Hydroponic Tower

Boost Me

This modular hydroponic tower is designed for efficient, scalable plant growth in a compact vertical setup. It features a creative splash design at the top, which ensures even water distribution without the need for precise leveling, making it easy to set up and maintain in various environments.

Core Components and Specifications:

• Net Pots: The tower accommodates standard 5 cm (2 inch) net pots, providing optimal root support and aeration.
  • https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0C32HXKR1?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1 OR
  • https://makerworld.com/en/models/1247861-5cm-2-inch-net-pots 
• Hose: A 13 mm Gardena hose is used for water delivery, ensuring a consistent flow of nutrient-rich water throughout the tower. The hose can be easily adapted for upgrades or expansions.
  • https://www.amazon.de/Gardena-Formstabiler-Gartenschlauch-Power-Grip-Profil-hochwertigem/dp/B00HPXVIPQ/ref=sr_1_6?th=1
• Reservoir: A 6.4-liter Curtec barrel serves as the reservoir, offering a secure and durable solution for holding the nutrient solution.
  • https://www.amazon.de/Weithalsfass-Schraubdeckel-stapelbar-wasserdicht-naturwei%C3%9F/dp/B003QXYLXU/ref=pd_ci_mcx_pspc_dp_d_2_t_1
• Pump: A 600 L/h pump powers the system, providing sufficient water flow to maintain even nutrient distribution across all levels.
  • https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0975FGDFD?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
• Filament: extrudr® XPETG White Matte (But any PETG will do, PLA is not recommended since its biodegradable).
  • https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09476HMH1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1
• Hydroponic Cultivator: My cultivator design to start your plants for the Hydroponic Tower.
  • https://makerworld.com/en/models/1205139-hydroponic-cultivator#profileId-1218845

Design and Modularity:

• Modular Structure: The tower is designed with an upgrade-friendly modular system, allowing for easy height adjustments or additional growing sections as needed. Adapting the hose to match the new height is straightforward, making scalability simple and cost-effective.
• Creative Splash Design: The top part of the tower features a thoughtfully engineered splash design that evenly disperses water across the growing sites, reducing the need for precise leveling and ensuring that all plants receive consistent hydration and nutrients.
• Easy Assembly and Maintenance: The modular sections are designed to snap together securely, with minimal tools required for setup and maintenance. The hose connection points are positioned for quick adjustments and replacements.

Performance and Flexibility:

• The 600 L/h pump ensures that water flow is strong enough to maintain nutrient consistency, even as the tower height increases with future expansions.
• The 5 cm net pots are compatible with a wide range of plants, from leafy greens and herbs to strawberries and small fruiting plants.
• The splash design minimizes clogging and uneven watering, even when the tower is placed on slightly uneven surfaces.

Nutrient Solution Instructions

1. Add 5 liters of water to the tank.
2. Add hydroponic fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (I use this one.)
3. Adjust the pH value of the solution to between 5.5 and 6.5. I usually aim for 6 or slightly lower. (You can use citric acid for this.) It's recommended to use a pH meter for accuracy. Also remember to calibrate the pH meter once in a while. (I use this one, but there are better options available.)
4. If you live in a hot climate, consider adding some beneficial microbes to support plant health. (I use this one.)
5. The water temperature should ideally be around 19°C. If you're using grow lights, check the water temperature just before the lights turn off. Beneficial microbes will help maintain plant health even if the temperature fluctuates a bit.
6. Cleaning between grows: First, remove the nutrient solution completely. Then, run the system with a mix of water and chlorine to clean it thoroughly.