Cheaper/Inexpensive Hydroponic systems vs. Aerogarden - Is it worth buying cheaper systems?

[@aerogardenexperiments]

iDoo 8-pod system: amzn.to/3Gr1KOf iDoo 10-pod system: amzn.to/3WqbfCH

[@elewmompittseh]

After 11 years our Aerogardens still work very well, we are very happy, and they keep us easily with fresh greens all winter, and all through the pandemic. We often have enough to share with neighbors too. I'm hoping to get the Farm units xl to grow cucumbers and larger peppers, etc...

[@LeoVirgo2.0]

True. I purchased 4 units at 45. Saved money upfront buttt..they had no pumps in them. Each one was another 10. Each making them now about 60. Each. The light raises high but it is not strong enough and is only 3inches wide. Hard lesson learned. There is nothing like aerogarden and its customer service. Surprised that there are not more better competitors.

[@tarabooartarmy3654]

I actually just bought one on sale that is definitely a competitor for Aerogarden. The Mufga (which I noticed he’s reviewed here on this channel) has a pump that funnels water directly to pods, and a really good light that will even go down to seedling height and raises quite high. It holds 6.5L of water. And it has 12 spaces, which is the most I’ve found in a unit in this price range. I paid under $45, but the regular price is $99. After receiving that first one, I liked it so much I bought 3 more. If I could afford to, I would buy 10 or more. It’s the best alternative I’ve found to Aerogarden.

[@Ruffian144]

I also find the Idoo growing baskets loose & wobbly. Using Aerogarden baskets in my Idoo garden & rockwool as my growing medium in all my gardens works better. Regarding the Idoo cords, I nearly cut thru an Idoo cord once when I was harvesting leaves bec the cord was so close to the plants, the leaves grew around the cord! I thought I was cutting thru a plant stem but it turned out to be the Idoo power cord; fortunately, the cord was tough enuf that I didn't cut into it & it still works.

[@bubblesbubbles2727]

I love how you're so honest and you phrase things honestly, which makes me smile and giggle 😁 thank you Another great video

[@RV_Chef_Life]

I learned hydroponics through growing we3d and have been building my own systems for almost 20 years. These are great for plug and play for people with limited knowledge. Those with burnt out leds could replace it themselves by buying the individual leds and resoldering new ones. I’m sure there are a ton of youtube videos on how to do this. Thanks for the video.

[@idahogardengirl942]

Great information. I got the middle price Bounty and the Harvest 360. I also got a Spider Farmer, iDoo, MUFGA, OMOTE and Ivation. The first one I bought was Aerogarden Bounty. That was on Black Friday sale. I thought it was a good sale price, but I then saw it got cheaper. Then I began to pay attention to prices of others like iDoo, and got the others very inexpensively. I’m just barely started and already I see differences. I will be able to make better comparisons after I have had them for a while. And now that I have spent a lot of time looking at the prices online, I have a good feel for what a “good price” is.

[@Ruffian144]

Algae results in Aerogarden edges bec the A's water limit is set a little too high. I fill the water tank to 1/4" - 1/2" below the limit & the water doesn't seep thru the gaps in the grow deck. This prevents algae from growing & the 'real' plants don't mind at all. I look forward to your videos!

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Harvest grow deck design itself is a flaw/incomplete. I like the grow deck on Bounty models . Bounty grow deck edges goes over the bowl and locks up very well. They should have done the same on Harvest models. Even the Sprout grow deck covers the bowl very well.

[@FaithbyNature2]

Thank you this was so helpful. I just got a Mufga last week for $60. It's a 12 pod. I figured I'd give it a try. I'm only using it to grow lettuce for my pets.The first issue I saw was cleaning it! Looks difficult! I love the 12 pod growing deck and they are nicely placed apart.

[@GrayHomeVideo]

I agree about being patient and waiting for better prices! I managed to pick up two Harvest Elite Slims recently for under $50 each on sale and I think I'm going to like them very much. I hope I don't have a problem with the LED lights though. I like the grow deck design of the Slim, I think it will make harvesting easier. I'm going to run two, back to back on my kitchen counter bar. Also got the middle, 40W Bounty for $135 on sale. Will be watching for holiday sales! The main thing I have noticed is that the newer Aerogardens have MUCH less space between pods than the old ones. I have a 2008 7-pod model, I just converted to LED and am going to grow Tatsoi in. I'm going to try for 3 plants, I think the grow deck design will handle that well. Anyway, I LOVE your channel!

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Those are very good prices.

[@theaerogardenhomestead]

I also have a couple of aerogardens with LED's that are out and out of warranty. I'm thinking of trying to replace the dead LED's myself. One option for poor fitting baskets could be to 3D print some yourself. Our local library allows us access to a 3D print but I know not all libraries do that. Thanks for the in depth comparisons. I have been curious about the IDoo.

[@robertheim352]

Good examples and details, Thank You. I can vouch for Aerogarden's quality and reliability. I've had five versions, all have stood the test of time. Relatively easy to clean and fun to experiment with during our winters in NY. I find them great for seedling starts and cutting propagation. I'm now trying out a "farm" version. The supplies are a bit expensive except during their 40% sales events. I've found that strong light intensity is very important for some species, their Ultra LED model was my preference with a 30W intensity and good tank size.

[@bmjankle]

Thank you! I bought 2 Mufga brand systems before seeing your channel. So far, they're doing pretty good. I may strongly consider splurging on an Aerogarden now that I've seen your reviews. Thank you!!

[@priz1997]

The mufga are good price and I have only been using my idoo to start plants to put outside since my initial planting in Oct of kale and parsley and lettuce. The plants were so huge I moved them into the GreenStalk outside, and they are still doing well (I am in FL zone 9b). I still only have one 12 pod idoo but would love another.... my idoo has a fan which I think is necessary. My plants may look a little leggy at first but quickly fill in, where plants outside in starter trays are 100% leggy until up potted...

[@Pythonaria]

Very good video. The lights on my NAIMP hydroponic unit also don't go low enough to stop some seedlings going leggy. I've also noticed it is no longer available. I'm sure I can find a way to lower the lights. I have two of these, one not out of the box yet and have had some good success with my original one, mainly with herbs I use a lot of such as basil, dill, parsley and lettuce to name but a few. It's fun trying different plants and those that don't work, I've got plenty of seeds left to plant outdoors this year.

[@_Lightning_Dog_]

I appreciate how the Aerogardens water from the top down over the grow sponges because I feel it buys the plants some time if the water level in the reservoir drops. I see some other brands including MUFGA distribute water in that manner too. I have a MUFGA and like it but to take apart the grow deck on the model I have to clean it involves fiddling with a bunch of tiny screws so I don’t particularly like that aspect but I still consider it a good unit.

[@aerogardenexperiments]

We don't really need to remove the screws and detach entirely. We can take off the pump by removing the little hose between pump and grow deck. In case you haven't seen it, I have explained it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3PJdqR6l9KUb9E

[@BecomingMoreSelfSufficient]

Informative video really appreciate all the information! Was wondering on the eight pod I has a drain hole. I have many our gardens but I really like the drain holes so you don’t have to disturb your plants when you’re changing the water.

[@609lawson]

Thank you, this was what I was asking about several videos back and I really appreciate your advice and time doing your reviews

[@taradrolma2774]

Thank you. This is answered many of my questions and saved me a lot of time. I love your videos because they are so practical.❤

[@healingjourneys4241]

Thanks you so much!!!! This came at the time where I am shopping for a system.

[@norahmason7451]

I really like the inbloom 10 pod. It has a decent height compared to many similar. The baskets are in there tightly. I’ve also bought the 5-pod for others, and they like them, too. I like that I can see the water level clearly and easily. I have an Aerogarden elite slim harvest and slim harvest and I don’t like that I can’t tell what level it’s at until it starts flashing at me; not great if I’m not home all day. I like the Aerogarden bounty so far, but it doesn’t get very low. I also have the idoo 20-pod kratky, and it works fine for simple lettuce and herbs. I haven’t up my Aerogarden farm plus yet. I just started growing the same things in the same positions in my Aerogarden bounty and am inbloom (I covered one pod in the latter). 12 days out and the inbloom is doing much better. Not sure if that’s because the bounty lights are much higher. The inblooms don’t go down all the way, but my plants aren’t usually leggy.

[@Francois_Dupont]

thank you it is best video talking about those gardens! you helped me make wise decisions.

[@GodsChild145]

My favorite is the iDoo 7 pod system and I don’t use the square pods with it I just buy in bulk the round Aerogarden generic brand and if fits PERFECT!!! Now Aerogarden is definitely my FAVORITE but it’s too expensive, I can get the iDoo on Amazon for $35 usually (on sale). One thing I can say is don’t ever get the generic systems because they are garbage and I have tons of problems and usually always break within 6 months maximum!!! Thank you for your videos you are my favorite channel!

[@Jacbean10]

Thanks! This was a great review. And a good reminder to watch for sales!

[@NOP115]

Great video, thanks for the content. Would you mind doing an updated version with the newer units you have like ahopegarden, mufga, and rainpoint.

[@enigmaticfool]

super helpful that you made this -- really appreciate it!

[@mrgshook]

Definitely an issue with slim models. I have 2 harvest elite slims that are only 13 months old with a row of lights out on each just like yours. The red and blue LEDs are only at 10% brightness on one side of one garden as well.

[@aerogardenexperiments]

yeah, Slim is good from the usability standpoint but not durable.

[@tomatoespoppieseverything]

Looks like a great harvest😊

[@johnwilson1489]

I bought most of my aerogardens secondhand and have had very few problems I prefer the older cfl systems. I use converters I get on ebay and can use screw in led bulbs

[@aerogardenexperiments]

It is good to know that the old Aerogardens are flexible for bulb replacement and adjustments.

[@johnt7776]

Thank you for the post! Very helpful

[@brigitteevens851]

Thank you! I’m interested in purchasing one soon and I will wait for a sale or coupon as you suggested. Which one is the easiest to clean any how often do you have to do it? Keep making videos on them please!

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Aerogarden Bounty models have the best bowl of all hydroponics systems and it is super easy to clean the bowl. Next is, Spider Farmer. I clean the bowl every 90 days and/or after the full grow cycle.

[@cherib6309]

Check out the MUFGA hydroponic system. They have an 18 pod option!

[@aerogardenexperiments]

yeah, I noticied it on Amazon and bought it recently. Just not getting time to open it. I will open it this weekend.

[@Navidicus]

Thanks, this was really helpful.

[@BradySzabo]

Great video. Thanks for all of the information.

[@shellyhughes7270]

I have 3 off brand units (a 12 pod idoo, 7 pod idoo and a 15 pod diivoo) There is no comparison to my aerogarden units. The 7 pod idoo stopped working recently like the lights won’t stay on. The 12 pod idoo is decent for growing leafy greens. The diivoo isn’t that great. Every plant I’ve grown in it has done better in an aerogarden. I don’t think I’ll order another off brand unit.

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Yeah, it's is always better to avoid no-name brands when we think of a long term usage.

[@Ruffian144]

Amazon has Idoo 8 right now for $50, down from $80!

[@lisaf7688]

Great info, thank you!

[@Calchick7]

How do you run all those cords to outlets? How many outlets also ? And why are those tomato plants brown

[@GodsatGaming]

Have you had any LED lights stop working on any of your hydroponic systems?

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Yes, LEDs are dead on 4 of my Aerogardens. Aerogarden recently started selling the lights panels, and I replaced them. I haven't seen this issue with any other systems so far.

[@GodsatGaming]

@@aerogardenexperiments I use a lot of LED on my fish aquariums. They last for several years but eventually fail. I was wondering how long my harvest lights will last? Good to know that they sell replacements. Hopefully you can get 3 years of use from one panel. I've found LEDs will last longer if they are designed on a good heat sink. Most of the hydroponic kits I see, do not have a good thermal dissipation design.

[@JemimahMai]

Do you like the Aerogarden sprout?

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Not a big fan of Sprout because of its low power, but it works fine for Lettuce and a few small plant varieties.

[@brandonminiman]

You should buy the ZipGarden or aerogarden farm

[@aerogardenexperiments]

I have been thinking about Farm for a long time but the price is not justifying me. Another thing is, I have been able to grow a lot in Harvest and Bounty models so never get motivated to go big. ZipGarden is even more expensive and it's price is not justifying my usage, especially in a single family environment. Maybe I can go for a Fam XL if I find a good deal in the future.

[@taradrolma2774]

You should see if Aero garden would send you one free for the advertisement value. You do a lot to promote their systems

[@renee2005]

Thank u for sharing 😊

[@mikeschaoticgardening]

Good points

[@ahmedelaradi1927]

Amazing video.

[@yahno9950]

How about yoocaa 12 plant growing system? I’m thinking about buying today

[@aerogardenexperiments]

One thing I don't like with Yoocaa 12-pod system is the pods. I don't like those short square pods because there aren't many off-brand sponges available and they are often expensive comparatively. I see that the Yoocaa is unavailable at the moment on Amazon and I don't know what is the best price point for it. Many of these systems are hot or miss. If they work, they work great. If I have have to make a choice, I would rather go with Mufga 12-pod (amzn.to/3VtcF1U). It comes with standard pods and bigger bowl. Of course, Yoocaa comes with better lights, but 24W lights in Mufga works fine. I know there are many comparable products available at similar price point and they all work more or less the same. I just pick Mufga because I have first hand experience with both 12-pod and 18-pod and it is often available at around $50. I am also very happy AHopeGarden (amzn.to/43yQN7a) as well which is also available under $50.

[@jjbing3]

Mufga is what I got. 🤔

[@thombaz]

Spiderfarmer is a pretty known name among growlights.

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Yeah, I have been seeing SpiderFarmer for a long time. However, they are new to fully built-in hydroponic systems. New product is always a challenging thing for any company until it becomes a successful product.

[@lifeTechnicolorGuy]

Nice video

[@samljer]

You get what you pay for.... shocking.

[@aerogardenexperiments]

Agree!

[@IsaiahLove777]

I'd prob just make pvc pipe set up