Which Hydroponic System Should You Choose?

Hoocho explains which hydroponic systems suit each type of plant or growing situation.
Check out Hoochos Second Channel:
All the Gear. No Idea... / @allthegear-noidea
Patreon: / hoocho
Hoochos explores the worlds of Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Permaculture, Homesteading, Fermentation, Technology and DIY Builds to look at the world through a larger lens that can incorporate the best of everything into a rich and rewarding lifestyle.
Through self sufficiency we can reduce consumption and increase our hyperlocal household production.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STL Files are Available on the Hoocho Patreon:
/ hoocho
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions to the Channel:
www.paypal.me/HelpHoochCreate
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment I Recommend:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Quality Combo PH & EC Meter:
HI9813-6 Portable pH / EC /TDS /Temperature Meter-
amzn.to/3ChDrNZ
EC Meters:
Bluelab Truncheon EC Meter-
ebay.us/kGy91u
amzn.to/3ChCYvd
PH Meters:
Bluelab PH Pen:
ebay.us/MMOd3H
amzn.to/3hAZw26
3D Printer:
Creality Ender-3 Pro-
ebay.us/nuKGSK
amzn.to/3ElapP6
Wyze Cams for Plant Time-lapsing:
Wyze Cam V3-
amzn.to/2Xo4xnu
Wyze Cam Outdoor-
amzn.to/3hyz3Cg
Physical Rain Gutter Grow System Ends:
worldgraceproject.org
Float Valves for RGGS:
ebay.us/JFKKyG
amzn.to/396YWEm
Cheap Printer Filament AUS-
ebay.us/5vEbU3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grow Light Discount Codes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vipar Spectra Website-
10% discount for the XS1000: yt10Hoocho
5% discount for the XS1500/XS2000/XS4000: ytHoocho
Amazon US: amzn.to/3eY9CYx
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/38udUVe
XS1500 Purchase Link: www.viparspectra.com/?aff=ku6...
8% off Coupon Code: HOOCHO
SpiderFarmer Lights:
epicledgrowlight.com/?ref=ku6...
Apply code HOOCHO for 3% discount.
Mars Hydro Lights:
epicledgrowlight.com/?ref=ku6...
Apply code HOOCHO for 3% discount.
Groplanner Website - 6% off Promo code:HOOCHO618
bit.ly/3plYOs7
US Amazon - 5% off Promo code:HOOCHO618
amzn.to/3iTViE2
FLEX-STAR Website: flex-star.com/
Discount Code: flex.hoocho10
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merch:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teespring: teespring.com/stores/hoochos
The Shirt I Wear: hoochos.creator-spring.com/li...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Social Media & Contact
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon: / hoocho
Facebook Group: / 734980197112269
Reddit Community: / hoocho
Facebook: / hoochos
Instagram: / hoochos
Business Enquiries: [e-mail]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have personal queries about hydroponics or other matters please join me on Patreon for limited individual support or post in the Hoocho Reddit community or on the Hoocho’s facebook group and there are a lot of friendly helpful likeminded people that may have answers for you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy Hydroponicing!

[@SnekInTheGrass]

Maybe the best hydroponic system were the friends we made along the way.

[@hopperchopperstudio3685]

*insprational music*

[@puckbucky.5545]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@puckbucky.5545]

@@hopperchopperstudio3685LMAO nice one 🤣

[@Dazza_au]

Mate your editing and production standards are off the charts with this one, so good!

[@Hoocho]

Cheers Dazza

[@csandford]

Absolutely. It's hard to appreciate just how much effort goes into these. I also really appreciate the jump cuts so we just get the best information. Such high value content.

[@Slavicplayer251]

@@Hoochohave thought about using the Venturi effect to aerate the water

[@kumaraswamykollipara1369]

​@@csandford😅

[@reinux]

I've been doing hydro/aqua on and off for years now and this is the best "where do I start" video I've seen yet. Thanks!

[@lenhumbird]

THIS is THE MOST USEFUL VIDEO you have ever made. It is a summary of all the techniques you presented thus far. The only thing you could do to push it into orbit is to include a set of live links that point to other of your videos containing detailed instructions. So... THANK YOU for producing this one!!

[@Hoocho]

No worries my man

[@user-mm9xq2oh8x]

Extremely well done Hoocho. Have been watching your vids for a long time and in my opinion this is your best yet. Very informative and the quality of your production was flawless. Keep them coming.

[@johnonderstall5783]

You have such good timing on your videos. You keep popping out exactly what I need and when I need it. I am putting together the rain gutter grow system from your last video. It seemed cheap but the amounts are becoming eye-watering as I have no existing infrastructure in place and am starting from scratch. This video was good confirmation that it is a good match to my needs. The main concern being reliable power. I find you videos thorough, informative and well thought out. In combination with the growing archive of videos in your catalogue, I can find the answer to every question I have.

[@Nobadbees]

What a great production. Truly impressive and informative. I am from Crystal River Florida and I have been around these systems for awhile you should definitely be proud of what you have accomplished. Thank you for time well spent.

[@chaosinthecraftroom]

This was really interesting. Thank you so much for comparing them all in one video

[@MattGarver]

One of your better videos, and nice job relating grow systems with plant types and needs. Very true that there is no one size fits all system, and a multi-system approach based on each person's needs and grow area is better.

[@pizmot3893]

This was your best video ever from one who has been messing around with hydroponics for 30 years.

[@deepforrestalchemy9189]

Great presentation. Look at how far you’ve come! Kudos mate.

[@melodylyons4631]

Covering all the angles... thank you, Hoocho. Excellent explanations, excellent video.

[@jeffrymakabenta2865]

DAMN UR INTRO ALWAYS MAKES ME SMILE HAHAHAHA WELCOME BACK TO HOCHOS

[@glennscott3267]

Your the man Hoocho! Love the videos and information you provide. Your my go to for hydroponics! Thank You!

[@Belzrox]

Awesome, Thanks for sharing your journey, got me thinking now :) Cheers Mate

[@CatHamster-wf5xs]

Nice 1 Mr Hoocho. Excellent summary of the different types of system

[@sambagamb]

This is hot fiery flames! Perfect timing with planning and prioritising for the new growing year, I'm defs rethinking a few plans now to simplify and eek out all the efficiency. Bloody brilliant production values, legend status !

[@johnmcginnis5201]

An excellent overview of why and why not for one system over another for different plant types.

[@davebullard]

This is very useful information. Thanks for making the effort to share.

[@davidw6422]

Great video, good to split between passive and powered

[@kerryevans2038]

Great video as always Hoocho.

[@SeamusHarper1234]

Good recommendations =) Just a quick note to the hands-off-ness of bato buckets: If it's a recirculating system, it's mandatory to check the EC often. My tomatoes just got damaged pretty badly, because I was away for a few days and it was really hot. The warm weather makes the plants use up more water than nutrients, which in turn raised the EC a lot.

[@user-wv7sk2hj8d]

Thanks for your tip. Maybe it is possible to use a lower dosage of fertilizer for going away a few days?

[@Frankzy]

Just WOW... Fabulous video Hoocho, I use 2 of your sysytems, the NFT system for my leafy greens and some herb The RGGS for Ginger, Tumeric and Garlic. but i also have a 3rd one to grow my Microgreens witch is a flood and drain system with a BELL SYphon that works wonders for my sunflower shoots and my Wheetgrass. It's a five tier system. Pumping water from the bottom container to the top tray that then drains into the one bellow it and so on back to the container. The pump works for 15 minutes every 90 minutes. I use no soil, only hemp grow mats and without nutrients., Best regards from Montreal Canada

[@trinifishes]

Very nice setup man 👏👏

[@mikec3820]

its amazing how many systems you have made so far hoocho!

[@emmanuellerousseau7314]

I LOVE your inside garden!

[@atmm89]

good info, mate

[@andreassteffens4598]

Thank you for this Video. I am starting with hydroponics at the moment and since I found your channel, I am getting more and more addicted. ❤

[@user-bh8ko3mm4p]

Thank you for such a detailed video. I am new to this and would like to see a video for someone just starting. Use two or three of your favorite systems, the Membrane Cotton Ball for indoor greens and the outdoor wick bag system. Or list your videos for first time setup details.

[@trishapomeroy9251]

We are off grid, so power is very limited. I grew lettuce for farmer's market this year using the Kratky method for the first time. I am completely enamored with this system. I also have some large tubs that I've put things like basil and peppers in that, if it weren't for the horrible grasshoppers this year, would have done extremely well. As it is, they still grew very nicely. I'm looking forward to expanding both significantly next year. ETA I really loved the full detail on each method and I'd like to try some rain gutter growing at some point as an addition to my Kratky systems

[@downunderfulla6001]

Hoocho this is a awesome video. I’m going to have to watch it another couple times. You answered many questions I had but I absorb information a bit slower🍺🍺

[@Hoocho]

*raises glass of ginger beer* ❤

[@greavesy3998]

Mate what a beautiful video. I think it covered all the right stuff and is an excellent resource to provide people. Doubling down on that idea, would there be a way for you to do some mini series or themed videos expanding on this. Things like, apartment/unit friendly, budget friendly, indoor/outdoor and maybe like a super budget idea like using cheap aquarium pumps or gravity systems but keeping it compact and from easily sourced resources from $2 shops and whatnot. Apologies if this rehashed some of you previous videos but the updated knowledge and systems you've done over the years i figured it might help out some others looking for starting points/tips. Now time to go and enjoy a ginger beer.

[@JasonCarr1979]

Another informative video, great job.

[@trollbarbu1979]

great ideas for my tree nursery, thanks

[@sweetcaramelsmile]

Yay!!! I wanted to contact you about this. I’m so happy.😊

[@Fumblesneeze]

Would love to see Hoocho take on Tower Systems. I am extremely space restricted and it's something he hasn't taken into account at all.

[@csandford]

I believe he has past videos dealing with tower systems. They weren't very successful. I tried tower systems too, but likewise found them to be problematic.

[@knowyuhgrow420]

Thanks for sharing

[@JustinGrows]

I love flood and drain systems personally, and have done a different variation of the Dutch bucket system using 2 buckets per plant. My flood and drain system however I used coco and perlite in cloth pots instead of filling it up with hydroton

[@palito314]

Шикарное видео! Структурно, понятно, конкретно! Предельно чёткое изложение мыслей и знаний! Благодарю Вас!!! Best regards from Russia!

[@barrystephenson6950]

Great channel. Have learned so much. Coco perlite here in Newfoundland costs a small fortune though.

[@eastcoast4233]

I’d love to see some DIY air pruning containers (avoiding any breach of any patents by the big firms!) capable to holding smaller fruit trees. It’s great to grow some perennials but getting root bound is a real issue.

[@aeynosarturii8053]

Not too intense at all. Frankly I love hearing the science behind the processes.Having just delved into my first hydroponics foray I have noticed pH drift and have been baffled by it, so I am keenly interested in the mechanisms. Time lapses and greenhouse updates are great, I love watching them but a series with Professor Hoocho doing deep dives into the science would be fantastic IMO and would be rather unique in the KZbin hydroponic video catalog.

[@Howie672]

Top video bloke, thanks

[@thundaz7095]

Hey mate, do you have any insights into the best hydroponic nutrient solutions and concentrations for different plant types? I am trying to set up a largely automated veggie garden system for my parents and have been binging your vids. Great to follow a fellow QLDer for the area specific insights. Looking forward to more of your amazing vids!

[@floresdand16]

Thanks!

[@tvideo1189]

After trying MANY systems I found the one I learned about from my Aussie relatives, NFT, was WAY, WAY better at both growing the largest variety of plants and growing them better. It wasn't even a contest. The drawbacks being of course, the extra equipment needed. But in the overall hydroponic scheme of things, that is a minor consideration.

[@kiwisoup1]

Hey Hoocho all yours plants look so healthy, clean and undamaged. How do you deal with pests such as aphids and other bugs?

[@Hoocho]

The physical barrier of the greenhouse really helps. Healthy plants, especially proper nutrition and water is a great prevention. I’m also not adverse to using pesticides and abiding by the proper withholding periods, whilst being bee conscious.

[@treebeard9352]

Brilliant video I do in door nft with mexican tomatoes

[@laelgrant592]

Have you ever tried the Alaska grow bucket system? similar wicking system to gutter system, but with fabric bags in buckets and piping.

[@mathiskose5348]

Dear Hoocho, Greetings from Germany! I'm a big fan of your content and always find your insights helpful. I'm looking to set up an indoor plant system in my room, but the plants will have limited root space. What system do you recommend for this situation? Your expertise would mean a lot. Thanks in advance! Best regards, Mathis

[@rahbabakahn]

Thanks for this video. It's fantastic to see the different hydroponic systems. I don't really understand how the wicking systems work? It seems like you are using a small wick for a very large grow bag full of media. How do the roots get through all that grow media down to that tiny wick? Do you pre-water the grow media first? When the roots finally reach the wick, do they clog up the nutrient hole in the RGGS? I need to find a video where you discuss these things. Still looking.

[@alexanderdrechsel6858]

Love your videos. Got my parents into growing tomatoes in a RGGS the hoocho style :) I am, however, still searching for a good method of growing dandelion inside my apartment (for my wife). Is the taproot of the dandelion a big issue? What is the go to system? Would be glad to hear feedback from experienced growers.

[@ralfputz6076]

Where do you get your nft channels from? Loved your video by the way, I am presently studying hydroponics at Tafe

[@blackswansystem]

Awesome 🎉

[@offswitch1]

You should have your own show on tv

[@shikasha]

You are worth your weight in gold my friend.

[@HattoSora]

I really do live for the "*drags feet* WELCOME BACK TO HOOCHO'S"

[@MsMary-mg3ho]

What an interesting video! Thank you! I am still kind of not sure what the difference is between the floating raft and the Kratky method...it seems like floating raft is just a big, square Kratky container. 🙂 Maybe I missed something...

[@mdc2utube]

Could you make a video on an indoor vertical system?

[@joesephrodrigues]

Great Video! When you say that coco gets "iffy" on the third year of reuse, what does that mean? like, health concerns?

[@noahmiller6115]

I bet if you put volcanic rock in the cement mixer you could make hydro balls.. I like the Dutch bucket with dwc that feeds into nft rails.

[@Griffindor21]

What would you recommend to use on chilli plants? I'm looking at industrial farming goal. Thanks.

[@RA-rf4nz]

Excellent! Been waiting for this discussion video for a long time. I did notice that you did not include the vertical hydro systems like Zip Grow and the like. Where do you think those would fit in or would be closest application to the ones you did cover? NFT perhaps? I personally would lean to the recirculating types to help mitigate stagnate waters.

[@N1ghtR1der666]

I built my first NFT and ground gutter system which is all working but I purchased clear tubing and now I am starting to see alge build up in the tubes, do you think its worth painting the tubing or should I be looking to replace it all, i spent several hundred dollars getting in all for a reasonably large system :/

[@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403]

Aeroponics? You didn't mention this method at all. I think Aeroponics is an awesome method for those who don't have a ton of space to grow anything in the winter time. For example, I have an acre of land, so I have a large outdoor soil garden, but I hate not being able to grow anything in the winter, so I've been looking into hydroponics and Aeroponics seems awesome. You throw a tower or two in your basement and you can feed your family throughout the winter. Thoughts?

[@OrganicGreens]

You should give dry amendments a try with your wicking systems. then you don't even have to mix nutrient solution.

[@cmoniz905]

Do you mean putting slow release nutrients in with the plants and having them on the wicking system for watering? Please clarify, thank you in advance?

[@OrganicGreens]

@@cmoniz905 I'm talking about organic dry fertilizer. You add a cup or so mixed into your potting soil. It breakdown as it gets moist. You don't have to put it right next to the wick. I use the Dr earth brand tomato and vegetable 4-6-3. You can get it at most American hardware stores. Its most cost effective to get the 25 pound bags.

[@Scrambles7]

BIG DOG! I cannot apologise enough, I didn't get notified of this video. They are trying to stop me from posting shit comments on your videos for no reason. They can't stop me! They don't understand!! Great video mate. Nice one

[@Hoocho]

Ahahahhah never stop Scram The algorithm can’t understand the importance 😂

[@eastcoast4233]

9:24 in a test was very surprised to see that normal construction/play/sharp sand with nothing else (peat, etc) added worked incredibly well. I suppose it’s no different really to using clay balls. Have you tried just sand as a grow medium? Of interest primarily because sharp sand is widely available and far cheaper than the clay balls. (Apologies if yes and I’ve missed it).

[@gardnep]

Probably look at the cost of vegetables in your area and the time it takes to grow the produce. For example carrots are usually cheap in my area so not worth growing, tomatoes, however can get to $10/ kg so I will grow and importantly dry them in the spring and summer so they are available through winter.

[@pallettime]

G'day Hoocho Mate what would be you best suggestions, i would to start an indoor plant nursery, is their any way to speed up the growth process before going into 8inch-10inch pots. I was thinking kratky methods from tubestock Any ideas Cheers

[@abhishekmandal4104]

Great video mate, I was wondering can we grow blueberries with any of this methods, kinda researching about this it would be really helpful if you can give a reply Anyways appreciate your efforts

[@brenoqueen873]

Do you use the same nutrient solution for all your crops? Tomatoes and leaf greens etc, which ph/ec/ppm you target at?

[@thomassmith3310]

What do do with all that food your growing. Great videos

[@butchbusby8696]

I'm about to retire and move to the Philippines. (Lots of coconut supplies). I was wondering what kind of system would think would be good to use in a tropical climate.

[@varanasihydroponics4641]

Super sir ji

[@pvenzELP]

Do you plan on doing any hydro micro greens?

[@antoniosanford4675]

Why have you never used Larry Hall's air pruning root system in your rain gutter grow systems?

[@thehazelnutspread]

I know that you use a store bought solution but I'd really like to find a DIY solution as I'm anticipating a severe shortage or interrupted supply of the solution mixture in the foreseeable future.

[@ozziegt]

Any concerns about the 3d prints leeching chemicals into the water? Do you use a specific PLA?

[@corwinwhitehorn7759]

Have you ever thought of using worms (or Fishes) to provide the nutrients for your ebb and flow system?

[@rw-xf4cb]

What happened to the Wasabi? Wondering is using a fridge like your stealth grow room could work to keep the plant cool?

[@cutsomewoodbashsomemetalmakeso]

Hey Hoocho you made a comment about heat - water - oxygen and its relationship.. could you try some Hydrogen Peroxide in the water when it gets warmer?

[@ralfputz6076]

Do the plants have the same nutritional qualities as organically grown soil vegetables?

[@saifulhanif20]

How often you change your nutrient solution?

[@dathanjackson2743]

NFT and gutter grow for the win!

[@fullyvoid8356]

Hoocho, doesn t the ph rise when using an NFT due to the waterfall it s created? Doesn t the water become stagnant in the res of the raingutter system?

[@Zahaqiel]

Have you ever considered giving fogponics a try?

[@YRNGios]

Question, leaving your plants out like that, do they get attacked by possums? Nothing eats em?

[@inspiredproduce]

Dutch Buckets dominates all situations for plant yield in my experience.

[@tonysako]

im thinking tower sytems are one of the best you can have tomatoes dangling down the tower

[@chasingthesun4311]

Hey bro quick question, whatever happened with your wasabi plants And did you do a video on it?

[@Hoocho]

There’s an update video that tackles it. I’ll be revisiting eventually and have a full wasabi experiments video (hopefully with a success story hahah)

[@swempthebemp]

Timing! I'm setting up my first garden this weekend and still hadn't decided which way to go.. Got some leafy greens, lots of chillis and some strawberries. Renting, so being able to move it is a consideration. One question I have though, how much does rain affect these systems? Do I need a roof or some sort of cover?

[@Hoocho]

Nah mate, any extra water just gets used unless you get like 50-100 ml in a day. Even then. Only the flood and drain and large surface area systems are effected.

[@swempthebemp]

@@Hoocho cheers for the reply and all the great content

[@d00dieb0x]

Here in Belgium, we had loads of rain in July. My Kratky buckets were almost always topped up and thus were probably getting less nutrients. The plants looked OK, but I will try to add some sort of barrier, so rain water doesn't flow from the lid into the bucket so easily.

[@SkyeShaddix]

have you had any luck growing watermelons in any of your hydro set ups?

[@mithall4198]

Thank you for doing such an in-depth review. Have you ever grown in sawdust? It's available locally for much less than coco. I understand that sawdust absorbs a significant amount of nitrogen, but could it be that much more than coco?

[@thomasswainston2821]

You'd probably be ok if growing something very resistant to root rot such as tomatoes. I guess you could experiment. Things that decompose, especially quickly, will use up oxygen and promote root rott.

[@mithall4198]

@@thomasswainston2821 Thanks for your thoughts on the sawdust. I'm going to give it a shot next year. We have a terrible time growing toms in soil. They set the third truss and start getting sickly, with only the cherries being able to keep ahead of it. We have a small greenhouse where we tried growing in some gro-dan slabs and they did much better. Unfortunately, those are quite expensive as well.

[@alexmeadeflarevulca8996]

What would be the downsides of using some topsoil or compost in your rain-gutter grow system as a cheaper medium? Any trouble not using a sterile medium?

[@thomasswainston2821]

Could promote root rot and clog filters/pumps

[@Toskyval]

How the float box system would behave if you use it with the black plastic bags instead of the textiles ones?

[@Toskyval]

I mean, certainly the plastic bags would require some holes otherwise no water absorption, the one think I wounder about it's how the plant roots would affect the yield and/or the bags since air pruning wont manifest.

[@TheOMT]

man.. you must be getting wholesale rates on those float valves by now.. lol

[@oswaldhiren0610]

Hi hoocho. Can you please grow cherry tomatoes

[@spirit210364]

Do you find you get a lot less pest problems when everything is grown in coco?

[@Hoocho]

Coco less so than the water based and flood systems. I've had whole colonies of ants in those citrus pots. hahah Coco acts as soil after some time. I've thought of introducing diatomaceous earth into it to perhaps reduce the problem...

[@Moewenfels]

I'd love to hear how that turns out!@@Hoocho

[@spirit210364]

@@Hoocho Thanks for the reply...I use diatomaceous earth and find it definitely helps

[@GizmosShop]

Wow