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My Indoor NFT Hydroponics System

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This is a short slideshow for a NFT hydroponics system I built. This system uses the Nutrient Film Technique to grow plants without soil. Instead, the nutrients are delivered via a recirculating stream of solution that is driven by a water pump.

If you've read about my other DWC Hydroponics System, you'll notice many similarities in the construction and building materials. In my experience, CPVC pipe and fittings are an excellent way to construct light-duty frames and has a high potential for modularization.

The system has since been scrapped because of a need of the materials for another project. Even though it won't be completed, hopefully there is enough detail in this slideshow to give you some ideas and information.

13 comments

Jul 28, 2011. 6:35 AM

fegundez1 says:

the downspouts are a really good idea! i have used 3" and larger pvc for this same style but im sure the downspouts are much less expensive if you have to purchase them. Do the florescent put out enough light to grow crops all the way to fruit? I have had difficulty getting large type plants tomato beans etc to grow strong with them only, any tips?

Sep 17, 2010. 12:12 PMGhost Wolf says:

How much energy are you using to run the lights?

Jun 8, 2010. 5:56 AMveggiemuffin says:

What is that connector you are using to connect the 3 pieces of hose together into a T? I really need something like that and have never seen anything like that. Hope it's some connector part I can buy.

Jun 8, 2010. 8:08 PM

LancePenney (author) says:

The connector is a barbed brass "Tee" ment for 1/2 inch Pex Tubing. Pex has been a very popular way of doing indoor plumbing for several years now and is very common. You should be able to buy one of these in any hardware store in the plumbing asile.

Feb 5, 2010. 4:15 PMchuckers1 says:

Thanks for the idea. I assume you used vinyl down spouts for the nutient supply how did you seal the ends. Nothing sticks to vinyl??

Again, thanks for sharing.

Aug 4, 2009. 3:04 PMbananite says:

Love the wallpaper!

May 28, 2009. 2:25 PMhilojohn says:

Looks like a very good design, but I have to agree that your slide show is a little fast. Good luck

May 28, 2009. 4:40 AMLittlestWorkshop says:

Looking more closely the clamping ring is on the outside not the inside, if this is mains voltage it is dangerous as it would be possible to pull the switch out and touch the wires. I this was just a quick test accept my apologies.

May 28, 2009. 4:38 AMLittlestWorkshop says:

What went wrong with the switch mounting? There is usually a threaded ring to hold them in place neatly?

Apr 24, 2009. 9:49 PMflyfish1 says:

Nice outfit..........will you use the flourescent light entirely? Good job on laying it all out

Apr 2, 2009. 6:05 AMzzbb says:

Looks very nice, but Slideshow format is difficult to use.

Jan 4, 2009. 4:40 PM

nimitz says:

I await the completion of this with baited breath! :-) I'm looking for a simple system to start my plants in the garage before the growing season comes to pass and maybe grow during the winter in the heated garage.