Water Pump for an Aeroponic System

by Greg
(VA)

Just about to start my own garden....I am looking at water pumps and cannot decide which one to get. None of them say anything about psi on it, just HP or another unit of measurement. Which pump did you get and where if you do not mind. Your site is incredibly helpful, thank you so much!

Answer: Greg- the hydroponic system I use is a low pressure system and has a low pressure pump. This type of pump measures it's output in gallons per hour (GPH), and would most likely not be suitable for your system. Most aeroponic systems require high pressure to force the nutrient solution through tiny holes or spray nozzles. These pumps usually indicate what psi they are capable of producing, although some my only list their horse power (especially true if the pump was not made with hydroponics in mind).

The Alternative Garden Supply catalog online used to include information on psi for it's pumps, but I just checked and that information is no longer included (probably made it too easy for DIY type people to buy other products). Two pumps they list for aeroponic systems are the Mondi Utility Pump and the TNC Water Pump. These pumps seem to be rated in the 1,250-1,600 GPH range and are all about 1/3-1/2 HP. This would be the size to look at if you are considering picking something up at Home Depot or Lowes.

Another good place to check would be Discount Hydroponics....they are online, but will also send a catalog out to your home if you like. Of course, if you live close to a hydroponic gardening store you will want to stop in there are ask about high pressure pumps....the equipment they have for sale is comparably priced and made just for hydroponic/aeroponic systems. Simply do a search online for "Virginia hydroponic gardening store" and you should get a few different spots.

A couple of other things to consider....you always want to use an in-line filter when using a high pressure pump. This will help keep your spray heads from clogging, but also can prevent your expensive high pressure pump from burning out. A friend of mind burned up a $200 pump the first time he turned it on because he had not cleaned out his homemade system of all the little PVC shavings from drilling the plant holes (and also because he did not have a filter...it all went straight to the pump and blocked suction).

Finally, whenever you use a high pressure pump in a hydroponic/aeroponic system, you need to use a manifold to properly distribute the pressurized liquid through the system. Be sure to check that page out if you have built this system yourself. I sure hope this helps!