One of the best parts about hydroponic gardening? You can tailor it to your style. Whether you want a sleek store-bought setup or a DIY creation made from buckets and tubing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is creating a system that keeps your plants balanced with the right amount of oxygen, water, and nutrients.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of buying versus building a hydroponic system—so you can decide what’s right for your setup, space, and skill level.
Buying a Hydroponic System- The Pros And Cons
Who doesn’t like a new hydroponics system? Buying a hydroponic system is exciting, and one of the first steps of setting up your hydroponic garden.
✅ Pros
- Less work. You don’t have to build it.
- No guesswork about compatibility or function.
- Most store bought systems are designed to be easily maintained.
❌Cons
- Often higher upfront cost, especially for larger systems
- Limited customization
- May not grow with you if you want to expand later
 | My Top Pick | 1,400+ Reviews |
 | My Top Pick | 145+ Reviews |
Building a Hydroponic System- The Pros And Cons
Now to one of my favorite parts of hydroponic gardening, building a hydroponic system! When building a hydroponic system, it has to meet some basic needs, proper air and water amounts at the roots. You can build the simplest system or the most elaborate, what ever your imagination can think up!
✅ Pros
The joy of building your own hydroponic system
ability to change and expand your system to grow more plants
- Can be more budget-friendly—use what you have or source parts locally
- Fully customizable for your space and crop
- Easier to expand or modify as your garden grows
❌ Cons:
- Takes more time and effort to build.
- You’ll need tools and DIY confidence.
- Some trial and error is normal (part of the fun), but cost can rise.
Want to build your own? Here are a couple of simple builds to get you started!
How To Build A 5 Gallon Hydroponic Bucket
How To Build A Simple DWC Tote System
There’s no wrong choice
Your hydroponic system is the foundation of your entire garden. If you love tinkering and creating, building your own might be the most rewarding option. If you’re eager to start growing and skip the DIY phase, buying a system gets you there faster.
There’s no wrong choice—just what fits your goals, time, and budget. And remember, even if you start with a store-bought setup, you can always expand or customize down the road.
