About Air Pumps

Air pumps are necessary for some hydroponic systems where most of the plant’s roots are submerged in water. However, hydroponic systems that leave more of the roots exposed, such as the Kratky Method or aeroponics, do not need an air pump for the plants to grow.

The reason for air pumps in hydroponics is that plants need oxygen in order to survive and grow. The green parts of the plants can get oxygen from the air as the plant produces more oxygen through photosynthesis. However, the plant’s roots need to get oxygen through the soil or water. This is where air pumps can help provide oxygen in the water otherwise the plant will drown.