Hydroponic Weed System – The Best Hydroponics System for Marijuana
Love it or hate it, the perception of marijuana is starting to shift. Once thought of a gateway drug or something only hippies smoked, today weed is rapidly being embraced…or, at least, tolerated. The medical community is starting to accept cannabis as a viable, natural alternative to chemical pharmaceuticals. And voters across the country are changing laws to allow for the consumption and cultivation of recreational marijuana. So – if weed is suddenly legal to grow in your region – you may be wondering how you may start growing your own cannabis plants at home. The first step is choosing a hydroponic weed system that fits your needs. If you are not a hydroponics expert, fear not! We will review the 9 best hydroponic systems for weed to make the decision-making process less stressful.
Why grow hydroponic weed?
People have been growing cannabis for over 12,000 years, making it one of the oldest agricultural crops. It produces more food, medicine, and fuel than any other plant. Hemp fiber is commonly used in the production of canvas, rope, paper and other materials. There are over 100 unique compounds in cannabis flowers and leaves, which tend to create interesting psychological and physical effects. So, there are a lot of reasons why people choose to grow this versatile plant.
For home growers, hydroponics offers a superior growing method. By using water and nutrients instead of soil, the nutrient solution goes directly to the plant’s roots. You adjust the elements within the growing environment to create these ideal growing conditions. Provided the right conditions, hydroponics allows weed to reach its full genetic potential.
Here are a few benefits of growing weed using hydroponics vs soil:
- Once your hydroponic weed system is up and running, it is easy to maintain
- No soil means fewer insects and pests, less soil-borne disease, and no weeding (no pun intended)
- Allows for year-round, indoor growing for continuous growth cycles
- Growing weed hydroponically can result in bigger plants and nearly double growth rates
- Greater control of growing environment – including water, oxygen, nutrients, growing medium, light, and temperature – can create the perfect growing conditions
- Hydroponic growing mean space-saving efficiency and less water and nutrients wasted
- Since you buy a hydroponic system (or create your own) and control the elements within the system, growing weed has never been more creative or engaging
Types of hydroponic weed systems
The purpose of a hydropic system is to deliver a water-based, nutrient-rich solution to plants. When it comes to growing cannabis, many weed cultivators favor methods such as the Ebb and Flow (also called the Flood and Drain), Deep Water Culture (DWC), or a top feed system, like the Drip System. Others prefer to grow weed using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) or mist the foliage of cannabis using the Aeroponic method. With that said, there are really no wrong systems to use when growing marijuana. To learn more about each technique, see our hydroponics systems page.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Hydroponic Weed System
With all the options out there, choosing a system can be intimidating. Creating a hydroponic system from scratch can involve purchasing a reservoir, grow beds, growing medium, pots, nutrients and pH adjusters, and possibly more. The hassle and extra costs associated with buying each component separately – then piecing it together – can be daunting.
If you would rather buy everything separately, you are free to do so. But we recommend beginners and experts alike will find buying an all-in-one system much easier and more cost effective. Let’s look at nine of the best all-in-one hydroponic weed systems.
9 Best Hydroponic Weed Systems
| Brand/Series | Important Features | Price Range | Check Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Hydroponics WaterFarm Complete Hydroponics Kit |
|
• Great, inexpensive kit for beginners • Space-saving and expandable • Includes watering system, one grow module, starter nutrients, and clay pebbles (grow medium) |
$ | |
| PowerGrow Hydroponic Systems Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit |
|
• An inexpensive and simple system • Features 4 grow sites and is expandable • Includes four 5-gallon buckets, four 10” net pot bucket lids, an oxygenating air pump, air tubing, air stones, and a water level indicator and drain |
$ | |
| Hydrofarm Hydroponic MegaGarden System |
|
• 15 grow locations for lots of cannabis plants • Inexpensive and compact • Complete kit includes removable, square grow tray holding fifteen 5-inch plastic grow pots, 7-1/2-gallon reservoir, submersible pump, timer, clay pebbles, rockwool starter cubes, nutrients, and a pH test kit |
$$ | |
| General Hydroponics EcoGrower Drip Hydroponic System |
|
• Air driven spider drip system and a 17-gallon hexagonal reservoir makes cannabis growing very efficient • Great for plant propagation or for growing large plants • EcoGrower includes 17-gallon reservoir, spider drip system, pumping column, six 6” lid inserts, net cups, Elite 800 air pump, ¼” air line, CocoTek liners, Elite 800 air pump, clay pebbles grow media, and Flora nutrients. |
$$ | |
| General Hydroponics Rainforest 66 Aeroponic System |
|
• Efficient, compact, and easy to operate • Advanced design does not require pumps and timers • Great for propagation or growing larger plants • Comes with 17-gallon reservoir with lid, six 6” in lid inserts, 6” plastic cups, the Vortex Sprayer, CocoTek caps and liners, and a 3-part Flora Kit |
$$ | |
| AutoPot 4-Pot Gravity Fed Watering System |
|
• Extremely simple gravity-fed watering system • No pumps, timers, or electricity required • Includes 12-gallon reservoir and lid, four 6.6-gallon pots, 4 trays and lids, filter, AQUAvalves and fittings (no grow media or nutrients/pH-adjustors) |
$$ | |
| General Hydroponics Farm Controller 8-Pack |
|
• Large kit from General Hydroponics’ popular WaterFarm series • 8 grow locations for growing large marijuana plants • Features a 13-gallon reservoir, 8-gallon controller unit, Duel Diaphragm Air Pump, Flora Series nutrients, and essential hardware and supplies (no grow media) |
$$$ | |
| Oxygen Pot Systems 6 Bucket Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System |
|
• Efficient and expandable (to 18 grow sites) • Great for growing large marijuana plants • includes a huge 66-gallon reservoir, six neon green 5-gallon grow buckets, six pots and inserts, controller module, two 300 GPH pumps, one 530 GPH drain/fill pump and essential tubes and fittings (no grow media or nutrients/pH-adjustors) |
$$$ | |
| Viagrow 4' x 4' Ebb & Flow Hydroponic System Tray |
|
• Grows 25 plants in a compact, 4’ x 4’ space • Efficient and easy to operate • Kit includes a 48” x 48” x 47” white flood tray stand, 211 GPH submersible pump, multi-pin timer, twenty-five 1-gallon nursery pots, and a 50-liter bag of grow rocks |
$$$$ |
In Depth: The Best Hydroponic Systems for Cannabis
WaterFarm Complete Hydroponics Kit, by General Hydroponics
If you are brand new to growing weed or new to hydroponics in general, the General Hydroponics WaterFarm kit may be what you’re looking for. This “plug ‘n play” system is easy to use, right out of the box. Plus, it is inexpensive.
The kit has just about everything you will need to get started growing cannabis, including a 4-gallon reservoir, 2-gallon growing chamber, nutrients, and growing media. Because the WaterFarm is a stand-alone system, it is easy to move and requires very little space to operate.
Dimensions: 10.6” x 16.5” x 10.3” and 15.1 lbs.
Pros:
- great starter kit for growing weed
- kit includes the complete watering system, one grow module, starter nutrients, and clay pebbles (grow medium)
- customizable and expandable
Cons:
- grows only one plant per module
- can get expensive if you keep adding additional modules, so consider a larger system (like the 8-module Farm Controller) if you want more output right off the bat
Who is this perfect for?
The Waterfarm Complete Hydroponics kit is a great choice for anyone starting off with their first Hydro grow. It’s best for 1 plant, however, it’s very economically priced so it’s easy to add more of these once you get the hang of your first system.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit, by PowerGrow Hydroponic Systems
Looking for something slightly larger than the WaterFarm kit, yet still inexpensive? Then consider the PowerGrow’s DWC Bubbler Bucket Kit. Since Deep Water Culture is a hydroponic method whereby plant roots are simply immersed in an oxygenated and nutrient-rich water reservoir, this system requires very little effort to maintain.
While the Bubbler Bucket Kit does not include the grow media or nutrients that Waterfarm includes, this system provides more cannabis grow locations (four). This PowerGrow system includes four 5-gallon FDA approved buckets, four 10” net pot bucket lids, an oxygenating air pump, air tubing, air stones, and a water-level indicator and drain. Also included is a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Dimensions: 30” x 12” x 12” and 17 lbs.
Pros:
- easy to operate, so this PowerGrow Hydroponic Systems kit is great for beginners
- features 4 grow locations for growing weed, plus all the essentials for a functional DWC system
- expandable
Cons:
- grow media, nutrients, and pH-adjustors not included
Who is this perfect for?
The DWC Hydroponic Bubbler kit is a great choice for anyone starting off with their first Hydro grow that wants to get up and running with multiple plants. It’s best for 4 plants which is a great starting point for anyone testing out multiple strains to see which is best for their needs.
Hydroponic MegaGarden System, by Hydrofarm
If you are looking for an Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) hydroponic weed system, the MegaGarden by Hydrofarm is one of the most popular options. Because MegaGarden features 15 plastic grow pots, this 4-square-foot garden can yield lots of marijuana within a very limited space. And since the submersible pump and timer will automatically flood and drain your hydroponic cannabis plants, growing weed is made easy.
The MegaGarden system features a square, removable grow tray (measuring 23” x 23”), holding fifteen 5-inch, plastic grow pots. Also included are: clay pebble grow media, a 7-1/2-gallon reservoir, submersible pump, timer, rockwool starter cubes, Hydrofarm nutrients (16 oz.), and a pH test kit. This complete kit makes a fantastic hydroponic weed system.
Dimensions: 22” x 22” x 10” and 33.2 lbs.
Pros:
- compact and inexpensive
- 15 grow location means the system can grow lots of hydroponic weed
- complete kit to get you started growing cannabis
Cons:
- not sold in Idaho
- not expandable
Who is this perfect for?
The Hydroponic Mega Garden System offers 15 grow locations allowing you to start off with an abundance of plants. Keep in mind that these grow locations are fairly close together, so for Cannabis, you will not be able to grow 15 plants, probably more like 6. It’s great for the beginner or advanced grower.
EcoGrower Drip Hydroponic System, by General Hydroponics
The Eco Grower features an air-driven spider drip system and a 17-gallon hexagonal reservoir. Great for growing large plants or for seed-starting, this General Hydroponics system is highly versatile and may be the hydroponic weed system you are looking for.
This Eco Grower package includes a 17-gallon reservoir, spider drip system, pumping column, six 6” lid inserts, net cups, Elite 800 air pump, ¼” air line, CocoTek liners, Elite 800 air pump, clay pebbles grow media, and Flora nutrients.
Dimensions: 26” x 23” x 18” and 30.5 lbs.
Pro:
- versatile, all-in-one drip hydroponic system
- grows large plants
Cons:
- 17-gallon reservoir of water and nutrients must be drained a couple of times per month, on average
- less grow sites than some other hydroponic weed systems
Who is this perfect for?
The EcoGrower Drip Hydroponic System is a great beginner system. Although it has 6 grow sites, count on it for 3 plants since the grow sites are fairly close together. You need to give your plants some breathing room.
Rainforest 66 Aeroponic System, by General Hydroponics
General Hydroponics has designed the Rainforest 66 to be a hybrid DWC and aeroponic system. The unique Vortex Sprayer lifts nutrient solution, slowly oxygenating and distributing the water and fertilizer over cannabis roots. Since the reservoir is constantly being aerated and recirculated, no timer, air pump, or air stone is needed.
This hydroponic weed system great for propagation, as well as cultivating larger, well-established marijuana plants. It is compact and easy to use. The Rainforest 66 includes a 17-gallon reservoir with lid, six 6” in lid inserts, 6” plastic cups, the Vortex Sprayer, CocoTek caps and liners, and a 3-part Flora Kit. Check out the Rainforest 66 Aeroponic System and see why this is one of the most recommended hydroponic weed systems.
Dimensions: 22.9” x 19.1” x 26.1” and 32.2 lbs.
Pros:
- efficient, compact, and easy to use
- great for cloning, cuttings, seedlings, and growing medium and large cannabis plants
- no air pumps, air stones or timers needed, and Vortex Sprayer doesn’t clog
Cons:
- requires periodic draining and cleaning every couple of weeks
- some have complained of missing parts upon arrival, so make sure all components are shipped
Who is this perfect for?
Like The EcoGrower, the Rainforest 66 is a great beginner system. It also has 6 grow sites, which you can probably use for 3 plants because the grow sites are close together.
4-Pot Gravity Fed Watering System, by AutoPot
This 4-pot hydroponic weed system puts growing weed on autopilot. Why? Because gravity does the work. No pumps, timers, or even electricity are needed to operate this system, making it a great choice for beginners, or anyone who desires a simple hydroponic configuration with minimal monitoring.
The 4-Pot Gravity Fed Watering System can be expanded by simply adding more pots. The kit includes a 12-gallon reservoir and lid, four 6.6-gallon pots, 4 trays and lids, filter, AQUAvalves, and all the fittings. Consider this AutoPot model as your hydroponic weed system, and let gravity do the work!
Dimensions: 24” x 11” x 15” and 14.3 lbs.
Pros:
- gravity watering system is low-maintenance and simplistic
- no pumps, timers, or electricity are needed, and the system is expandable
- 6-gallon buckets can grow large marijuana plants
Cons:
- no grow media, nutrients, or pH adjusters are included in the kit
Who is this perfect for?
The 4-Pot Gravity fed system is a great beginners system for someone looking to comfortably grow 4 plants. Since they are each in separate pots, spacing is not an issue.
Farm Controller 8-Pack, by General Hydroponics
If you like the General Hydroponics WaterFarm single-bucket kit but want a something with more muscle, check out the Farm Controller 8-Pack. A larger option in GH’s popular WaterFarm series, this hydroponic system is perfect for cultivating large cannabis plants and has eight locations for growing. The Farm Controller features an integrated 13-gallon reservoir and 8-gallon controller, which continually supplies your weed with the proper levels of oxygenated nutrients.
If eight grow sites aren’t enough, General Hydroponics’ Farm Controller is expandable to up to twelve. This system includes a 13-gallon reservoir, 8-gallon controller unit, Duel Diaphragm Air Pump, Flora Series nutrients, and all the essential hardware and supplies. Discover why the Farm Controller is one of the most popular systems to grow hydroponic weed.
Dimensions: 24.5” x 24.5” x 24.5” and 43.3 lbs.
Pros:
- GH’s WaterFarm kits -including Farm Controller – are very popular systems for cultivating weed
- large hydroponic weed system for growing large cannabis plants
- efficient and high yielding
Cons:
- kit does not include grow media
Who is this perfect for?
The Farm Controller 8-Pack is a solid mid-level 8 plant grow system suitable for the experienced grower as well as the ambitious beginner.
6 Bucket Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System, by Oxygen Pot Systems
With a 66-gallon reservoir and expandability to 18 grow sites, this 6-bucket Ebb and Flow system is a fantastic set-up for those looking to dive head-first into growing hydroponic weed. The Super-Flow controller module effortlessly regulates the ebbs and flows into the growing area, making this system low-maintenance. Six 5-gallon aerated fabric grow pots are included, which enables superior root expansion. This is a great hydroponic weed system for growing healthy marijuana plants of all sizes.
The 6 Bucket Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System features a collapsible 66-gallon convert tank reservoir, six 5-gallon Super-Flow XL green grow buckets, six Super Flow Fabric Pots and inserts, Gro-Commander controller module, two 300 GPH high flow hydroponic pumps, one 530 GPH drain/fill pump and all the necessary tubes and fittings. And did we mention the florescent green buckets? How could anyone not like this hydroponic weed system!
Weight: 25 lbs.
Pros:
- this large, 6-bucket hydroponic weed system is expandable to 18 buckets
- Gro-Commander control module makes growing easy
- high-quality components and features
Cons:
- kit does not include grow media, nutrients, or pH-adjustors
- bright green color is cool, but may not appeal to everyone
Who is this perfect for?
The 6 Bucket Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System is a versatile option for a 6 plant setup for either a beginner or experienced grower. You get what you pay for and these systems are not cheap, but they are great quality.
4′ x 4′ Ebb & Flow Hydroponic System Tray, by Viagrow
Since Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) is frequently used to cultivating cannabis, we offer you another option utilizing this hydroponic technique: The Ebb & Flow Hydroponic System Tray, by Viagrow. This system is comprised of a large growing station, capable of cultivating up to 25 marijuana plants. Despite the ability to grow this many weed plants, Viagrow’s tray only comprises an area of 4’ x 4’. Therefore, this hydroponic weed system can compactly fit inside most indoor rooms and doesn’t create a maze of tubes and buckets to navigate around your plants.
Viagrow’s 4’ x 4’ Ebb & Flow kit comes complete with a 40-gallon reservoir, 48” x 48” x 47” white flood tray stand, 211 GPH submersible pump, multi-pin timer, twenty-five 1-gallon nursery pots, and a 50-liter bag of grow rocks (grow medium). If you are looking for a hydroponic weed system which will grow lots of plants within a limited space, the 4’ x 4’ Ebb & Flow Hydroponic System tray – by Viagrow – is worthy of consideration.
Dimensions: 54” x 54” x 48” and 111 lbs.
Pros:
- grows up to 25 plants in a compact, 4’ x 4’ space
- efficient and easy to operate
- kit includes grow media
Cons:
- nutrients and pH-adjusters not included
- the twenty-five pots are only 1-gallon each
Who is this perfect for?
Although rated for 25 plants, Viagrow’s 4’ x 4’ Ebb & Flow kit will probably max out at about 16 marijuana plants. That being said, it is the big daddy of the systems which we’ve reviewed today and is suited for the advanced grower looking for maximum yield.
Well, that wraps up our reviews of hydroponics weed systems. Hopefully, you found this information helpful. If you did please share this article on your social media platforms.
Please note: none of these hydroponic weed systems include grow lights. Please view our pages on Best LED Grow Lights and Grow Lights for Weed to compare options.
To learn more about using your hydroponic weed system, check out this related video:
