Plant and Garden Reference Information

Static Solution Hydroponics

One of the simplest implementations of hydroponics is a static solution culture. In this method a basin filled with nutrient solution sits under the plants with the root systems reaching into the solution. The static solution hydroponics system should be aerated to provide the necessary oxygen levels for growth to the roots.

The container used for static solution hydroponics should be a dark material and not be likely to leach chemicals into the water. The darkness helps to maintain the integrity of the nutrient solution. Also, a pump like that for an aquarium should be run to aerate the solution and mix the nutrients evenly through the water.

Plants should be on top of the container with the roots suspended in the nutrient solution. If the system is not aerated there should be a gap where the roots are exposed to open air for oxygenation.

The nutrient solution in static solution hydroponics should be changed regularly. This ensures that it remains nutrient rich.

One simple method of implementing a static solution hydroponics system would be to take a common Rubbermaid container, cut holes in the lid for the plants to be placed into, fill the container with water and nutrients so that the roots reach into the solution, and place a hole in the container for airflow in and out. To aerate this system, attach a fish tank pump to the inside of the container which will gradually filter and mix the nutrient solution.