Basement Hydroponic Tower Garden Version 2.0

I replaced my 3 inch PVC vertical hydroponic setup with this new 1.5 inch design which is easier to maintain, uses less water and energy, and practically doubles my marketable production. This version produces 133 heads of lettuce or comparable 8.5 inch green vegetable and contains an additional 18 sites for larger plants such as herbs and kale, for a total capacity of 151 sites . I currently harvest 22 quality plants weekly. I raised my system to 15 inches to allow for more nutrient (Chilled homemade nutrient on YouTube) storage, which is currently approximately 45 gallons (container volume 54 gallons). I designed and built my own lighting system to accommodate the height of my towers. I used 6 inch vent pipe and LED light bulbs with a 20% reduced lumen output and 30% increase in energy savings per fixture over my previous 4 bulb T5 fixtures. With the light bulb rebates my cost for each fixture was under $50, vs. $135 for the T5 fixtures with bulbs. I hung my lights vertically to access my plants easily. I am continuing to run my lighting during off peak hours via timers to save energy and money, and my this system is partially powered with renewable energy via the 9.1kw PV solar system we had installed for our home.

Nine week system update here: https://youtu.be/MvneYIghrpc

3 year anniversary update here: https://youtu.be/jG_p1xrne3Q

Materials List

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DsThOtZz1AnbvGN08H1S64OluTRDND1hgzJcIYEBP2w/edit?usp=sharing

Building Considerations
- lettuce tower spacing - 8" off center, 1 1/2 inch pipe
- plant openings alternating by tower and 8.5 in. off center
- consider your light source first and construct according to lighting footprint
- start with system framing and build hydroponic system on top, starting bottom up: drain pipe, towers, irrigation tubing and lines. I use a 1/2 irrigation tubing running horizontal across the top of the system and with 1/4 irrigation lines connected by connectors to feed towers, which are slightly leaning forward. Consider whipping the 1/4 irrigation lines around back to spray from each tower back to front at a downward 45 degree angle
- pump must be strong enough to cover head (distance from pump to highest part of the system). I always use Danner Pondmaster Supreme pumps. Keep an extra impeller on hand.
- ventilation fan needed for healthy transpiration. Consider alternate planting for better airflow
- this setup doesn't require netpots - Grodan plugs (1.5 in.) are placed directly in the pipe and fit snugly.

Видео Basement Hydroponic Tower Garden Version 2.0 канала MaryandJoe Neumayer