This page shows how to build a low cost starter hydroponic system for flood and drain hydroponics.
Most of the parts are readily available at many stores across the USA.
There are a few specialty parts which are critical and are best obtained from a Hydroponics Retailer and of course, your best bet is to buy on-line from 3R Lighting.
This page shows how to set up the reservoir.
www.3rlighting.com/tutorial
Q: How do I set up the reservoir for a low cost hydroponics system?
A: OK, you've set up the grow tray like it was shown on the last page. Now you have to set up the reservoir. There really is not much to it, the important things are that because you use gravity to drain the grow tub, the reservoir has to be lower than the grow tub. The other important thing is that the reservoir has to hold water and not leak.
Q: You aren't making this very hard are you?
A: Trying not to.
The nutrient solution can grow algae if it is exposed to light so it is a good idea to cover the reservoir to keep the amount of work in cleaning down to an easier level.
Q: Cleaning? That sounds like work.
A: As you run your system and get some experience, you'll find that every ounce of cleaning pays off in pounds of avoiding problems. You want to grow plants not problems.
Q: So how should I keep that grow tray above the reservoir but still be able to get into it to clean it every couple of weeks?
A: Any way you want.
Q: Ahh...yeah. Can you give some examples?
A: Sure, the plastic tubs can be soft and when the grow tray is filled with water, it can be heavy. So if you set the grow tub right on top of the reservoir, the reservoir sides may collapse. If you take two of the reservoir style tubs and nest one inside the other to give more strength, it works OK as long as you don't fill the grow tray up too much.
Most people build a frame of some kind high enough to keep the grow tray up and allowing the reservoir to slide in and out. This allows you to take the reservoir completely out without disturbing the plants. If you want to, you can then take the tub outside and hose it out or pour the used nutrient solution on your flower garden, clean it out in the bathtub, etc.
By far and away, though, the lowest cost frame or support structure can be obtained through recycling. Either go to a garage sale and find a table of some kind for $3.00 or look in your own garage for an old end table or whatever. Even though this method is no question the lowest cost and most efficient, the most significant drawback of this method is that your spouse or significant other may not see the beauty and elegance of this solution when it sits inside the house.
But now everybody wants to build a special frame. This is probably the lowest cost way to build one out of lumber that has support so it won't rack over.
Notice that the corners are tied together. This keeps the grow tray from falling over when it is full of water. It is also a very good idea to paint the wood to allow easy cleaning.
Q: I hope I don't have to paint it the funky colors you have in those diagrams.
A: This is the web, the graphics just come out different so you can see what is going on.
The drawback to wood is that the lumber is usually not free.
Q: What about using PVC pipe?
A: PVC pipe works OK for a suport frame, but you have to use at least one inch pipe. Again, if you use half inch PVC pipe, it will bend under the weight. One inch costs more than half inch. PVC pipe is easy to clean.
Q: What about connecting the pump to the feed/drain fitting?
A: Use a half inch vinyl tube. It pushes tightly onto the pump and onto the half inch nipple on the feed/drain fitting. You will need to make two holes in the lid of the tub you are using for the reservoir. If you buy the kit from 3R Lighting, there are also two click clamps to make sure the vinyl tube stays on.
Q: What else do I need to start? A: A pH Test kit and adjusters, Nutrients, and a rockwool package. If you click the PUMPS button, you can see them.
