Quote Originally Posted by Good_Vibrations
Interested..Whats the best & cheapest hydropnic systems? :
The ones you build yourself!

Sorry, but I'm a tinkerer, and I would be unsatisfied if I just went to the store and bought a ready-to-go system!

Simplest and easiest for a newb is a flood and drain tray full of hydroton. The most expensive part of the system is the hydroton, if you buy a cheap pond pump at WalMart at the end of the season when they're on clearance (like right now).

Then get a big tray of some sort, if it isn't lightproof, spray it black.
Drill a drain hole in one corner.
Build a rack that will tilt it gently so all the water will go to the drain end.
Play around with your pump speed, timer, and size of the drain so when the pump is on, it fills faster than it drains. When the pump turns off, it keeps draining.

I biult mine for about $50, not including the lights and hydroton.
stinkyattic Reviewed by stinkyattic on . Interested..Whats the best & cheapest hydropnic systems? I was just curious of the best hydroponic system for a beginner, on a very tight budget. I know of the two 5 gallon method, however also heard that you end up wasting more nutrients. I am very curious of this process and would love to learn more. Is there anyone out there willing to help me out? A good place to get seeds would be some good info as well. Respect. G_V :rasta: Rating: 5