Introduction: 3D Printed Modular Hydroponic Garden

By www.archipelagourbanfarm.com
About: I'm an agro-anarchist educating and empowering the people of the world to grow their own food.... one 3d print at a time. Download, print, and grow.

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.

Attachments

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

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