Hydroponics is a gardening method that uses non-soil cultivation techniques.
Bubbleponics and Deep-Water Culture (DWC) are two examples of hydroponics. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore both methods in more detail and see if one is better than the other.
Is Bubbleponics better than DWC or is DWC better than Bubbleponics?
Bubbleponics is actually a sub-type of DWC. If designed properly, a Bubbleponics system might be more effective and efficient at growing your garden. In fact, Bubbleponics might be the best choice for novice gardeners.
What is Bubbleponics?
This is a top-feed, hybrid hydroponic system that uses drip hydroponic and deep-water culture methods.
Put another way, the Bubbleponics system continues to supply the plants with nutrient solution.
Comparing Bubbleponics and DWC Systems
It is important to note that Bubbleponics is a subtype of DWC.
The main distinction between the two is that Bubbleponics systems use a drip irrigation feeding tube, as well as an air pump, to dispense nutrients to the root zone of the plants.
In typical DWC systems no feeding tubes are used and an air pump is used to continuously dispense nutrient to the roots.
Bubbleponics can easily be viewed as more sophisticated compared to some DWC systems.
Ultimately, it just makes more sense to directly dispense the nutrient solution to the root zone using feeding tubes.
Essentially, this is the first method used in hydroponics that utilizes commercial irrigation methods. This certainly does not mean typical DWC techniques don’t work.
Consider this: A well constructed Bubbleponics system will likely be the best designed DWC hydroponic system.
Benefits/Advantages of Bubbleponics over DWC
There are several benefits and advantages that come with Bubbleponics over DWC systems.
They are listed below:
- Rate of plant growth increases within a few hours.
- Roots in a DWC system take some time to reach the reservoir that contains the nutrient solution. However, with a Bubbleponics system, the roots have access to the nutrient solution from the beginning. Once the roots gain access to the nutrient solution, there’s not much difference between Bubbleponics and DWC.
- Once installed, a Bubbleponics system is not difficult to maintain.
- You don’t need a lot of space to set up a Bubbleponics system.
- High-yielding plants grow depending upon the time dedicated to nutrient and light access.
Detriments/Disadvantages of Bubbleponics over DWC
Of course, there are also several detriments/disadvantages of using a Bubbleponics system over a DWC system.
These are listed below:
- Building out a Bubbleponics system is complicated, and it requires a lot of time.
- Since the roots are growing directly in water, the plants are more likely to develop root rot and other root problems.
- You are going to need a different lighting system for each type of plant you are growing. You will want to research the correct system to use.
How Does it Work?
Now that you understand a little more about how both systems compare with each other, let’s take a closer look at how Bubbleponics works:
- In a Bubbleponics system, the plant roots are suspended in a reservoir (usually in a 5-10 gallon bucket or storage bin) that contains a soluble nutrient solution.
- The plants’ roots are held in net pots at or above the waterline by some form of grow bed material (e.g., air stones, which are also known as expanded clay stones). Air stones create structural support while also allowing the roots of the plants to have access to oxygen.
- Air tubes are threaded within the net cups to continuously deliver the nutrient solution to the roots of the plant. The opposite end of the tubing is attached to an air pump, which delivers the nutrient solution to the plants.
What Do You Need to Set Up A Bubbleponics System?
Below is a list of supplies that you will need to set up a Bubbleponics system:
- Air pump and tubing
- Net pots
- Reservoir
- Air stones/expanded clay stones or other porous grow bed material
- Nutrient solution appropriate for the plants you’re growin
- Water level indicator
Of course, although this is the most common setup for a Bubbleponics system, there are many ways that you can effectively set up your own!
Best dropship: Simply do your research and decide which setup you feel would be appropriate for your application.
Tips for Choosing Lighting for Bubbleponics System
A crucial factor to remember about a Bubbleponics system is that it is small and compact.
Do not use a high heat source of light, like an HPS.
You want to use a small LED light panel that has lights for all stages (blue, white, and red).
What Plants are Best for Bubbleponics?
Like the various other hydroponics systems, this is a great solution for growing various veggies, succulents, and herbs.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Basil
- Lavender
- Cucumbers
- Tarragon
- Chervil
- Dill
- Marjoram
- Tomato
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Cilantro
- Mint
- Salad greens
- Chamomile
- Parsley
- Spinach
- Peppers
- Scallion
- Chilies
- Strawberries
Conclusion
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants differently than using soil.
There are several different methods under the hydroponics umbrella. Deep Water Culture (DWC) is one of the methods, and within DWC, you can get into Bubbleponics.
Bubbleponics is a great way to quickly grow plants and have a better return.
Setting up a Bubble ponics system will take a lot of time and effort, but once it is set up, Bubbleponics doesn’t require as much ongoing maintenance as many of the other systems.