What are best NFT hydroponic systems? What is the Nutrient Film Technique? How does NFT hydroponics work?
The nutrient film technique (NFT) is a hydroponic system in which a water pump transports a nutrient solution from the reservoir to the top of the structure.
Subsequently, the solution then flows through channels to the roots of the plants and returns to the reservoir. It is called a nutrient film because the water flows like a photographic film.
NFT system: Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Space saving (vertical).
- Fast growth.
- You can easily examine the roots.
- Little loss of water.
- Little use of substrate.
- Expandable.
Cons
- It is only for small plants.
- A failure in the water pump and the plants could die.
Best plants for NFT system
Generally, lettuce, cucumber, radish, celery, spinach, eggplant, cabbage, chard, kale, cilantro, pepper…
Best NFT Hydroponic System Kits
Best NFT Hydroponic Systems: LAPOND
This nft grow system is ideal for beginners, so it includes a water pump with a timer so you can adjust the time of use and shutdown.
Likewise, the PVC pipes are of good quality and have a diameter of 2.48” / 63 mm, therefore, their design is for multiple plants.
Parts included: hydroponic stand and planting tube; 12V water pump; pump timer; square pot; planting sponge; tweezers; hose.
Important: to prevent the proliferation of algae, you can wrap the pipes and the water pump with black adhesive vinyl. Also, hydroponic plants require at least 4 hours of light and ventilation every day, so that they can grow well.
Pros
- Easy to assemble.
- Affordable price.
- Good timer.
Cons
- No tank and no nutrient solution.
Best NFT Hydroponic Systems: Weplant
The present nft hydroponic system uses a timed cycle so that the nutrient solution is efficiently absorbed by the roots and electricity is saved. Equally, the pipe is solid and suitable for a diverse crop.
Package accessories: hydroponic tube and holder; 12 V; brushless pump; timer; adapter; 36 square glasses; 36 sponges; hose.
Important: to prevent the proliferation of algae, you can wrap the pipes and the water pump with black adhesive vinyl. Also, hydroponic plants require at least 4 hours of light and ventilation every day, so that they can grow well.
Pros
- Adaptable.
- Easy to set up.
- Efficient sponges.
Cons
- No reservoir and no nutrient solution.
- The lower structure is a bit flimsy.
Best NFT Hydroponic System: Intbuying
This nft hydroponic system is for indoors or outdoors and is designed for rapid production of plants.
Similarly, PVC-U Pipes are durable, food grade and suitable for growing many plants. Parts: support and main tube; planting sites: planting sponge; 110V deep well pump; hose.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Good performance.
Cons
- The size of the holes could be small for certain plants.
- No reservoir and no nutrient solution.
Some NFT Hydroponics Tips for beginners
1) You should sow plants from the same family in an NFT system so that you have a similar planning in growth and food needs.
2) Locate the system near a safe electrical connection, in case of electrical failures. Also, you could have a solar panel, as an auxiliary tool. If there is a power outage, the rockwool in the channels can sustain the plants for a few hours.
3) It is important that the system has a slope (1:30) to avoid obstructions in the channels due to sediment accumulation.
4) If the system is outdoors and in a very hot place, a shade net could help prevent the channels from getting hot.
5) If the structure of the system is vertical, to avoid shadows in the channels, you can accommodate the pipes at an angle between 25-30 degrees.
6) To prevent the proliferation of algae, you can wrap the pipes and water pump with black adhesive vinyl.