what is a hydroponic flood and drain system?
The flood and drain system, also known as ‘ebb and flow’, is a simple and efficient hydroponic method of growing. It uses a water pump to flood the roots of the plant, and then allowing the water to run back down into the water reservoir below. This method is a great choice for both beginner and advanced growers and can be easily set up at home using DIY materials. It can also fit into a relatively small space and can be used for both indoor and outdoor growing.
how does the flood and drain system work?
The basic parts of the flood and drain (or ebb and flow) system are a main reservoir or water tank. This will hold water and nutrients. A grow table will sit on top of the reservoir. This is what holds your plants. The system can work with just one plant or several plants in one tray.
A water pump is placed into the reservoir, where water is pumped up into the grow table. The water will soak all the roots of the plant and then gravity will allow the water to flow back down into the reservoir.
By soaking the roots in water, the plant will be deprived of oxygen, and so when the water has run back out, the plant will make up for it’s lack of oxygen by taking in as much as it can, when the roots are dry. Likewise, when the roots are drying out, they will become thirsty for water, so when the water is pumped back up, the plant will take in as much as it can. This has proven to be an effective way of growing.
The system is linked up to a timer, which will flood the plants at varying intervals in the day (this can be once per day or several times a day).

how often should you flood your plants?
The amount of flood and drain cycles each day will vary depending on the set up of your system and the climate you live in. In hot and dry climates, or if growing outdoors, try to flood the plants around 4 times each day. In warm climates, or if your growing medium is fast draining, then try flooding your plants 3 times a day. For slower draining growing mediums, or cooler and humid climates, twice a day should be fine.
The plants should be flooded for around 15 minutes and take the same amount of time to drain back out. Just make sure the roots do not dry out too much.
During the vegetative period, you should be increasing your lighting (around 6 extra hours a day). Because of this, you should put through one more plant flooding cycle each day, during the vegetative stage.
advantages of the flood and drain system
- It’s very cheap to set up and can be easily created with basic household/ gardening equipment
- Once set up, it’s easy to maintain
- Building your own system is not too complicated as with other hydroponic systems
- It produces quality plants
disadvantages of the flood and drain system
If your pump or drainage system is broken, this can easily ruin all of your crop, so it’s vital that you do keep checking regularly that the system is in working order. The water flowing back into the reservoir can change the pH levels of the nutrient solution. Again, you will need to check the pH levels and replace the water each week.

what you will need for a flood and drain system
- Reservoir or water tank- this can be as simple as a plastic storage box
- Grow table- for your plants to sit on
- Submersible water pump (a simple garden pond one will do)
- Air stone- to produce more oxygen in the water
- Air pump- to push the oxygen around the water
- Timer- to control the flooding intervals
- Black Tubing- for the drainage tube and water pump. The drainage tubing should be a little bigger than the tube pumping the water up to the plants
- Growing medium- for your plants to sit in
how to set up your flood and drain system
- Drill 2 holes in the bottom of your grow tray/ flood tray.
- Drill another 2 holes in the lid of your reservoir. These should match up to the holes in the grow tray.
- Put your water pump and air stone into the reservoir.
- Sit the grow tray on top of the reservoir lid and attach the two together.
- Fit some black tubing to your water pump and push it up through one of the holes at the top of the reservoir.
- Fit some black tubing through the other hole, so the flood water can drain back into the reservoir. Make sure to put a filter on this, to stop any of the growing medium from falling into the reservoir.
- Fill up the reservoir with water and nutrient solution
- Put your plant pots in the flood tray
- Attach a timer to your water pump and set it to the required intervals
- Turn on the pump and watch your system do its thing.
Latest Seeds & Grow Products
AK-47 Feminized
Ak-47 was orginally created by the Netherland’s Serious Seeds in 1992 and has won 16 awards including the High Times Cannabis Cup. People love this strain around the world for its high THC content, strong flavour and high energy effects.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Amnesia Haze Feminized
10% Indica – 90% Sativa | THC 21-25% | This is THE legit Dutch classic Sativa dominent powerhouse that is the proud winner of multiple Cannabis cups. This uplifter has a lemony, incense and cederwood flavour. Amnesia has a slightly longer growth phase overall, but this translates into massive yields and is well worth your attention for a truly supreme quality end product that is sure to please those aiming for a happy and uplifting high.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Gelato Feminized
70% Indica – 30% Sativa | THC 21-27% | This strain is an absoluate corker! One of the nicests strains going around in our opinion and very under rated. Super strong, Very crystally large(ish) buds with very big yields. It’s fairly straight forward to grow and super strong.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Gorilla Glue Feminized
50% Indica – 50% Sativa | THC 20-26% | One of the strongest cannabis strains available this one is recommended for the serious marijuana consumer! This popular strain has also won several cannabis awards like the Michigan and Los Angeles Cannabis Cups in 2014, and the High Times Jamaican World Cup.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Grapefruit Feminized
20% Indica – 80% Sativa | THC 16-20%
The Vancouver, Canada staple…. This 80% Sativa strain has a sweet and fruity aroma similar to the smell of ripe grapefruit It’s an 80’s old secret mix of Cinderalla 99 with a mystical grapefruit flavoured Sativa.
With the smell of pineapple and grapefuit this has an uplifting & stimulating high good for focus, creativity and pleasure.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Northern Lights Feminized Seeds
90% Indica – 100% Sativa | THC 16-18% | Northern Lights is definately among the most popular strains worldwide for it’s stable phenotypes, fast flowering and easy to grow persona that works well indoors and outdoors. This strain is remarkably resiliant and well worth your attention as a beginner grower.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
OG Kush Feminized
75% Indica – 25% Sativa | THC 18-23% | The classic californian OG Kush is referred all over the world. This strain loves hot temperature and is the proud parent of many popular strains such as girl scout cookies. OG Kush has very high THC levels and is well known for it’s full body high and spicey aroma.
——————————————————————————
Is it legal to buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
How can I buy Cannabis seeds in Australia?
Sour Diesel Feminized
40% Indica – 60% Sativa | THC 19-24% | Sour Diesel is a very strong well balanced sativa dominated straing with a unique diesel fuel odour when smoked. Around for over 2 decades, it’s a cross of Chemdawg and Super Skunk so it has an intense flavour and aroma with notes of exotic wood, lemon, spices and of course diesel fuel when smoked.
——————————————————————————