Ebb and flow (also called flood and drain) is a hydroponic system where a grow tray is periodically flooded with nutrient solution from a reservoir below, then allowed to drain completely. The wet-dry cycle delivers nutrients to roots during flooding and draws oxygen into the root zone during the drain phase.
Key Facts
- Timer-controlled pump floods the grow tray 2β6 times per day depending on medium and crop
- Complete drainage after each flood oxygenates roots β reduces root rot risk
- Compatible with many growing media: rockwool, clay pebbles, coco coir, perlite
- Versatile β suits leafy crops, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and cannabis
- Overflow fittings prevent flooding if the drain is blocked β a key safety feature
- Reservoir and pump size must match tray volume for reliable flood-drain cycles