Passive wick system hydroponics is one of the easiest and most reliable hydroponic systems available to growers.
It is one of my personal favorites and a great option for those new to hydroponics.
Let’s talk about the passive wick system, how it works, and its benefits and drawbacks.
Hydroponic Wick System Materials
A wick system consists of the following materials:
- A grow tray where the plants are kept. This can be something small you may have around the house like a small pot or plastic liter bottle. To grow more plants at once, I prefer plant trays you can find at a garden center or Amazon.
- Growing medium where the plants grow. I like to use coco coir. Other options like vermiculite or perlite will work well, too.
- A reservoir full of nutrient solution to feed the plants. Again, this can be something small like a small pot or something larger like a 5-gallon plastic tub or bucket from a big box store.
- Wicks that go from the plant into the reservoir. Nylon rope is a great option. You’ll want to use something that wicks water well but is resistant to rotting. Use a minimum of two wicks per plant!
Note: you’ll notice I don’t include an air pump in this list of components. For most growers, an air pump is unnecessary for this setup but is definitely an option for those inclined. More oxygen to plant roots can never hurt!
How Does the Wick System Work?
Refer to the diagram above. One end of the wick stays suspended in the nutrient solution. The other end of the wick goes into the grow trays where the plants sit in a growing medium.
The wick is a soft material that is made up of cotton, nylon, or other absorbent material. The wick acts as the means to transport the nutrient solution to the grow tray and plants.
The nutrient-rich water will flow up the wick until the medium on all sides of the roots is soggy. As the medium turns dry, the wick will reactivate and pull the solution to the plants.
What Can You Grow in the Wick System?
A wick system is best suited for smaller plants that don’t require a lot of water or nutrients. Plants like lettuce or herbs are best. Avoid growing plants that require a lot of water, such as tomatoes.
Benefits of the Wick System
Wick system hydroponics has a number of advantages.
1. Passive: The system is passive in nature meaning it works independently of any moving parts.
2. Easy to build and maintain: The passive nature allows the system to be set up very easily. As I mentioned above, you can even build a simple system with items found around the house. And, because of its simplicity, it is less prone to irregularities, failures, and breakdowns.
3. Cost: The wick system is quite affordable. The materials to build a system don’t cost much, and it is a simple system to maintain.
Drawbacks of the Wick System
The disadvantages of a wick system are discussed in greater detail in another article we wrote on the topic. Click here to read it.
But, to summarize, there are a number of drawbacks of a wick system to consider:
1. Not great for large plants: Wick systems are best suited for small plants with low water and nutrient requirements.
2. Stagnant nutrient solution: Wick systems do not actively circulate the nutrient solution. As a result, the solution can become stagnant over time leading to problems.
3. Risk of overwatering or underwatering: If the wick becomes saturated or clogged with roots, it can prevent water and nutrients from being delivered to the plant roots.
4. Lack of oxygenation: Plant roots are submerged in the nutrient solution for extended periods of time in a wick system. This design can limit oxygen availability to the roots leading to root rot or other oxygen-related problems. An air pump with air stone can mitigate this issue.
5. Limited adaptability: Wick systems are relatively inflexible and may not be able to accommodate changing needs of the grower.
As the most basic hydroponic system, passive wick hydroponics is great for beginners. This article has taught you the pros and cons as well as the basics of building your own system.
Keep in mind you may need a strategy to monitor pH. Click here to learn more about maintaining pH.
Also, if you are looking for ideas on what to grow, check out this article on the top ten plants to grow hydroponically!
Time to get growing! Drop a comment below to let us know how you’re doing!
