You fill a tray with growing media to hold the plants. The timing pump will "flood" the tray with nutrient solution according to the cycle schedule. The cycle of irrigation depends on the type of plant, water testing, temperature, growth cycle, etc.
After filling the tray, gravity drains the solution back into the reservoir for reuse. While waiting for the next flood cycle, the air pump should oxygenate the water in the reservoir.
If you have a strong monitoring process to understand the uptake of nutrients by plant growth, then the system works well.
Advantages:
The ebb and flow system does not expose your plants to constant water. If recycled properly, this can help increase growth and yield.
Ebb and flow is a circulatory system that makes efficient use of water and energy.
Disadvantages:
If not balanced or timed properly, the system may over-saturate your plants or dry them out.
Please feel free to contact us if any questions.