includes a reservoir of nutrient solution, a tray for the plants to grow in, and a cotton or nylon wick connecting the two. The plant roots use the wick to extract water and nutrients from the reservoir.

Once it runs out, the wick will stop, and the reservoir always has to have enough nutrient solution. To avoid clogging and to find the best nutrient uptake by the plant, the wick should also be cleaned and replaced regularly.

Best Hydroponic Systems for Cannabis Growing

Having learned about the different types of hydroponic systems, let’s discuss which hydroponic system you should invest in, especially if your main target is growing cannabis.

To be sure, when you type “hydroponics stores near me,” you want to get the best hydroponic system that fits your needs.

For one, understand that the best hydroponic system for cannabis may not be the best for other plants. This is due to the realities of how marijuana plants require certain availabilities of nutrients and water, and being more favorable to certain growing mediums, such as Rockwool or coco coir.

The ideal systems for cannabis cultivation usually have room for roots to grow and a good delivery system for the nutrient solution.

Due to the countless cannabis strains and growing preferences, there is no “best” hydroponic tower that will suit all growers. But not all systems have been equally successful for cannabis cultivation.

RELATED: What is the Best Hydroponic System for Growing Cannabis?

The following are 7 of the best hydroponic systems for growing cannabis. 

1. iDOO Hydroponics Growing System

One of the best hydroponics growing systems on the market is the iDOO Hydroponics Growing System, and it’s perfect for beginner cannabis growers. This system features 12 growing stations, automatic water recirculation, and a large water tank capable of holding gallons of nutrient solution.

One of the greatest gifts of the iDOO Hydroponic Growing System is that it is super new to the game, and friendly. Assembly is super simple, and the included instructions are clear and to the point. Also, this system is super easy to operate; just add water and nutrients to the tank and put your plants in the slots.

Because the system automatically feeds each plant its own nutrient solution, this design also saves time and effort. The auto-control system will not have to worry about mess, weather, or soil limitations.

This system comes with built-in automatic LED grow lights, which contain full-spectrum lamps, meaning they can mimic natural sunlight for optimal growing and yield. For specific growing needs, users can also opt for two separate light modes (fruit or vegetable) on the new Grow Light.

The iDOO Hydroponic Growing System includes a see-through water level window for easy monitoring and maintenance, making it one of the best choices for beginner cannabis growers. Also, the overhead fan aids in circulating air so molds and mildew won’t grow.

All in all, a fantastic option for beginners in the cannabis growing space, the iDOO Hydroponic Growing System. It is a great investment for beginners and experienced growers alike, thanks to its simplicity and efficiency.

2. EZORKAS Hydroponic Growing System

The yield of a hydroponic system directly depends on the number of pods it contains. This is precisely why cannabis growers with a preference for maximized harvest may consider the EZORKAS Hydroponic Growing System with 12 growing pods an excellent option.

EZORKAS system’s compact design and space-efficient footprint will especially appeal to indoor gardeners. It’s small enough to occupy a shelf or tabletop but provides enough space for 12 plants to grow.

Adjustable/removable plant braces enable plants to grow to 21 inches tall in this system. Equipped with a water circulation system, the EZORKAS Hydroponic Growing System brings nutrient solution directly to the plant roots via water, providing plants with everything they need to thrive.

Its safeguard and control panel make it great by letting users get notified when the plan solution has run out or the water level is low in the jar. Also, if your plants need different lighting conditions, it’s easy to change based on their needs since the height is adjustable.

EZORKAS Hydroponic Growing System — Hydroponic growing uses oxygenated water, which is a better growing environment for plants overall. This compact and efficient design makes it a good option for indoor cannabis growers who want to get the most out of their grow.

In summary, the EZORKAS Hydroponic Growing System is perfect for cannabis cultivation, thanks to its different modes and custom options.

3. Ivation Hydroponic Growing System

The Ivation Hydroponic Growing System gives you everything you need to start your own hydroponic growing journey, making the process a lot easier with all-in-one starter hydroponics kits. The kit includes a Water pump, adjustable grow light, plant baskets, net pots, and nutrient solution (fertilizer hydroponics), to begin growing cannabis.

The primary benefit of the Ivation system is its versatility. This system is highly adjustable to both outdoor and indoor growing. The grow lights can even be moved up and down, so you can change the height as each plant grows, ensuring they all get the best light possible.

Another great feature of this system is its expandability; there are 7 plant baskets in total which for beginners may be more than enough, but as your skills develop, you can always purchase additional baskets to multiply your yield.

The LED lights built into the Ivation Hydroponic Growing System, which is a full-spectrum hydroponic growing system featuring white, blue, and red lights that encourage growth. There's also a timer integrated into the system, making light exposure and nutrient delivery easy to control.

The device is easy to use by beginners or experienced growers, allowing users to monitor and manage the system’s functions via the touch-operated control panel. The circulating pump also prevents dead water and promotes the healthy growth of plants.

In summary, the Ivation Hydroponic Growing System gets the thumbs up for anyone looking for an all-in-one kit to get started growing cannabis. Its adaptability and scalability make it a perfect investment for growers of any level.

4. AeroGarden Bounty Elite

The AeroGarden Bounty Elite is, as the name suggests, a pretty elite option for anyone looking to harvest some great cannabis (great meaning both a ton but without the work). This hydroponics system includes a high-performance LED grow light and an easy-to-use control panel with customizable settings.

More growing space than any indoor growing solution. You'll get plenty of production from this system, which scales up to nine plants. And the trellis and stakes that are included help train and support larger plants as they grow.

Users can also connect their AeroGarden Bounty Elite to Wi-Fi, which lets them control their settings from afar, through a smartphone or tablet. It also makes it easy for people to check and adjust the system from wherever they might be.

AeroGarden Bounty Elite provides an automatic timer and hands-free nutrient dosing, making it the best choice for someone looking for convenience and efficiency in growing cannabis. And with the added Alexa integration, controlling the AeroGarden Bounty Elite is even easier, ensuring it’s a top pick for tech-savvy cannabis growers.

On the flip side, the AeroGarden Bounty Elite is pricey; many other hydroponic systems are generally cheaper. For the record, this system doesn’t work in small spaces either, so that should be kept in mind as well because it does take a lot of space.

Overall, AeroGarden Bounty Elite is perfect if you want to be able to yield a great deal of cannabis quickly and almost Solution 3 in a high-tech way. With Wi-Fi capability and customizable settings, it is a perfect fit for experienced growers. However, the price point and size may deter the average beginner or budget-conscious grower.

5. Moistenland Hydroponic Growing System Starter Kit

With the Moistenland Hydroponic Growing System Starter Kit, growing hydroponic weed has never been easier. This all-in-one system has everything you need to get into the cannabis-growing game, including the plant baskets, grow light, nutrient solution meter, and pH test kit.

Made with biodegradable coco coir, the 12 planting pods in this starter kit make for the perfect growing medium for cannabis plants. These adjustable grow lights feature a circulating function and customizable timer, so you can determine just how much light you want your plants to get for ideal growth.

This fully contained indoor hydroponic growing system also offers automatic watering, so each plant’s roots receive just the right amount of nutrient solution. Additionally, a water level indicator enables easy monitoring and maintenance.

Waterflow is a vital component of hydroponic systems, and the Moistenland Hydroponics Growing System features a water pump to continuously run water and oxygenate roots to ensure maximum growth.

This system does require a bit of assembly, but the included instructions make it easy to set up even for beginners. Plus, the two grow modes (Vegetables or Flowers & Fruits) let you tailor your growing experience.

If you are new to cannabis cultivation, this Moistenland Hydroponic Growing System Starter Kit is an excellent choice. Its everything-you-need design and ease of use make it ideal for beginner growers.

Short on space? The Miracle-Gro Indoor Growing System is the best hydroponic system for space-challenged gardeners. Due to its design, it can be used on a flat surface like a countertop, which is well-suited for growing indoors in narrower areas.

In addition to being a stylish side table, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Growing System has a strong LED grow light to help plants grow. This not only enables easy maintenance of nutrient levels, with pre-dosed nutrition packets, but a water level indicator makes it easy to monitor and maintain a proper nutrient solution balance.

The beauty of this system is its versatility — it’s not limited to cannabis growing. The Miracle-Gro Indoor Growing System is also good for growing herbs, vegetables, and other plants. And if you get the stacking kit, you can—surprise—stack multiple systems atop one another for an expanded growing space without taking up more floor space.

With four growing stations, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Growing System is ideal for beginners or for those with space limitations. Its two-gallon reservoir and efficient LED grow light make it a reliable and easy-to-use system for any type of plant.

If you frequently forget to water your plants, this system might be the ideal hydroponic choice for you. This system syncs with your phone, tablet, or PC through Bluetooth and will automatically water your plants for you, so you never have to worry about them being underfed or overfed nutrient solution.

If you want to grow plants in an area with less space and want to grow various plants, the Miracle-Gro Indoor Growing System is an option. Additionally, its compact size and low maintenance make it a popular candidate among the best cannabis hydroponic systems.

7. Hydrofarm Root Spa 8, 5 Gallon System

For the Deep Water Culture system, the Hydrofarm Root Spa 8 is about as good as you can get. It incorporates eight five-gallon buckets, air pumps for oxygenating the nutrient solution, and a drainage system.

This system is characterized by the fact that it can be adapted to each grower's needs. The buckets can be added or removed at any time, making it perfect for small or large-scale growing.

The air pumps are designed to oxygenate the air, allowing the roots to soak in oxygen as they should, leading to healthy and vigorous growth. Each bucket needs to be plumbed into a central pump, but the included tubing keeps the setup simple and straightforward.

It is important to note that due to the spreading of buckets for optimal growth, this system takes up more space and is not as versatile as the other systems. Yet, with its customizable design and effective oxygenation, it is one of the best options you can get for any Deep Water Culture system.

One downside of the Hydrofarm Root Spa 8 is that it does not include grow lights. That kind of light is going to run you another $100–200 on top of whatever the rest of your gear costs, depending on how many lights you need and how sophisticated they are. But the large size and customizable design make it well worth the investment.

Why Growing Cannabis In a Hydroponic System Is Beneficial

Cannabis is a plant that normally grows in soil, but is less à la mode grown hydroponically. When growing in soil, cannabis gets its nutrients from the ground as opposed to when growing in a hydroponic system, in which the plant receives its nutrients from the water.

So what is the benefits of growing cannabis in a hydroponic system? There are several reasons:

1. Control Over Hydroponic Nutrients

By growing cannabis in a hydroponics system, you have complete control over its nutrient levels. With soil, the nutrient levels are never constant, due to the irregularity of the soil. However, with a hydroponic system, you can easily balance the nutrient levels, ensuring your plant receives precisely the nutrients it needs.

This matters because cannabis needs varying nutrients at various points in its life. For instance, cannabis plants require lots of nitrogen and potassium during the vegetative phase, but require a higher ratio of phosphorus and sulfur during the flowering phase.

With a hydroponic system, you can feed your plant exactly the nutrients that it needs at that exact moment. For example, you can boost your nitrogen during the vegetative stage and throttle it down during flowering. Soil simply does not allow for this kind of control.

2. Consistent Water Levels

You can also keep your water levels consistent when you are growing cannabis in a hydroponic system. This matters because cannabis plants are thirsty, especially during the quick growth phase, and controlling the amount of water that your soil-grown plants are getting can be a challenge.

Because a hydroponic system constantly recirculates the water, the water level will always remain consistent throughout the system, and no area dries out. This matters because cannabis plants don’t like dry soil — this can make them stretch and become weakened. A hydroponic system makes certain that your plants are always getting the right amount of water.

Inconsistent levels of water are a real problem when it comes to growing cannabis, but if you're using a hydroponic system to grow your plants, it's completely avoidable. Maintaining a constant water level prevents your plants from becoming stressed and will improve your chances for a successful harvest.

3. Increased Yields

Cannabis plants grown in soil will generally yield around 2 ounces of buds per plant. However, when grown in a hydroponic system, cannabis plants can yield around 3 ounces of buds per plant — a 50% increase. By growing your weed in a hydroponic system, you can also achieve more buds in a shorter period of time.

On top of that, the buds that Hydroponic plants produce are generally way stronger. This is because when the plant sells all of its energy to ensure the production of buds, the energy is not wasted on getting nutrients from the soil.

Putting down dirt can only do so much for the plant; with a hydroponic system, the plant will receive all of its needed nutrients without having to fight for nutrients in the soil. This leads to denser, more powerful buds.

4. Faster Growth Rate

Weed grown in a hydroponic system also generally has a 30-50% faster growth rate than soil-grown weed. That is because the plant can have all the nutrients it requires at the tip of its roots and does not have to go after the nutrients from the soil for hours.

Hydroponically-grown plants don't have to deal with issues such as weeds, pests, and diseases, which can hinder plant growth. Hydroponics allows you to begin growing cannabis in a shorter time frame.

Thanks to stable water levels, easy access to nutrients, and no pests or diseases, hydroponics systems create ideal conditions for plant growth. That’s why plants grown in a hydroponic system usually grow faster than plants grown in soil.

5. Better Quality Cannabis

Cannabis grows better hydroponically than in soil. This is because the plant obtains the ideal dosage of nutrients, which means it won't have to deal with the stressors that can hinder plant quality.

In addition, hydroponically-grown cannabis is often grown in a sterile environment, making it significantly less susceptible to pests and illnesses. This leads to higher quality buds that are more potent and flavorful.

Hydroponic systems are the best way to grow high-quality cannabis, and we all want our weed to be the best! Your plants will then be more likely to produce the best buds they can when you provide them with everything they need to thrive.

6. Easier to Control the Environment

Environmental control is much easier in a hydroponic system. That's because the system provides everything a plant needs, so you don't have to worry about soil quality, water levels, or pests and diseases.

It is a lot easier to adjust temperature and humidity in a hydroponic system as well. This matters because cannabis plants require certain conditions to grow well.

Rainy day? No problem. Brutal heat wave? The plants will be just fine. By raising your plants in a hydroponic system, you'll know for sure that they always have the ideal conditions for growth.

7. Less Mess and Maintenance

Hydroponic systems are also easier to maintain than soil gardens. That’s because you don’t need to worry about stuff such as soil quality, water levels, pests, and disease. You just have to provide nutrient-rich liquid and an adequate amount of light to the plants.

Hydroponic systems are also generally cleaner than dirt, the stuff of soil gardens. That’s because there’s no dirt to track in except on your shoe, and you don’t have to water the plants. You simply have to provide nutrients to the system, and the plants do the rest.

Even some aspects of hydroponic growing are automated as well. This means that you could set up the system and forget about it until it's time to harvest your buds. Therefore, if you want to grow cannabis but want a minimal effort approach, hydroponics is the option to choose.

Tips for Successful Hydroponic Cannabis Growing

Now that you’re familiar with the best hydroponics systems and the benefits of growing this way, it’s time to explore how to grow hydroponically. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Choose The Right Grow Space

After the hydroponics system, one of the most crucial things you need to have a successful hydroponic cannabis growing is a good grow space. You'll also want to consider space for the actual growing since the hydroponics system can be compact, but your plants will need ample room to grow.

You also want to ensure the space you choose is well ventilated. If a grow room lacks ventilation, it will definitely be unsuitable for cannabis plants.

2. Get The Right Lighting

Another component of hydroponic cannabis growing is the lighting. Cannabis plants require a lot of light, so you'll have to ensure that your grow area has adequate lighting.

A good option for hydroponic cannabis growing is using LED lights, which produce ample lighting with little power consumption. Many of the hydroponic growing systems we mentioned above are sold with LED lights, so this is definitely a good place to start.

If the LED lights don't come with your selected system, you can always purchase them and add them to your system. Stick with LED lights that mimic natural sunlight, which will encourage your plants to grow faster.

3. Use The Right Nutrients

The requirements for cannabis plants are relatively high, and therefore, the appropriate nutrients needed for efficient hydroponic growing should be carefully considered. There are many different types of nutrient solutions out there, so you will need to do a little homework to find which one works best for your plants.

For most, you will want a nutrient solution heavy in nitrogen and phosphorus. This is an essential part of plant growth, so ensure your preferred solution contains a decent amount of it.

4. Monitor The Temperature And Humidity

Cannabis plants need a specific temperature and humidity to thrive, so you should monitor these parameters in your grow room. It is ideal that the grow room temperature range for cannabis plants should be around 70 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may also want to ensure the humidity level is appropriate for your grow room. Cannabis plants thrive under 40-60% humidity. Be sure to use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain those levels.

5. Be Patient

Hydroponic cannabis growing is a learning process, so give yourself time to get used to it. Making mistakes is part of the learning process; hydroponics is not an easy concept, and jumps in are hard to master.

Begin by dedicating a small growing space and working with a few plants until you get the hang of it all, stress-free. Once you learn how, you can expand your growing area and the number of plants you are growing.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, the information in this guide has helped you decide what the best hydroponic systems are for you specifically, whether you're a general hydroponics expert or a complete beginner. Everything from Deep Water Culture to Aeroponics, and there’s a system for everyone.

The seven products we've reviewed here are only a few of the best hydroponic systems available today, so be sure to research before making your final decision.

Happy growing!

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.