Hydroponics systems come in many different shapes and sizes. Just for interest, below are some examples of small systems suitable for home use.
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This system runs on hydroponics and has a small water pump that pumps the nutrients from the bottom tank to the top of each tower where it trickles down through each segment.
A timer runs the pump, 15 mins on, 15 minutes off. This system is easy to maintain and just requires checking the water level and the amount of nutrients in the water using a TDS ( Total Dissolved Solids ) tester.
Currently it has basil, chilli and parilla and some small kale and aloe vera. Tomatoes can be grown from the tower onto a trellis
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This system currently has basil, morning glory, lemongrass and chilli.
The basil has been left to go to flower to attract the bees
Chillis growing well in the hydroponics tower
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These tubs contain hydroponic liquid and an air stone ( same as a fish tank ) running on a single air pump.
Currently growing kale, mustard greens and chilli. Great for herbs and a great way to get seeds/seedlings started before transplanting them into a larger system or pots.
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These are small plastic bottles containing only hydroponic liquid and the sawtooth leaf plants ( culantro ) are growing well. The leaves are used in soups.
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The small plastic bottles only contain hydroponic liquid to grow okra.
The small plants can then be transplanted into pots or the ground
Another system running hydroponics. In the bottom blue barrel is a water pump which pumps the nutrients into the top three tubs. A bell siphon constantly lets the tubs fill and then dump the water back into the bottom barrel. This causes the water level to constantly rise then fall allowing the roots access to air.