How to Set Up a 4×8 Flood and Drain Table

Setting up a complete hydroponic system is easier, simpler, and more affordable than ever. One of the most straightforward methods to grow hydroponic cannabis is with a flood and drain system, also known as an ebb and flowmethod.

We are big fans of Fast Fit’s tray stand, featuring a toolless assembly and no-hassle design assembly of flood tables in just 10 minutes. Buy a pre-made kit or build a DIY version. Here is a general guide on setting up a 4×8 flood and drain table to have an amazing grow.

Supplies and Equipment for a 4×8 Flood and Drain Table

• Flood tray: A black grow tray appropriately sized for a 4×8 table.
• Nutrient reservoir: A black (or opaque) flood and drain tank prevent algae growth. A 70-100 gallon reservoir should be enough. Determine the appropriate container size by using the following formula: depth of water desired (height) x width of the tray x length of the tray. Convert feet into inches and multiply the cubic inches by 0.0043 for conversion into gallons.
• Flood and drain fittings: Flood and drain fittings (¾”) are necessary for every 4×8 tray and table. You will need two fittings, one to flood the tray and the other to drain it. You will also need two screens and extensions.
• Water pump: For a 4×8 table, a 300 gallon per hour water pump is recommended.
• Tubing: The tubing size depends on the size of the flood and drain fittings (¾”). Determine the length of tubing needed by measuring the distance between the bottom of the tray and the top of the pump.
• Growing medium: Popular growing mediums include rockwool, coco coir, perlite, stone wool, and hydroton clay pellets.
• Air pump (optional): Air pumps provide more oxygen to the plants, making them healthier and stronger.
• Timer: A digital or analog 24-hour timer ensures the water and nutrients drain and fills at the appropriate times.

Setting Up a 4×8 Flood and Drain Table

Setting up a 4×8 flood and drain table can be as easy as Fast Fit’s toolless assembly. If you want to make your flood and drain table from scratch, you can create it from various materials, including wood, plastic, or steel, or use an appropriately sized table you already have.

Here is how you can set up your 4×8 table:

1. The foundation for the flood and drain tray will be the table, whether it’s pre-made or homemade. When setting up the table, ensure there is plenty of space underneath to fit the appropriately sized reservoir. Flood and drain tables must also support the weight of the plants and the nutrient solution.
2. Drill two 35mm holes for the flood and drain fittings next to each other, between ½” to 1” apart. Hole placements should be at the lowest point in the flood and drain tray. 
3. Screw the flood and drain fitting to the tray. Fitting should include a rubber seal or you can apply a silicone seal to the edge of the nozzles to prevent any water leaks. The rubber seal should sit inside the flood tray. The tube fitting end is on the underside of the tray.
4. Add two or three flood and drain extensions into one of the fittings. Put a flood and drain screen on top of the last extension to function as overflow for the tray. 
5. Place one flood and drain screen fitting on the other ebb and flow fitting. This fitting will connect to the pump in the nutrient reservoir with tubing. 
6. Put the tray on the 4×8 table. Ensure the fittings are above the reservoir. 
7. Connect the pump to the flood fitting with the tubing.
8. Fill the nutrient reservoir with water. Check the reservoir for leaks.
9. Connect the pump to a timer and set the timer to your desired drain and flood cycle.
10. To drain the tray, unscrew the drain nozzle.

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