Introduction: My First Hydroponic Set
How to make a foolproof and cheap fully working hydroponic system.
This system can be used indoors or outdoors, can be used as a cloner or to grow veggies and plants.
This is the first set I build, 5 years ago.
It is still perfectly working.
Step 1: List of Materials
A blue Rubbermaid tub, or any other brand with an inside rim.
The inside rim is important, as the PVC tubing will rest on it.
1/2 inch PVC tube
4 pieces 1/2 inch PVC tube 90 degrees angles.
one T junction 1/2 inch
an aquarium pump
a 15inch long flexible water hose 1/2 inch diameter.
6 or 8 empty yoghurt pots
a 24 hour timer
Step 2: Pot Holes
Place your growing pots (yoghurt or any other pot) on the cover of the Rubbermaid.
With a marker, draw the places where they will be, allow some space between the pots.
I made 10 holes, but 6 or 4 are definitely OK.
Make sure all pots get enough "splash".
When you cut the cover, be careful for you fingers.
Cut holes with a cutter or better with a clock saw if you have one.
When using a clock saw, use a very low speed.
I warn you, be careful for you fingers.
Step 3: PVC Emitters
Inner tubing of PVC will rest on the rim.
With a pencil draw a straight line in the PVC tubes.
Punch holes with nail and hammer or better drill holes of 1 or 2mm.
Clean the debris inside the PVC tubes.
Step 4: Pump
Fit the pump.
Add water till it reaches 1 inch below the PVC tubing.
Plug the pump and check the flow.
Add more holes if necessary.
31 Comments
7 years ago
The pump is a medium size pump, this one has a 1000Liter/H or approx 260 Gal./Hour capacity.
7 years ago
Hey what kind of pump should i get? About to copy this design but with black 1/2 poly tubing. Planning on also running 1 or 2 lengths of poly tubing widthwise. Perferating with a hot needle as per comments.
14 years ago on Introduction
way don't the roots just sit in the water, eliminating the need for a pump? sorry im a hydroponics nube trying to make a first rig
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Another reason to keep the roots in circulating water or a drip or mist is simply that they must have oxygen to live and grow. Too much water and with few exceptions, plants will drown.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Good question Deltawolf05, But how do you make roots grow till they reach the water ? The pump will aerate the water, thus allow a more vigorous plant grow. Still water might stink after a few days, while aerated flowing water will not.. The best you can do it try to build one system yourself, and share it with us on instructables.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
ok so i built a rig close to this the diffences being the the pvc sprayer but they r only minor. will miracle grow work as a fertilizer and how do i prevent the roots from roting?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Congratulations on your building your own system, you'll enjoy using it for many years. You'll even know how to fix it, should something go wrong. Re the nutrient, I always use special hydro nutes myself. But make a search (Google) and see www.gardenweb.com or www.hydroponicsonline.com they have answered your question. Check and prune the roots from time to time, take out the rotten ones, you'll avoid major rotting. Change the water every 2 or 3 weeks, check the PH. Hydroponics, like gardening, take some time and efforts, but you'll learn quickly.
14 years ago on Introduction
you would be far better replacing the lengths of pvc tubing with black poly tubing, this way you could attach 180 degree misting or fogging nozzles for full coverage. These misting nozzles are cheap and easily available, you simply Insert the heads into the 1/2" Poly-tube by punching a small hole then threading on the heads. The heads can then be adjusted so that their spray will cover the entire area.
Either this or have pin sized holes in the pvc for increased coverage, this can be achieved by heating up a darning needle till its red hot and piercing the pvc tubing. Your current water pump is not strong enough to supply such large holes in the pvc tubing.
sorry to be so negative, I build hydroponics for a living, it would work ok as it is, but these small changes would make it great and cost little!
my two cents.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
PVC is better for use with micro spray heads. You drill and tap for 10-32. Thats what I did on mine. The pvc on the outside spraying toward the inside is great. This prevents spray from hitting the lid edge and dribble outside along the lid top. I placed my spray heads in the middle and sprayed out toward the edge. I had to make a spray barrier to keep it from dripping outside the container. I suppose some weather stripping would seal the top, but I had trouble with it sticking with all the wetness. A filter bag and polyfill batting around the pump will keep the heads from clogging and protect the pump.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Dear Evengravy, On the contrary, I appreciate your pro. comment. When I wrote this instructable "my first hydro set" I wanted comments & ideas on how to improve it. I tried the misting nozzles from 2 brands (Gardenia & Hazelock) and they got klogged. Once the system is running, I hate to open it and unclog the nozzles. Holes with a red hot darning needle are a good idea, I'll try it out. The pump is a medium size , and as you can see on the pics, has enough power to splash profusely all the pots. I do not put plants in all holes, but keep a lid on 2 of them. Like this I can access inside for maintenance or add water.
12 years ago on Introduction
I just built a system similar to yours. Planted seeds and the lettuce is just starting to come up after 5 days! I'm using VF-11 for the neuts. That stuff has crystals coming out of solution and about 2 tablespoons full of solids in the bottom of the bottle. I divided the solution between another gallon jug and added water to dissolve the stuff. It helped, but not completely. Go here to see the setup.
13 years ago on Introduction
Chefmichel I used your article to build my own unit. I started with plant purchased from Home Depot. I cleaned them free of dirt and such and planted them. I have them in Hydroton clay pellets. I had them set to water 5 times a day 30 minutes. My leaves are drooping any ideas? My pots appear to be drying between watering but are getting saturated and my clay is getting saturated. Anyone any ideas?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It could be because they started out in dirt and you moved them into hydro, that or you don't have any nutrients in the water
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I have nutrients but found I was giving them too much Texas Sun. I have relocated the system and they are doing well. I've even got a pepper started coming in. Thank you for the advice.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Hi Russ960,I am not a plant guru, but here a few important points to watch. Hydroponics is a science based on getting the right nutrients and the right conditions for the plant to grow. You'll need 2 meters; a PH meter or paper strips, and a PPM meter. 1. What kind of nutrients are you using ? 2. Did you check the PPM concentration of the nutrients. 3.Did you check the PH 4.Exposition to too much direct sunlight and lack of fresh air could be a cause. Is there enough air circulation ? 5. Try to sprikle the leaves with plain water. Plants roots need a few days to adapt to hydroponic feed, how long are they in your hydro unit ?. For general information, I would check the hydroponic pages of www.gardenweb.com Good luck to you. Chefmichel.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Chefmichel, I think the Texas heat is my issue. The spot I had the seedlings in had only partial day sun and the new spot has sun most of the day. I also have it in a place where my sprinkler hits it also. I'll look into the PPM and PH. I've noticed it looks better every morning. I may be just nervous as I'm new to this. Thank you for your advice.
14 years ago on Introduction
TO CUT THE HOLES TRY USING A BOX CUTTER WITH A SHINGLE CUTTING BLADE. ALL YOU WOULD HAVE TO DO IS START THE HOLE AND THEN YOU CAN JUST HOOK THE BLADE INTO THIS HOLE AND TRACE YOUR CIRCLE. LESS LIKELY TO CUT YOUR SELF IF YOU ARE SMART ABOUT IT
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Caps lock.
14 years ago on Introduction
For those who asked about the pump the best pump to use would be a 400. anything less than that for this size system will work like a 250, but it risks the chance of getting clogged. And another thing i would put the 360 mister sprayers on the pvc and put it across the tub not around it, just to get better water coverage
14 years ago on Step 3
The green tube is garden hose.