3D Printed Modular Hydroponic Garden

Just download, print, and grow!
My goal is the empower and educate people to grow their own food ... one 3d print at a time! With this modular hydroponic system, you can do just that. The modules are interlocking, so it can be expanded and contracted in size super easily. Please like, follow, subscribe and spread the word. Let me know if you have any questions! More iterations, upgrades, add-ons to come!

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/archipelagourbanfarms/ Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL1WZQKbyrSAYk2y8n7KtSg?view_as=subscriber Website:https://www.archipelagourbanfarm.com/

Supplies

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Creality CR-10 (3D Printer) - https://amzn.to/3tKNkjI

Hatchbox PLA (filament) - https://amzn.to/30grWmS

2-inch net cups (netcups)- https://amzn.to/2XuNQ8S

1.5 inch Rockwool Cubes (medium) - https://amzn.to/2G0KIXA

Kasa Smart Plug (timer) - https://amzn.to/3q9sKqN

EcoPlus 728300 Pump, 158 GPH, Black (pump) - https://amzn.to/3tKYswO

TotalPond Vinyl Tubing, 1/2 inch (tubing) - https://amzn.to/2L9P9U7

General Hydroponics 3 Part System (nutrients) - https://amzn.to/2LHeWCE

General Hydroponics pH Control Kit (pH up/down) - https://amzn.to/2Jlg3pY

pH Meter: https://amzn.to/3a84W15

Seeds : https://amzn.to/2XzeZmg

LED Lights: https://amzn.to/3aWC0Iq

IKEA MUSKOT Vase 7 1/2" (reservoir) - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/muskot-plant-pot-whi...

Step 1: Download and Print .stl Files

1. Download all the .stl files. located within this Instructable.
2. Drop each file into your slicer (I use Cura) and save the .gcode. (The lid.stl and vaselid.stl files should be placed upside down in order to print properly.)
3. Print Lid.stl.stl (at 20% infill)
4. Pint NewReservoir.stl (at 20% infill)
5. Print Module.stl x 3 (meaning print three (3) of these at 20% infill)
6. Print vaselid_v5.stl (at 100% infill)

Notes: I printed in white because I like the look of it. You can print in any color, just make sure it's opaque.

Step 2: Finish 3D Printed Parts

1. Use a 1 1/4" hole saw to drill a hole in the middle of the reservoir lid.
2. Sand the edge of the hole with sandpaper.
3. Use a 5/32" drill bit to drill holes inside the reservoir.
4. Drill holes above each net cup placement and inside the overflow hole.

Step 3: Setup Plumbing

Note: Keep in mind

1. Connect the tubing to the pump.
2. Place pump at bottom of the vase.
3. Place lid on vase.
4. Snake tubing and power cord through one of the holes of a module and place module on lid.
5. Measure tubing and cut giving enough length for tubing to reach the top reservoir. (keep in mind pump listed within this Instructable only has enough lift to rise above 5 modules).
6. Place top of tubing inside the reservoir, ensuring nutrient water reaches outer circle.

Step 4: Add Water and Nutrients

1. Add water to vase.
2. Add nutrients to water using the instructions on the back of any General Hydroponics bottle.
3. Use the pH meter to ensure the pH is 6.5 plus or minus .5.

Step 5: Setup Timer

1. Download the Kasa App.
2. Connect the Kasa App to the Wifi Smart Plug.
3. Add 15 minute on/off intervals on App at: 7:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 9:00p.m.
4. Plug wifi smart plug into outlet.
5. Make sure smart plug is off.
6. When you're ready to start growing, plug pump into the smart plug.
7. Turn smart plug on and ensure alignment is correct by ensuring all rockwool cubes are being soaked by the nutrient water.
8. Manually turn smart plug off and turn on the previously set timer setting on the Kasa App.

Step 6: Start the Seeds

1. Place the rockwool cubes in the net cups.
2. Soak in water.
3. Select seed.
4. Place two seeds in each Rockwool Cube about two centimeters deep.
5. Place seeded netcups in shade. Wait 3 days.
6. After the seeds sprout and are about half an inch long, place net cups in the modular hydroponic system.
7. Place system in sunny spot and turn on.
8. Trim the least promising seedling.

Step 7: Print More Modules

Print more modules and expand your garden into a farm!!! Let me know if you have any questions. Be sure to subscribe as I will be refining the this Instructable and the system.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archipelagourbanfarms/

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL1WZQKbyrSAYk2y8n7KtSg?view_as=subscriber

Comments

[building_stuff]

Would i be able to make this on a printer with 220X220X250mm dimensions?

[s2dalone]

This is a great work!. But what about the degradation of PLA. As water contacted all the time? and what if we use this outdoor heat and UV light may effect on the reliability?

[zbeasley19]

I agree, as PLA is biodegradable you would have to replace these every couple years i would assume. I would recommend printing with ABS as most printers that print PLA can print in ABS.

[andy.triboletti]

The link for the net pots is now broken.

[andy.triboletti]

Do we drill the 1 1/4 inch hole in modulelid.stl ?

[andy.triboletti]

There used to be a way to make this work using an Ender Pro 3 printer. There was 4 versions of the vase lid. Is this still available? I can't find it, but have it printed out.

[archipelagourbanfarm]

Do you mean the segmented lid? Here's a link: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3093004

[andy.triboletti]

Yes that’s it. Thank you.

[andy.triboletti]

Here's the link to the alternate design for smaller printers: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3093004

[carissaharley]

This is amazing! Thank you!

[archipelagourbanfarm]

You're welcome! Since publishing this Instructable, I've added LED holders that fit on top of the tower (for indoor growing) to Thingiverse. Marc from Malay Haven't supplemented this Instructable yet to include LED light instruction.

[NSekinger]

This looks great. Thanks!

[stephencasto]

That's why the selectional vertical planters just have selections of tubing that you connect together...

[NSekinger]

Any suggestions for smaller printers? My print bed is 170x160x145 and won't accommodate the size of these pieces.

[archipelagourbanfarm]

nsekkins,

I donwscaled the system to fit on a counter. It’s probably comparable to click and grow and the aerogarden. The entire thing can probably be printed in a day. I had trouble with the netpot model because when I scaled it down the walls were so thin the slicer wouldn’t recognize it. I hired a designer to fix it and now it looks like I have a good model. Uploading the ASAP. The fit is not as good but that’s the great thing about 3d printing. The cost of iteration is minimal. This new model would probably fit on your printer and be perfect to dip your toe in hydroponics. No pun intended. I’m an attorney by day and new dad so sometimes I don’t update/upload/respond as fast as I should if I did this full time. But this project really makes me happy and gives me a lot of meaning and so I’m going to stick with and make it better and better as long as I’m around. Not sure how often you’ll have to replenish the reservoir since it’s so much smaller. Would probably be perfect for cocktail herbs such as mint, basil, etc. That’s what I’m planning on using it for. Stay tuned.

[archipelagourbanfarm]

Thanks! Glad people like it!

[Alexbuildsit]

Since I do not own a 3D printer would I be able to use pvc pipe for this?

[stephencasto]

Yes you can. There is a faster and easier way to do this. Just Youtube search for PVC Vertical Hydroponic System. You can make 4 pieces of 6 foot sections before one of these finishes printing, and they will have about 30 spaces for plants per section.

[sylvaticasoft]

Are the netcups 3dprinted? Where can I find the design? Thx

[archipelagourbanfarm]

The netcups are not 3d printed but they can be. I just bought them in bulk to save on printing time. Thingiverse has several 2-inch net cups that can be printed.