Key parameters of core components (pipes, planting troughs) of the NFT system are customizable, including pipe dimensions (e.g., 10050mm, 11750mm), diameters (30/40/50mm or customized), planting hole spacing (150-200mm or customized), and length (spliced on demand). The material is uniformly PVC-U, suitable for long-term use in hydroponic environments.
Full-cycle installation services are provided. On-site installation and linked debugging of environmental equipment are available for commercial scenarios (greenhouses, container farms); detailed manuals and video tutorials are provided for home/small-scale scenarios, allowing beginners to operate step by step.
Crop-specific nutrient solution formulas are designed for the NFT "nutrient film circulation" feature. Users are guided to control EC value and pH value to ensure the nutrient film covers roots evenly and prevent pipe blockage.
Remote monitoring can be realized by linking with HC series equipment, with automatic alerts for abnormalities. Enjoy a one-year warranty.
Flexible expansion with multiple types of planting troughs is supported—HN1 horizontal NFT system can extend pipes horizontally to expand the area; HN2 A-Frame Planting Trough and HN3 Vertical Planting Trough can be stacked in multiple layers. The A-frame system increases planting density by 30%-50% compared to traditional flat systems, adapting to urban agriculture space needs.
The NFT system can serve as a core module, connecting to HC3 Water and Fertilizer Integrated Machine for automatic nutrient solution proportioning, linking with HC1 Greenhouse Shed and HC2 hydroponics circulation fans to expand environmental control range, and cooperating with HT3 rolling benches hydroponics to optimize the "seedling-transplantation-harvest" process.
The core of the NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) system is a "thin, continuous flow of nutrient film in a shallow trough". In a dedicated grow tray, only an extremely thin layer of nutrient solution flows along the bottom of the trough. Crop roots are partially submerged in the film and partially exposed to air—this not only ensures roots efficiently absorb water and nutrients but also guarantees sufficient oxygen supply through air contact, avoiding root hypoxia and rot common in traditional hydroponics.
The stable operation of the NFT system relies on the collaboration of multiple components. This advanced hydro farming equipment integrates all key parts to optimize crop growth and nutrient delivery. The key components and their functions specified are as follows:
1. Grow Tray: Serves as the carrier for nutrient solution flow and crop planting, available in three types—Flat (HN1), A-Frame (HN2), and Vertical (HN3). All adopt a shallow trough design to form a thin nutrient film, with structural differences only to adapt to space needs.
2. Mixing Tank: Stores and prepares crop-specific nutrient solutions, ensuring the nutrient solution concentration and pH value meet crop requirements.
3. Water Pump: The core power source, which delivers the nutrient solution from the mixing tank to the grow tray through the filling pipe, providing power for circulation.
To use an NFT hydroponic system, first check core components (suitable grow tray like HN1/HN2/HN3, mixing tank, water pump, full-spectrum LED lights, pH/EC testers) for completeness and functionality—ensure PVC-U trays are undamaged and pipes sealed. Next, prepare crop-specific nutrient solution (e.g., low-nitrogen high-potassium for leafy greens) in the mixing tank, adjusting pH (5.5-6.5) and EC. Then fix seedlings (with sponges/net pots) in 150-200mm spaced planting holes, letting 1/3-1/2 roots touch the trough bottom. Start the pump to form a 3-5mm nutrient film, ensuring smooth circulation via the overflow pipe. Set LED lights (12-16h daily) and environmental controls (20-25℃, 60%-70% humidity). Maintain daily by checking solution levels/parameters, clean weekly, and adjust circulation frequency. After harvest, clean the system for reuse.
Vertical or A-frame NFT structures (like HN2 and HN3) boost planting density by 30%-50%, ideal for urban areas with limited land.
The circulating nutrient film cuts water use by 30%-50% and reduces fertilizer waste via customized formulas, unlike traditional farming’s high water/fertilizer consumption.
Controlled environments (with full-spectrum LEDs, temperature/humidity monitors) and nutrient circulation avoid issues like drought or uneven fertilization in traditional farming, enabling year-round production.
Soilless cultivation minimizes soil-borne diseases, and optional UV sterilization (as in DIY kits) lowers fungal threats, unlike traditional farming’s vulnerability to soil-related pests.
Automatic nutrient circulation and remote monitoring (via IoT tools) reduce manual work, unlike traditional farming’s heavy labor for watering and weeding.
Comparison Dimension | NFT Hydroponic System | Tidal System | DWC | Drip System | Aeroponics |
Core Principle | Thin nutrient film flows along shallow trays; roots partially submerged/exposed. | Floods trays then drains (simulates tides) via pump/timer. | Roots fully submerged in oxygen-rich solution. | Nutrient dripped to root base via emitters. | Nutrient mist sprayed on suspended roots. |
Basic Components | Grow trays (HN1/HN2/HN3), mixing tank, pump, overflow pipe. | Flood tray, reservoir, pump, timer, seedling beds (HT1/HT2/HT3). | Deep tank, air pump, air stone, net pots. | Drip emitters, supply pipes, reservoir, filter. | High-pressure nozzles, air pump, root support. |
Water/Nutrient Efficiency | High (30-50% water save, closed-loop). | High (30-50% save, recycled). | Moderate (static solution, evaporation waste). | Moderate-Low (uneven drip, clog risk). | High (mist targets roots, closed-loop). |
Space Adaptability | Excellent (vertical/A-frame, +30-50% density). | Good (multi-tiered/rolling, +20-30% greenhouse use). | Moderate (needs deep tanks, limited vertical). | Moderate (complex vertical layout). | Excellent (flexible vertical/horizontal). |
Doc-Specific Advantages | Modular, customized spectrum. | Independent layer control, space-saving rolling bench. | Simple, low cost, easy for beginners. | Precise delivery, large-scale compatible. | Max oxygen, high efficiency for high-value crops. |
HydroBlue offers one-stop integrated solutions covering water circulation (e.g., NFT’s mixing tank, water pump, overflow pipe; Tidal’s reservoir and drain valve), nutrient solution management (customized formulas, pH/EC monitoring support), and light control (full-spectrum LED lights with adjustable dimming and hierarchical control). For example, its NFT system combines grow trays, circulation components, and full-spectrum LEDs; DIY kits even integrate IoT remote control for automatic nutrient preparation and environment adjustment, forming a complete integrated design.
For NFT systems, adjustable pipe slopes are implied in the design of grow trays (HN1/HN2/HN3) to ensure the thin nutrient film flows smoothly without accumulation; overflow pipes further maintain steady flow, preventing stagnation. Tidal systems use timers and gravity drainage for steady flooding/draining cycles, avoiding both accumulation (via complete drainage) and root drying (via regular flooding). These designs collectively prevent nutrient solution buildup and root desiccation.
The core component of HydroBlue's NFT hydroponic system for sale—grow tray pipes—is made of PVC-U material. It features UV resistance and a long service life, avoiding material degradation that could contaminate nutrient solutions.
PVC-U material, the main material of NFT pipes, has strong corrosion resistance. It can withstand long-term contact with acidic/alkaline nutrient solutions without rusting or chemical reactions, ensuring the system's structural integrity and avoiding nutrient solution contamination from corroded materials.
HydroBlue's NFT hydroponic system for sale has multiple anti-clogging designs:
1. Customizable planting hole spacing reduces root crowding and prevents root debris from blocking the trough bottom;
2. Overflow pipes are installed at the end of grow trays to ensure unobstructed flow of excess nutrient solution, avoiding clogging caused by accumulated residues
3. The shallow trough structure of NFT makes it easy to clean root debris regularly, and the closed-loop circulation of nutrient solution further reduces residue accumulation that causes clogging.
High-Density Planting: NFT systems are suitable for short-cycle crops such as leafy vegetables and herbs, achieving annual yields per unit area 3-5 times that of traditional soil-based cultivation.
Continuous Harvest: Through optimized crop rotation (e.g., 25-30 days per crop for lettuce), the annual harvest batch can be significantly increased, directly boosting revenue.
Water and Fertilizer Conservation: Hydroponic systems save over 90% of water and achieve a 95% fertilizer utilization rate, reducing resource costs over the long term.
Labor Efficiency: Automated management (e.g., circulation pumps and timers) reduces labor requirements, but requires initial technical training.
Premium Potential: Pesticide-free, locally grown vegetables can command a 20%-50% premium, making them particularly suitable for high-end supermarkets or direct-sale channels.
Demand Matching: It is important to assess local market acceptance of hydroponic crops to avoid oversupply.
Infrastructure: Piping, greenhouse structures, and control systems require high initial investment, but depreciation cycles are long (a greenhouse can last 10-15 years).
Energy Dependence: Lighting and temperature control equipment increase electricity costs, which can be partially mitigated by photovoltaics.
Technical Risk: Uncontrolled nutrient management or pest and disease control may result in reduced yields in a single season.
Market Volatility: Homogeneous competition may squeeze profit margins.
Payback Period: Under good operations, the investment typically recovers within 1-3 years, with subsequent profit margins reaching 30%-50% (depending on the crop and management level).
Long-Term Returns: After stable production, annual returns can potentially be 2-3 times higher than those of traditional agriculture.
Israeli farmers introduced 10 sets of A-type NFT systems to expand lettuce and celery cultivation in existing greenhouses for higher yields.
Efficient water and nutrient use
Faster plant growth compared to soil
Reduced pest and disease risks
Space-saving and scalable design
Plants are placed in channels (pipes or gutters) at a slight angle. A nutrient solution is pumped to the top of the channel, flows over the roots, and drains back into a reservoir for recirculation.
Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale), herbs (basil, cilantro), and fast-growing, shallow-rooted plants perform best. Heavy fruiting plants (tomatoes, cucumbers) are less ideal.
Growing channels (PVC or food-grade plastic pipes)
Reservoir tank
Submersible water pump
Nutrient solution (fertilizers)
Air pump & air stones (for oxygenation)
Timer or continuous flow system
Support structure (racks or greenhouse frame)
Yes, a water pump is needed to circulate the nutrient solution. Backup power is recommended to prevent pump failure.
Use opaque (non-transparent) pipes and cover exposed water surfaces to block light.
Plant roots can dry out quickly (within hours). Use backup power, alarms, or a fail-safe water retention system.
Yes, but greenhouse temperature control (heating) is necessary to prevent nutrient solution cooling, which slows plant growth.
Use proper channel slope (1–3% incline)
Avoid overcrowding plants
Ensure smooth water flow with no blockages
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic)
EC: 1.2–2.5 mS/cm (varies by crop)
Every 1–2 weeks, depending on plant uptake and water quality. Regular pH and EC (electrical conductivity) monitoring are essential.
