Hydoponic garden - Gravity feed

Step 6 Plant tray tube placement

Tray layout

Step a)
I used lengths of gib board plastic corners(fig.14) to act as tray supports, each length cut to the width of the glass house so that the ends could then be screwed directly in to the frame to make it secure. On later versions I didnt screw them to the frame but placed inner tube retainers over the ends so they cant move apart.(fig.14a)

Place the supports in position, place the tray in the supports, and pull then together snugly.

Step b)
Insert the drain grommet and drain tube, so it projects about a 1 cm into the tray from the bottom - using cutters or a sharp knife cut some slits in top of the tube down to the base of the tray to allow all water to escape when tap opened(fig.11)

Step c)
Take the length of nutrient hose running from the tank tap (and roll) and measure out sufficient hose to make a nice gentle fall to the 4mm hole in the top of the tray tube, and then on inside the tray tube to the connection nipple on the valve. Cut the roll off, and attached to that end to the valve, tighten.(fig.15)

>> you may need to pre load the tubing with a twist or two inside the tray, so that when connected to the valve it doesnt alter the valves position flat on the base.<<

Step d)
Place the builders level (fig.20)across the full length of the tray and alter the lay using the wooden wedges placed under first one end ( both if required) so that the base of the tube is level.(fig.21)
>> Critical comment - this is crucial other wise the plants will not get water evenly <<

Step e)
Fill the Jerry can with water, open the tap and lift the valve out so that you can open the both floats and ensure water is running freely. Close all floats, put the valve back in place, place its cover on top and a weight on top of the cover.
Let the water run and it should stop at about 1 inch full video 1

Top up the Jerry can.