Simple Hydroponics, The Wick System

mogie · #1 03-21-2007, 11:52 AM

Contributed by: Tricky Gnome

The Wick System is probably the simplest hydroponic system.It is a passive system by virtue of there being no moving parts and where the nutrient solution remaining static in one place.The solution is taken out of a container and led to the plants? roots through the growing medium by capillary action, conducted through one or more wicks.Normally in this system a mixture of of various growing media are used in order to increase to the utmost their capillary capacity.This system contains conventional soil supplemented with fertilizers, with plain water in a container solely for irrigation.As this very compact hydroponic system is so versatile especially in small home gardens for growing in small spaces as it can be set up on a very small scale.This system?s biggest limitation occurs with large plants which need large amounts of water which the wicks are unable to supply in adequate amounts.In this case, the number of wicks has to be increased to supply demand for water!Of course adding pumps would be advantages but this is just an example of the simplest method you can add your own thoughts and idea's at any stage.

Al B. Fuct · #2 05-12-2007, 04:15 PM

Wick systems are very much underrated, mogie. They are newb friendly as you just can't overwater. Especially nice in small scale ops, as you say.

Suped · #3 01-22-2008, 02:14 PM

what do you use for the wick???!

Spittn4cash · #4 01-26-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suped

what do you use for the wick???!

how about wick. they sell em by the propane lanterns and candles.

40acres · #5 04-28-2008, 07:31 AM

I realize this is an old thread, but i am checking out this wick system and would like to know if anyone has tried it, the results, and if it would work for sea of green.I think i can set up long flower boxes with wicks, and many clones.
I know not to put 2 plants in the same container, but feel it will be allright with small clones and seperated grow areas.If anyone has any pics, that would be great as well.
I have gotten quite a bit of responses in a short time in the hydro section, you guys are pretty chill over here.

Al B. Fuct · #6 04-28-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suped

what do you use for the wick???!

16mm (5/8") nylon rope makes a great wick. Run a couple of lengths through the bottom of the pot and fray the last 50mm of both ends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40acres

I realize this is an old thread, but i am checking out this wick system and would like to know if anyone has tried it, the results, and if it would work for sea of green.

Wick systems can be used in SoG or any other style of grow. The upside is that you can't overwater a plant in a wick system, protecting new growers from the most common newbie mistake. They also will water plants when the grower forgets- as long as the res is kept full.

The downside is that wicks don't move as much oxygenated nute solution across the rootmass as a recirculating system does and as such can't be as productive nor as fast as a recirculating hydro system.

40acres · #7 04-28-2008, 03:29 PM

So since i was able to get Al's attention, what is the easist setup that wont require an assload of cash and not alot of engineering skills. Big order I know, but I have to ask.

Al B. Fuct · #8 04-28-2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40acres

So since i was able to get Al's attention, what is the easist setup that wont require an assload of cash and not alot of engineering skills. Big order I know, but I have to ask.

Depends on the capacity of your ass.

Perspective is everything.

Presuming an ordinary sized ass, I'd estimate that a flood system would cost approximately 1/4 of one assload. They're cheap to buy and very easy to operate. I pay $52 for 900mm^2 trays. Floods can't clog like systems which force water through sprayers or drippers.

Plants in floods can live in individual pots, which makes them portable within the op for spraying and evening out growth by placement in preferential lighting positions as needed. It also makes harvesting a lot easier than systems where plants' roots can knit with neighbouring plants. One batch can get out of your way pending manicuring. while the next batch takes its place under the lights. Saves days in getting harvests out.

A flood system comprises a flood tray & hose fittings, stand, tank, timer, water pump, fill & drain hoses, air pump, bubble curtain and air line.

The main failure point is the water pump. Pumps can croak outright or they can get air bubbles trapped in their impeller chamber if there's any excess length in the fill hose which allows the pump to lie on its side. The pump outlet should always point upward to prevent trapping bubbles.

Flood systems require almost no maintenance. Tanks are dumped, cleaned and remixed bi-weekly. Nute solns should be dosed with 50% grade H2O2 @ 1ml/L every 3-4 days... but that's the lot.

bigd921 · #9 04-29-2008, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40acres

So since i was able to get Al's attention, what is the easist setup that wont require an assload of cash and not alot of engineering skills. Big order I know, but I have to ask.

if you want something that may be a bit easier and even cheaper go here

The Hempy Collective

Al B. Fuct · #10 04-29-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

The downside is that wicks don't move as much oxygenated nute solution across the rootmass as a recirculating system does and as such can't be as productive nor as fast as a recirculating hydro system.

Wicks and Hempy buckets have the same issues with oxygenation. Flood systems are the simplest recirculating hydro ops, capable of decent root oxygenation.