All of these items surround the root system to exchange positive and negative charges, which helps the nutrients absorb into the roots to feed the plant. The pH is the most important factor to monitor because the pH of a nutrient solution reads the outcome of an electrical battle between the roots and everything that surrounds them. Since there is no soil, there is less maintenance involved with hydroponics. There is no need for weeding and the worry of pests or soil borne diseases is drastically reduced. Hydroponics is always a soil less culture, but not all soil less cultures are considered to be hydroponics. Many of these cultures do not use the nutrient solutions, which are required for hydroponics. Media based systems use some form of growing medium. Some of the more popular media based systems include ebb and flow system; run to waste system, drip feed system, and bottom feed system. Water culture systems do not use medium. Some of the more popular water culture systems include raft systems, nutrient film techniques, and aeroponics. The basic items you need after you decide on either a grow room or greenhouse include a temperature control unit, exhaust fan, heating mats, light fixtures for your blue and red spectrum lights, an aeration system (an aquarium system works well for small gardens), pearlite, marble and Styrofoam work well as a beginning medium and rockwool, oasis or Rapid Rooters. As both small and large hydroponic farms were established in the late 1970s, it was proven that hydroponic culture could produce premium produce and be a profitable venture. As hydroponics attracted more growers, complete plant nutrient formulas, and hydroponic greenhouse systems were being marketed. Also, the water that is used is used more effectively; in hydroponics, weeds do not steal part of the crop’s water supply. The benefits are not without their costs, however. The environmental good that hydroponics produces with its decreased water consumption is somewhat negated by the amount of energy needed to support hydroponic growing.