Hi all.... you're probably tired of all my questions on here! I have never grown hydro before, but I've been looking into it over the last couple months. Judging by what people on here have said, and by other sources, I've decided that it's definitely the way to go. I've spent over $500 on this "hobby" over the past couple months, so it may be awhile before I can a system (w/o risking divorce- lol). I'm kinda leaning toward ebb & flow, but I really like the GH waterfarm (drip) 8-bucket set up. I know I could save some $ if I built my own, but I really don't feel comfortable w/ a do-it-yourself project of something like this. If something went wrong w/ the grow, I'd always be wondering if it was because I built it wrong- lol.
Anyway, I would put alot of stock in what you experienced hydro growers had to say about which type system works best. Thx, MG

[CrunchNasty]

when it comes to hydro and which system to use even after 2 years of research im still confused , this is a very good question. I gotta try it someday.

[pistillwhipped]

Trust me my friend, you would do MUCH better building your own if you are capable. Save your cash for genetics and nutes! You'd be surprised how little technology is involved in these units. I was just shopping around to see what the hydro systems cost these days 'cause I just got my hands on a lot of extra buckets....OMG dude....build your own.

[flipmastermike]

Hey MG, Just like Pistillwhipped said the systems are pretty easy to build. And I have no skill at all.LOL. But if you have extra cash the 8bucket waterfarm would work.
There are several threads on here and at overgrow.com which have step by step instructions on how to build a system very similar to the waterfarm. Look up Hooked-on-Growns threads and growerinshorts for information. You can also check the grow faq's at overgrow and a guy named Train1 builds a nice system.
I would agree with PW and save your money for genetics,lights,nutes etc...

[Hooked-On-Grown]

I agree with the above!! Save your cash for things you can not build or make....nutes/lights/pumps/timers.
Making an Ebb $ Flow is very simple. I think E&F is great for beginners.

Here is a link to the OG FAQ on E&F's......E&F's

Here is the link to my E&F made easy thread......E&F Thread

I also bubbed the thread to the top in the Hydro Forum for you.

Hope this helps...

[Your Neighbor]

I to am in the same position and cant decide what Ebb and flow or buckets?
Whats the size of your area? and lights?

I have a 5'8(W) x 6'4"(l) X 7'(H)
For lights I have 1000w Hortilux Eye, 400MH Veg and I plan on picking up another 1000w or a 600 if I can get a deal.

If you didnt ask I would have

YN

Hi Your Neighbor-

I have a similar setup to the one you are describing. I use 2 x 1000 Watt lights over a 5' x 7' area with a 12 bucket hydro system. It's cheap to build or buy, easy to setup and maintain, and yields up the wazoo if utilized correctly! HOG and Kryptonite have excellent threads about how to build Ebb n Flow Buckets, or if you prefer to buy, the retail cost on a 12 bucket is 500 I believe. I would have built mine, but I purchased my setup before I learned how to grow hydro and learned with it... :wink:

my ebb n flow bucket system with 12 plants under 2000w

[smokey-cigars]

top feed NFT system, recirculating your nutes...check my pics out, and youll see its the bomb

[badmf]

Even though I don't use DWC, I believe it's the cheapest and easiest true hydro system you can get. They even have some for sale on Ebay for $20 bucks or so. This "is" a set-up you can build, hell, its only a Rubbermaid with a couple holes in the top with a fish tank air pump! These set ups work surprisungly well and will save your marriage! lol Check out some set ups of them. Even if you decide to go back to soil you can use the Rubbermaid and buy your wife some fish!

[Rellikbuzz]

Hey Mastergrow- I'm not really into hydro. I'm more of a "bio" guy myself but you owe it to yourself to check out the thread below by Bonzo. He just built the simplest hydro system I have ever seen and is having tremendous results with it. His first grow was using the Waterfarms you mentioned that was given to him by a friend. He said they were a huge pain in the ass to maintain but his new system, which have been coined "Bonzo Buckets" by another member of IC, are proving extremely effective and a breeze to maintain. Also the cost looks to be very, very inexpensive. Just thought I would post the link here for you to check out. Hope it helps and best of luck.

"Bonzo's Super Simple Ebb":

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=7876