Reservoirs are a critical part of your indoor grow system. They store the nutrient solution that is fed to your hydroponic plants when they need it, helping them to grow healthy and strong.
Tank Reservoirs
This type of reservoir is most commonly used for larger indoor grows. A tank reservoir is typically a container with a lid and can come in many different shapes and sizes. Tanks are great because they hold a significant amount of water that allows you to go longer between topping up your grow system. In addition, tanks can be easily connected to other components like pump reservoirs, allowing you to create whole systems that will provide all the water and nutrients your plants could ever need.
Tank reservoirs are typically made from polyethylene or fiberglass plastic which makes them durable, easy to clean and resistant against algae growth. Some growers prefer stainless steel tanks since these last even longer but may be more expensive than plastic tanks. When using polyethylene or fiberglass tanks, it is important to make sure that they are UV stabilized to ensure that they will not break down under the grow lights.
Pump Reservoirs
Pump reservoirs are similar to tank reservoirs in that they are made from materials like polyethylene or fiberglass plastic. However, pump reservoirs have a pump included which helps to circulate the nutrient solution and keep it oxygenated. This is important because oxygen is essential for the roots of your plants and without it, they can quickly start to suffocate.
Pump reservoirs are typically used in smaller indoor grows where space is limited. They can also be used in larger grows but may require more pumps to circulate the entire nutrient solution.
Tray Reservoirs
Tray reservoirs are another option for indoor grows, especially if you are growing in a closet or other small space. Tray reservoirs are shallow and wide, making them perfect for placing grow lights over top.
Tray reservoirs are typically made from polyethylene or fiberglass plastic and can come with or without a pump. If you choose a tray reservoir without a pump, you will need to manually oxygenate the nutrient solution every few hours to ensure that your plants roots are getting enough oxygen.
What Size Reservoir Do I Need for an Indoor Grow?
The size of reservoir you need will depend on a few factors, including the number of plants you are growing, the type of hydroponic system you are using and the frequency with which you need to top up your nutrient solution.
If you are growing in a small space and will only be growing a few plants, then you can get away with using a pump reservoir. This is because these systems tend to use less nutrient solution than larger ones. However, if you are planning on cultivating many plants or have a large space for your hydroponic system, then you should consider using a tank reservoir so that you won't have to top up the nutrient solution as frequently.
When choosing a reservoir, it is important to consider factors like the size of your grow space, the number of plants you will be cultivating and whether you plan on using a pump or not. Whatever type of reservoir you choose, make sure that it is made from durable materials that can stand up to regular use under high intensity grow lights.
