Hydroponic systems are distinguished by their being active or passive. In an active hydroponics system the nutrients are provided to the plants by making use of a pump while in a passive hydroponics system the passing of the nutrients to the plant depend upon the growing medium. However the passive Hydroponics system do not provide sufficient oxygen to the plant and hence the growth rate of the plants are not optimum. Hydroponic systems are also different on recovery and non recovery type. In recovery system the nutrients are recycled while in a non recovery system it is just the opposite. Here are some different types of hydroponics -

1.Wick system: wick system is passive as well as non recovery type. They are quite easy to handle and relatively inexpensive. However characteristically of a passive hydroponics system, it does not supply enough oxygen to the roots which in turn hampers the growth of the plant. Wick system is not much preferred way of Hydroponic gardening.

2.Ebb and flow system: ebb and flow is one of the most preferred ways of doing Hydroponics gardening. This system is active as well as recovery type. Also known as flood and drain this system is quite easy to understand. The plant is kept in a reservoir containing nutrient solution. When the pump is started the nutrient are pumped in to the plant. After the water reaches the determined level, it is drained in to a river while the oxygen is sucked by the roots.

3.Nutrient film technique: nutrient technique is also a recovery type active Hydroponic system. In this kind of hydroponics system a submersible pump is used and the roots are suspended in a grow tube. The grow tube is in such an angle that the solution of the nutrients get recycled by flowing over the roots and then coming back to the reservoir. The oxygen requirement is solved by making use of air stones or air stones. This system is highly effective and a bit difficult to build. A single mistake can cause the whole plant to dry.

4.Continuous drip: this system is also active type but it can be both recovery and non recovery type. In this kind of system a drip tray is kept under each and every row of plants and the solution is recycled to the reservoir. The dip emitter enables the gardener to adjust the amount of nutrient flow for each plant.