How Often to Change Water in Hydroponics? The Complete Guide to Home Growing

Stable water = healthy roots and fast growth 🌱💧

Water changes are one of the most important, yet often underestimated, parts of hydroponics. Unlike soil cultivation, everything here takes place “in water” – and the quality of the solution directly affects the growth, taste and health of the plants.

Good news?
It's really easy at home. You just need to know a few principles.

🌊 Why is it necessary to change the water at all?

Hydroponics delivers nutrients directly to the roots of plants.
However, over time, the following begin to accumulate in the water:

nutrient residues

minerals

organic matter from roots

microalgae

If the water is not changed for a long time, the plants will start to grow more slowly, may turn yellow or lose vigor. In extreme cases, the water will even start to smell.

⏱️ How often to change water in home hydroponics?

Most small home systems (e.g. systems for herbs, salads, or small lights with a reservoir) operate on a simple mode:

👉 Complete water change every 10-14 days

This is the optimal interval for most herbs, salads and smaller fruit plants.

What to do when replacing:

to pour out the old water

Rinse the tank or cups quickly

pour clean water

add the recommended amount of nutrients

Done. It will take 1-3 minutes.

💧 How often should you refill water?

Plants drink more than you might think — especially when it's warm, there's a lot of light, or the plants are growing rapidly.

General recommendation:

👉 Check the level 2–3 times a week and add clean water

Important note:
We only add nutrients during a complete water change , not when topping up.

🌱 How to know when it's time for a replacement early?

In exceptional cases, it may be necessary to change the water more often than every two weeks.
Change the water if:

is cloudy or slightly cloudy

has a peculiar smell

algae is forming

plants slow down growth

pH "drifts" outside recommended values

There's nothing wrong with that - it's just that the plants are growing a lot or your environment is warmer.

🌡️ Does system type matter? Yes.

The frequency of water changes also depends on the type of hydroponics you use:

small home systems (e.g. Ekoro, AeroGarden, cheap Chinese grow lights):
→ change every 10–14 days

larger systems with circulation:
→ every 2–3 weeks

DWC (deep water culture):
→ often 7–10 days

NFT systems:
→ depending on consumption and pH, usually 10–14 days

In small systems, replacement is easier because the water volume is small and handling is quick.

🧼 Rinse or clean?

You don't need to chemically disinfect the system.
Regular rinsing with warm water is sufficient.
Once every few cycles, you can use a soft brush or vinegar if minerals appear on the walls.

🎯 Summary: a simple rule for healthy hydroponics

Hydroponics isn't complicated — and if you adopt a small habit, your plants will reward you with fast and strong growth.

The simplest mode:

Water change every 10–14 days

Water refilling 2 times a week

Nutrients only when replaced

Whether you use Ekoro or any other home system, this procedure applies everywhere.