Upgraded Modular Hydroponics Tower - More Compact & Stable

Summary

This is my version of the modular hydroponics tower. It was inspired by the modular tower here. It has several key upgrades. 

• More Stable: This tower has a wider base attaching it to the nutrient reservoir making it much more stable.
• Adaptable: Most hydroponics specify a particular reservoir (e.g. an IKEA vase) which can sometimes be hard to find. The recommended reservoir for this tower is a 5-gallon bucket and they are readily available. However, this design can be easily adapted to fit any reservoir.
• Compact: This tower is more compact than previous versions and can be printed on a PRUSA Mini.
• Clean Look: All tubing in this tower is on the interior.
• Easy to add lights.

You can see the tower in action here!

Print Settings

                                *Either print ‘Cap’ or ‘Cap for Lights’. Only one is needed.

Print each part with ‘Detect Bridging Perimeters' turned on. 

Additional Parts Needed

• A suitable nutrient reservoir. We recommend using a 5-gallon bucket.
• A water pump. At least 158 GPH with a minimum head height of 4 feet and ½ inch outlet.
• At least 4 feet of ½" diameter vinyl tubing. 
• 2" netcups (3 per shelf). Buy them here. Or print your own.
• 2 feet of ¾" PVC pipe. More if you are using something larger than a 5 gallon bucket)
• ¾" PVC Elbow Fitting (4x).
• ¾" PVC Cross Fitting (1x).
• Teflon Plumbers Tape.

Optional

• Seeds (Kale, Lettuce, Bok Choi, Basil, and tender herbs grow well in hydroponics)
• Flexing Grow Lights
• Hydroponics Growth Media (Rock Wool)
• Hydroponics Nutrients
• Hydroponics pH control kit 
• ¼" by 1" bolt and matching nut.
• Smart Outlet
• Germination Kit

Material

The print files and this prototype used PLA. However I recommend using PETG which will have much better UV resistance if used outside.

Assembly

See AssemblyInstructions.pdf

Link to Fusion360 Files

If you'd like to make modifications you can access the fusion 360 files used to create this tower by following this link. The access password is: HPTower_Conr8r

Disclaimer

I don't profit from any of the links I have shared above. These are just the things that worked for me. 

Helpful Links

This Tower in Action

Starting Seeds for Hydroponics

Prepping Nutrient