How to Build a Multi Flow Hydroponic System

Multi flow systems are the top of the line in homemade hydroponics and despite the fact that they’re much more expensive to get components for and harder to build than most other systems, they’re often well worth it, because you can grow a larger number of plants with them. Find out how to build a multi flow hydroponic system in the next few paragraphs.

The multi flow hydroponic system is undoubtedly a work of art and despite the fact that it looks very complicated to build, you will soon find out it’s not that bad actually.

At its core, the multi flow is an ebb and flow system, meaning that water and nutrients are constantly pumped into a container (but in our case, it will be many containers) and the system uses a flood/drain hatch for excess water that doesn’t get sucked in by the plants.

Before I tell you how to build a multi flow hydroponic system from scratch, let’s see how this system works first.

The Multi Flow Hydroponics System – How it Works

Just like in your average ebb and flow system, you have a container filled with nutrient solution and water, which will act as a food bowl for your plants.

However, instead of relying on a water pump to flood the plant trays, the multi flow relies on gravity itself.

There is a timer and relay box mounted on the side of the container, which control flood cycles and you can also use a float switch inside the container, to automatically control water levels.

The Multi Flow Hydroponics System – Components

You can purchase some of the components from your local store (Home Depot, Walmart, etc) or order them online any hydroponics store.

• A large container, typically a vertical one to allow for better flood control that has a controller unit to plug the water pump in
• Several small trays for the plants. The number can vary, but usually 6 trays are the standard, otherwise you wouldn’t need a multi flow system in the first place
• Whichever hydroponics grow medium you have chosen to go into the pots so the plants can take root
• Fittings and tubing to connect the pots and the container (usually PVC)
• A float switch system to automatically turn your water pump on and off when the water levels are accordingly high or low

The Multi Flow Hydroponics System – How to Build It

If you find the process of building your own system too difficult, consider buying one of our recommended hydroponic systems.

Fix the plant pots on a stable surface and make sure they are all at the same level; this is very important to keep the flow system working correctly. Connect them with the PVC fittings and tubes and plug in the water pump in the controller unit. And don’t worry, PVC is safe for hydroponics.

Most containers that are specifically designed for multi flow systems will have their own float switches to turn the power to the water pump on and off, depending on the water levels in the container. This way, the system will automatically know if your homemade hydroponics system needs to flood the plants at that time or not and this is a much safer and more efficient flood/drain system than the usual ones used in ebb and flows.

Last but not least, put the plants and grow media in the small plant trays and make sure everything works fine! See how to grow lettuce hydroponically or even strawberries!

The Multi Flow Hydroponics System – Building Difficulty

The difficulty in building a multi flow hydroponic system is not necessarily in setting it up, but in the fact that it requires some special components to work and you can’t use average stuff like you can with other systems.

Setting it up should be easy for someone with some experience, but if you’ve just started out and it’s the first time you’re trying to build a multi flow hydroponic system, it might be too difficult for you to handle.

Keep researching our site to help you get a feel for how to best help you get started with hydroponics.