What is a Hydroponic System?
By Hydro Experts | 20 February 2025
The hydroponics gardening has revolutionized Australians when it comes to growing fresh food. The system allows for soil-less, efficient water usage and that too in a variety of climates. Whether you are into hydroponics for fun or plan to take it small commercial, hydroponic supplies are very important. This guide lists the 10 essential items you will need to get started and other considerations for growing in Australia's unique growing conditions.
What is a Hydroponic System?
Hydroponic system, a method of growing plants without soil, uses a nutrient-rich solution to supply vital minerals directly to the roots of the plants. In comparison to traditional farming on soil, this technology enhances growth, yield, and resource efficiency.
1. Hydroponic System
You can pick up a hydroponic system that is best suited to your budget, the types of plants you want to grow and the space available. However, the most common beginner-friendly options include:
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This system works best for leafy greens, and is affordable and easy to maintain. Similarly, the plants sit in nutrient-rich water which makes it one of the simplest and most effective hydroponic methods for beginners.
NFT is generally well suited for small plants like herbs that require continuous nutrient flow. Commercial growers can greatly benefit from this system as it requires low water usage while providing greater efficiency.
While these systems work well for a variety of plants, they require an extensive setup. Plants are periodically flooded with a nutrient-rich solution, resulting in a well-oxygenated root environment.
Aeroponics are comparatively more expensive and require precise control but offer rapid growth. The system deploys most directly to the roots to deliver nutrients resulting in faster growth and higher yields.
Additional cooling systems become necessary in Queensland's warm climate to maintain proper root temperature because high temperatures hinder growth and decrease the production of NFT and aeroponic systems.
2. Grow tent
A grow tent is an essential component for maintaining a controlled environment in hydroponic setups, particularly for indoor growers. It provides an enclosed space where you can regulate temperature, humidity, and light exposure, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.
Why Use a Grow Tent?
- Light Control: The reflective interior of a grow tent maximizes light efficiency, ensuring plants receive uniform illumination.
- Climate Management: Helps maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, crucial for plant health in Australia’s varying climate.
- Pest and Contaminant Protection: Acts as a barrier against pests, dust, and mould, reducing the risk of plant diseases.
3. Grow Lights
Grow lights are another must-have Hydroponic supplies. Although Australia has ample sunlight, grow lights are essential for indoor setups or supplementing shorter daylight hours in winter. Options include:
Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in full-spectrum models. Perfect for anyone trying to lower their electricity bills.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights
Powerful but generates more heat. It is best suited to large commercial operations where a high light intensity is required.
Fluorescent Lights
Affordable but less efficient for larger setups. These are perfect for starting seedlings or growing herbs and leafy greens indoors.
Due to energy efficiency as well as lower heat output in the hot climate, LED lights are preferred. In areas of long winters, it is important to have a dependable lighting system for the plants to grow throughout the course of the entire winter.
4. Growing Medium
Since hydroponics is soil-free, you might need an inert medium to support plant roots. Common choices include:
Sustainable, retains moisture well, and is widely available in Australia. New gardeners will find this material best suits their needs because it possesses natural antifungal properties.
Ideal for aeration and drainage. The reusable pebbles provide strong root support while solving watering problems due to their ability to retain moisture.
Seed starting works well with this material although users need to adjust its pH level first. Hydroponic systems heavily rely on using this material because it can have excellent water retention performance.
Coconut coir stands out as the preferred choice because it supports environmental sustainability while being available locally. The environmental impact of coconut coir stands better than that of rockwool insulation because its production method is more earth-friendly.
5. Nutrient Solution & pH Control
Plants need a balanced nutrient mix tailored to hydroponic growth. You'll need:
The A & B formulas composed of macro and micronutrients are provided in a typical format to support different growth stages.
The essential condition for nutrient absorption in plants exists when pH ranges between 5.5 and 6.5. A correct pH balance fails to maintain so plants develop nutritional deficiencies leading to poor development.
Areas with high coastal salt levels need either collected rainwater or water filtered through a system to ensure proper plant growth. A proper water filtration system will lead to major improvements in plant health.
6. Water Pump & Air Pump
NFT and Ebb & Flow systems require the solution pump to circulate nutrients. A healthy water flow system stops fluids from sitting still as it enables optimal nutrient uptake.
By adding oxygen to water systems root rot becomes prevented and plant growth improves through better dissolved oxygen content.
Heating climates benefit from aeration as a preventive measure against stagnant water environments that tend to produce bacterial and fungal growth within your nutrient supply tank.
7. Reservoir & Water Management System
As you have covered quite a few requirements, now what you need is a reservoir and Water Management System. Your hydroponic system needs a reservoir to hold the nutrient solution. Key features:
Opaque Material - These materials prevent algae growth and keep the solution stable.
Size Matters – Larger reservoirs reduce the need for frequent refilling, making system maintenance easier.
Automatic Water Level Control – These Helps maintain consistency, especially in larger hydroponic setups.
Hot climate conditions will be mitigated by both insulated and shaded reservoirs which maintain stable nutrient temperatures for healthier plant growth.
8. Climate Control & Ventilation
Growing healthy plants requires providing them with correct climate and ventilation, Temperature and humidity control to ensure optimal plant health. Essentials include:
The system operates as a heat-control mechanism to maintain proper temperatures within indoor grow facilities and it allows for continuous air movement.
Humidity Control (Dehumidifier/Humidifier)
This is crucial for maintaining stable conditions, especially for sensitive crops.
Continuous monitoring systems help to prevent stress in plants while maintaining uniform growth conditions.
Growers in dry areas require humidifiers to manage dryness of the environment but growers in humid areas need to maintain proper ventilation and air circulation.
9. Seedlings & Cloning Supplies
As you have completed your entire setup, it is important to pick quality seedlings or use existing healthy plants to ensure success and good growth. Starting with quality seedlings or cloning existing plants boosts success rates. Essentials:
Rockwool or peat-based options provide a stable environment for young plants.
The Cloning gen will encourage strong root development for cuttings, making propagation more efficient.
Regions with warm conditions require heat-tolerant plant varieties as a requirement for year-round successful growth.
10. Timers & Automation
Automating your system reduces manual work and enhances precision. Key automation tools:
Light Timers – Ensures consistent growth cycles by simulating natural sunlight patterns.
Pump Timers – Optimizes nutrient delivery, reducing the risk of overwatering.
Environmental Controllers – Advanced setups monitor temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels for precise control.
Smart automation practices help reduce water usage and electricity consumption which results in lower operational costs within South Australian regions that carry high energy costs.
11. Pest & Disease Control
By now you must have grown confident that you can set up a healthy hydroponic system. However, even hydroponic setups aren’t immune to pests. Preventative measures include:
Sticky Traps – Catch flying insects like whiteflies and fungus gnats before they spread.
Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs and predatory mites can control pests naturally without harming plants.
Organic Sprays – Neem oil and insecticidal soaps are safe, eco-friendly options for pest management.
Tropical conditions increase the risk of powdery mildew diseases so implement proper air circulation methods to prevent outbreaks.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with hydroponics is easier when you have the right hydroponic supplies tailored to Australian conditions. Whether you're growing fresh herbs in hot dry conditions or scaling up in cold winters, investing in the essentials will set you up for success.
Looking for top-quality hydroponic gear? Look no further than Hydro Experts, with our wide range of Hydroponic Supplies and everything you need from pond pumps, to Algae removing kits we present holistic solutions for your every need.
FAQS
The best system depends on your budget, space, and plant choice. Deep Water Culture (DWC) is the easiest to maintain, while the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is great for leafy greens. If you're growing a mix of plants, Ebb & Flow offers more versatility.
Regularly check pH levels (5.5-6.5) and EC (electrical conductivity) using a meter. Replenish nutrients based on plant growth stages and flush the system periodically to prevent salt buildup.
If growing indoors or during winter months, LED grow lights are recommended. They are energy-efficient and provide the full spectrum needed for plant growth. Outdoor hydroponics may not need additional lighting, depending on your region’s natural sunlight.
Use an opaque reservoir to block light, keep the system clean, and maintain proper airflow. For pests, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or use organic treatments like neem oil.
Heat management is crucial, especially in warm regions like Queensland and WA. Use cooling systems, shaded areas, and proper ventilation to prevent nutrient overheating. Water quality also varies, so filtered or rainwater might be necessary in high-salinity areas.