How to build an Ebb and Flo Hydroponic System

An Ebb and Flo/ Flood and Drain System is little more advanced than the other system plans. Although it is a bit more difficult for beginners, it is a tried and true system and a lot more interesting than the previous system build. The flood and Drain technique is a classic, proven system that provides excellent result and high crop yields. The flood and drain technique works so well because as the plant sites are filled, old oxygen is “exhaled” or push out and when the plant sites drain fresh air is sucked back into the growing media. This particular design is not quite typical, as most flood and drain systems use a single growing bed filled with media, with this design individual plant sites are plumbed together and detachable for easy access and cleaning. An over flow U pipe is used to keep the nutrient from over flowing.


Building the system can be done in a couple of hours and most parts are available at hardware stores. The plant sites can be any water tight rigid container, some people even use 2-liter soda bottles. The pump should be rated at 200 GPH or more and you will need a pump that can accept 1/2” ID tubing. I once again recommend the Eco Plus line of pumps because they are affordable and come with the necessary attachments. The arrangement and number of plant sites is up to you and only limited to the pump capabilities and your imagination.