Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in a soil less medium or aquatic environment. It is a subset of Hydroculture, and Hydroponic systems utilize mineral nutrient solutions for feeding plants submerged in water. Find out what types of system are available, then check out our reviews of the 10 Best Hydroponics Growing Systems for Cannabis available now.

Types of Hydroponic Growing Systems

1. Wicks System Hydroponics: A passive system, it comes with no moving parts. The nutrients are drawn up by several wicks and transferred to the wicks growing system.
2. Water Culture System (Floating Hydroponic): An active system, it has moving parts with an air pump that oxygenates the water and allows the roots to breathe. It is the simplest forms where the roots of a plant remains immersed inside the water containing specific Growth Technology nutrient solution.
3. EBB & Flow System: The grow tray is temporarily flooded where the nutrient solution inside the reservoir covers the roots before it drains back.
4. Drip System: Among the widely used systems, it comes with a timer that controls the water pump. It pumps water along with Growth Technology nutrient solution using a network of elevated water jets.
5. NFT System: Another popularly used system, Nutrient Film Technique uses the constant flow of Growth Technology Nutrient Solution. The solution gets pumped from the reservoir to the growing tray that is drawn by the roots of the plant.
6. Aeroponic systems: It is the latest method of hydroponic system and is somewhat similar to NFT system. Roots of the plant hang in the air and get misted within the nutrient solution. The short cycle timer runs the pump for a few seconds in every couple of minutes.

Finally, you may also want to check out hydroponic grow boxes (also known as stealth grow boxes, or grow cabinets). These are essentially hydroponic systems in a cabinet. They're convenient, often fit in to your living space discreetly and they keep the smell in. Top-end models are basically all-in-one, done-for-you growing solutions—they make growing cannabis about as simple and automated as it can get.

In this post, however, we're sticking to the more traditional systems.

Reviewing Top 10 Hydroponics Growing Systems

Product	Benefits	Price
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bucket Kit	Easy to use Affordable 5 Gallon FDA Approved Bucket + 6 inch Basket Lid A Blue Water Level Indicator & Bucket Drain 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty	[bfa asin="B00CHEIO6Y"]
H2OtoGro 04063.75TF DWC Self Watering Hydroponic System	Complete growing kit, Self-watering system Advanced Oxygenation System Made from Food Grade Polyethylene. Water level indicator	[bfa asin="B00VW6YOOE"]
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit	Easy to use complete DWC Hydroponic System 1 Year USA Warranty DWC bucket includes a water level indicator & drain Easily grow plants to maturity Grow 4 plants in one system!	[bfa asin="B00DVQQI60"]
General Hydroponics GH4720 Farm Controller	8 WaterFarm module units 13-gallon reservoir & 8-gallon controller unit Expandable upto 12 module units Can arrange units in any environment Includes all hardware, supplies & General Hydroponics Flora Series nutrients	[bfa asin="B007XRCUJ2"]
Hydrofarm MGSYS Hydroponic Megagarden System	15 plastic grow pots Includes fired-clay & pebble grow media 7-1/2-gallon reservoir Water level indicator Detailed instructions to use	[bfa asin="B0001XLP9G"]
Indoor Hydroponics Grower Kit, Pathonor 11 Pod 3.5 gal	Pretty Affordable Easy to Use Aquarium Air pump & air stones included Grow a variety of plants & herbs Elegant appearance	[bfa asin="B01N3UVHVC"]
Smart Hydroponics Indoor Herb Garden Kit By SavvyGrow- Growing System	All-inclusive herb garden kit Quick grow technology Growth enhancing LED 100% money back guarantee Easy to use	[bfa asin="B01M1ABWV8"]
General Hydroponics RainForest 66 Aeroponic System	Supports growing medium to large plants All 6 units receive oxygenated water continuously Includes 3 Part Flora kit 17-Gallon reservoir 12 Volt Vortex Sprayer need not be plugged in	[bfa asin="B0002J1SCI"]
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit	Smart countertop garden Beautiful stainless steel finish 6 plants can be grown at a time High-performance, full spectrum 20-watt LED lighting system Easy-to-use control	[bfa asin="B01D5G88J0"]
Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit	Soil-free indoor gardening system grows plants 5 times faster than soil High performance, energy efficient 20 Watt LED lighting Compact, beautiful design Includes 6-Pod Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit 1 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty	[bfa asin="B010NBJMMW"]

Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bucket Kit

This DWC system is very simple to use and can be set up in no time. It comes with everything that is needed for a hydroponic system which includes a 5 gallon reservoir that is FDA approved.

Pros

1. Helps in quickly building an healthy root system
2. Air stone helps in circulating water and oxygenates the root system
3. Consumes very little electricity
4. Fitted with 110 volts ac pump
5. Comes fitted with blue water level tube

Cons

1. Not a powerful pump to support a 5 gallon system
2. Changing water takes time

[bfa asin="B00CHEIO6Y"]

H2OtoGro 04063.75TF DWC Self Watering Hydroponic System

H2PTOGRO comes with a self-watering system and includes a complete growing kit. It even comes with starter packs of nutrients and grow mediums. The system is made from food grade Polyethylene and roughly weighs 6.2 pounds and may exceed 30 pounds when fully operational.

Pros

1. Self-watering system oxygenates the grow & nutrient rich water is provided constantly
2. Water level indicator helps to maintain adequate water levels in the reservoir
3. Blue color helps in inhibiting algae growth
4. Roots get suspended in the reservoir
5. A complete set that includes customized reservoir & lid, net cups, aeration kit, watering kit, grow kit & nutrient starter kit

Cons

1. Plants need to be transferred to larger system to continue growth
2. Difficult to understand instructions

[bfa asin="B00VW6YOOE"]

Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit by PowerGrow

Another DWC by Powergrow, this system can be setup with little efforts. It comes with a complete system that includes almost everything that is needed for growing plants anywhere you want. The water kits are expandable and the garden limits seem to be endless.

Pros

1. Very easy to use and setup
2. 4 Growing sites which is expandable
3. Deep Water kit comes with air lines, air stones, basket lids, buckets, and air pumps
4. Water level indicator ensures adequate water is provided
5. Easy to change water system

Cons

1. Doesn’t include check valves or hydroton media
2. Bigger plants cannot be lifted and need to be adjusted via the tube

[bfa asin="B00DVQQI60"]

General Hydroponics GH4720 Farm Controller

GH4720 Farm Controller is an 8-pack module unit that is connected to a single hydroponics controller. Integrated within the system is a 13 gallon reservoir along with an 8 gallon controller unit. The nutrient solution gets circulated by the GH’s Dual Diaphragm Air Pump.

Pros

1. Controller keeps each unit tipped off with correct nutrient levels
2. Includes all the hardware & supplies needed
3. Units can be arranged to suit any environment
4. Expandable up to 12 grow sites in a single container
5. Simple & easy to setup

. Cons

1. Expensive
2. Lacks 30% of the predrilled holes that are needed

[bfa asin="B007XRCUJ2"]

Hydrofarm MGSYS Hydroponic Megagarden System

Suitable to both an experienced farmer and a newbie, this system can be fun when trying hydroponic gardening at your place. A single system spreads over 4 square feet and can produce as high as 5 times more yields than a standard garden of its size.

Pros

1. Works great both indoors & outdoors
2. Super-efficient flood & drain pump ensuring optimal moisture control
3. Precise control of water levels due to constant pumping of nutrient solution from the reservoir
4. Uniform watering on plants in a timely manner
5. Includes fired clay & pebble grow media
6. Submersible pump supports automatic flood & drain irrigation

Cons

1. Cleaning can be tedious
2. Water levels can be low for some grows

[bfa asin="B0001XLP9G"]

Indoor Hydroponics Grower Kit, Pathonor 11 Pod 3.5 gal

The indoor hydroponics grower kit gets a basin cover and dark finish to the planting basket. The overall appearance is elegant and is conducive for growing a range of plants. It also houses an inbuilt LED grow light besides having a reservoir tank that includes a 4 net pots, air stones, and air pumps.

Pros

1. Dark material prevents light from entering the basin and reduces growth of green algae inside the nutrient solution
2. Each side of the basin is fitted with a chug cylinder
3. Elegant appearance and supports growing of a wide range of plants.
4. Affordable system that is easy to maintain
5. Can clone about 5 cuttings with the low profile cloner

Cons

1. Made of average quality materials
2. Limited instructions and information for setting and using

[bfa asin="B01N3UVHVC"]

Smart Hydroponics Indoor Herb Garden Kit By SavvyGrow- Growing System

An elegant and attractive looking system that can add to the creativity at your workplace or living room. A fully functional indoor planter, it comes with LED hydroponics light that offer the required light to the plants. The all-inclusive kit has it all that you need from seeds to fertilizers along with the planting medium.

Pros

1. Supports quick growth of plants i.e. 1-2 months for a full sized plant
2. Installed with growth enhancing LED lights that are energy efficient too
3. A 100% money back guarantee with no questions asked
4. Convenient watering system that regulates adequate watering
5. Efficient system supporting easy clean and compact growing

Cons

1. Sophisticated and needs a regular care & cleaning

[bfa asin="B01M1ABWV8"]

General Hydroponics RainForest 66 Aeroponic System

Rainforest 66 supports growing of both medium and large sized plants. The system gets a well-finished look that is attractive and can be used to enhance the ambience of your living area.

Pros

1. Both medium & large sized plants can be grown
2. Vortex Sprayer is highly effective to oxygenate nutrient solution before distribution
3. Comes with a big 17-Gallon reservoir
4. Fitted with a 3-part flora kit

Cons

1. Expensive
2. Quality of the vortex pump could have been better

[bfa asin="B0002J1SCI"]

Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Harvest Elite with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit

A product under the AeroGardens series of indoor gardening systems, harvest elite supports growing of 6 plants at a time. It has an energy efficient LED lighting system that is tuned to specific spectrum allowing the plants to maximize the process of photosynthesis.

Pros

1. High performance full spectrum 20-watt LED lighting system supports Rapid, abundant and natural growth of the plants
2. Easy to use LCD control panel backed by simple prompts as guide
3. Easy setup without tools for creating optimal condition for different plants
4. Fitted with a 6-Pod Gourmet Herb Seed Kit
5. Stainless Steel strong construction

Cons

1. High on Maintenance

[bfa asin="B01D5G88J0"]

Miracle-Gro AeroGarden Harvest with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit

Another popular selling product by Miracle-Gro Aerogarde, the Harvest is suitable for growing herbs, vegetables, flowers, or salad greens. It is a soil-free indoor gardening system that facilitates a 5 time quicker growth than soil.

Pros

1. Fitted with high performing and energy efficient 20 Watt LED lighting system
2. Beautifully designed and compact product that fits easily on a countertop
3. Comes with a 6-Pod Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
4. Simple to assemble and easy to operate
5. No GMO, herbicides or pesticides needed

Cons

1. Many customers have complained that not all pods sprout when used
2. High on Maintenance

[bfa asin="B010NBJMMW"]

Verdict

So here we have it, the 10 best Hydroponics Growing Systems that are available on the market. Depending on your budget and the requirements you might have, the choice might differ from one person to the other.

For those of you who are searching for a small, affordable system, Indoor Hydroponics Grower Kit can be the choice.

However, if you are thinking to purchase a big system that supports a larger garden then General Hydroponics GH4720 Farm Controller is the one to choose.

Looking for nutes for your new hydroponics system? Check out our Top 10 Nutes & Fertilizers.