My Indoor NFT Hydroponics System

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.

Comments

[Ghost Wolf]

How much energy are you using to run the lights?

[0charles]

That looks like a 4 foot, T12, 80 watt fluorescent fixture which, if run 16 hours per day, will use about 1.3 kilowatt-hours or 39 kilowatt-hours per month, per fixture. Use T8 or T5 fluorescent fixtures, or LED fixtures for higher efficiency. Be sure to use full spectrum daylight bulbs and reflective/white surfaces around your system.

[fegundez1]

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?

[0charles]

For lighting be sure to use full spectrum daylight bulbs. I would use two or three fixtures on a unit this size. The chains allow you to adjust the hight to 4 - 6 inches above the tops of the plants as they grow. White, or mylar covered, walls and floor reflect light back to your plants for efficiency.

You will probably want to move plants outside or install brighter fixtures as they get larger or you may be disappointed in their growth rate.

[veggiemuffin]

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.

[LancePenney]

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.

[chuckers1]

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. 

[bananite]

Love the wallpaper!

[hilojohn]

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

[LittlestWorkshop]

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.

[LittlestWorkshop]

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

[flyfish1]

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

[zzbb]

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

[nimitz]

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.

[robbtoberfest]

Sweet! It looks clean and simple, that's hard to do with hydroponics.