The IWS 48 Pot Standard Remote Flood and Drain System allows gardeners to achieve very high yields using an ever popular growing method. The Standard remote version differs in places from the other IWS Flood and Drain systems. This system uses 16mm pipe and fittings which while not as quick as the 25mm systems, still does the job well. Standard systems don’t have as strong a drain pump as the Pro systems, but it’ll certainly get the job done. The system uses 10L outer pots and a choice of 3 different inner pots, depending on what media you want to use. The 6.5L Aqua pot is a big net pot and is suitable for clay pebbles. The 6.5L Culture Pot is a net pot structure, but only a little way up the side. This is a good pot to use for soil, coco and mixed media. Finally, the 9.5L Punched pot just has holes at the bottom. The larger size can hold more media, should you need the extra room.
With the IWS 48 Pot Standard Remote Flood and Drain System, you also get a choice of water butt – flexible or solid. The solid ones can get quite large and cumbersome, so a flexible one that comes in flat pack form might be more useful.
How does the IWS 48 Pot Standard Remote Flood and Drain System work?
Each pot in the system attaches to the brain pot via a system of pipes through which water moves to and fro. At feeding times, the pumps pushes water into the brain pot which continues to fill until the float valve shuts off the water. Because water finds it’s own level, it moves through the system to each pot, where it will rise to match the level in the brain pot. This is the flood phase as the roots are submerged in the water for the duration of the feed cycle. As the pot fills with water, air pushes out through the media.
When the drain cycle starts, a pump in the brain begins pumping water back into the water butt. The water level in the pots match that in the brain and they begin to empty. The IWS pot stand sits at a slight incline to ensure as much drains from the system as possible. This leaves the pots empty and full of air, while the media retains some water and nutrients. As the water drains away, air is pulled back into the media, bringing oxygen with it. It is this combination of flooding and draining that provides high levels of water, nutrients and oxygen that brings heavy yields. For best results, use an easy draining media such as Ecothrive 70/30, HydroCoco 60/40 or even just Canna Aqua Pebbles.
Controlling the IWS Flood and Drain System
The IWS 48 Pot Standard Remote Flood and Drain System comes complete with a panel that controls the system. It has a connector cable allowing you to set it up remotely, rather than attached to the brain pot. On the controller, you’ll find a segment timer for setting up feeding frequency, and a duration dial to set how long roots stay underwater. Depending on the media you are using, you can fine tune the system to your needs. Once you do have it set up, you can leave the system to do all the work! As with any hydro system, you’ll need to check pH, EC and water levels, but the hard work is done for you! You can find more info on the IWS systems on the NutSystems website (Opens a new window).
Alternatives to the IWS 48 Pot Standard Remote Flood and Drain System
At Canterbury Hydroponics, we can order in any of the other IWS Systems should you want something different. These include the  IWS Pro Remote, DWC and R-DWC. All of these are on our website under the IWS Section, which you can get to by clicking here.
