Hydroponic Water pumps are an essential part of hydroponic systems. They send hydroponic nutrients into the flood table or grow tray from the reservoir.

What are hydroponic water pumps?

A hydroponic water pump circulates the nutrient solution in the reservoir, ensuring it is properly mixed. If you have a drip or ebb and flow system, the pump sends the solution into the flood table or grow tray and into the sprayers in case of aeroponics.

Ideal water pump for hydroponics

There are three types of water pumps, and all of them have their application in different situations. Inline water pumps are best for large systems because they have higher power. It is placed outside the tank and is air-cooled.

If you are a hobby grower, then you should get a submersible water pump. They are placed in the water in a hydroponic reservoir and use fitting and hoses to circulate the water.

Sump pumps work with sump systems that collect water that runs off from the hydroponic system and are technically a collection reservoir. The pump mixes nutrients in the tank and also moves water to and from the tanks.

Do not forget to clean the water pump after each nutrient solution change to avoid cross-contamination!

Determining pump size for a hydroponic system

You should consider two things before you buy a pump – the size of your garden and the type of your hydroponic system. Flood and drain systems require a bigger hydroponic pump than a typical NFT system. Similarly, aeroponic systems have different pumping requirements.

What does GPH of a pump mean?

Pump size is measured in gallons per hour (GPH). You can find pumps ranging from 1-200 GPH to 1000+ GPH at Groindoor.com. You should know the amount of water you need to move and your system’s head height when figuring out the GPH you need. Once you have this sorted, the chart on the specific pump will provide you a better guide about meeting your needs.

Generally, we recommend growers to buy a pump twice as big as they think they will need. Reducing water flow on the pump is simpler than buying a new pump if you bought one that is below your requirements.

If you want to learn more about water pumps, feel free to call our experienced growers at 866-GRO-INDR Our learning center has various guides about hydroponics that you will find very useful.