An ms-paint fueled journey, with lost footage, 3D Macaroni, 3D printing, and somewhere in between, a hydroponic garden. Featuring a partly cohesive explanation as to how it all works.
Possible songs used: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j9I3xKa8G6VE8sZ3MxDmyou4Bopq80_kIuSdGP4XS2Q/edit?usp=sharing
Helpful sources:
http://zerosoilgardens.com/how-to-grow-hydroponic-step-by-step-tutorial/
Hydroponic garden places near you
Video Rating: / 5
Tips, Issues, and links
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|Tips|
Make sure to replace the solution every week
I forgot to mention that the air tubes have check valves on them (the little blue things with arrows on them). These prevent the air from flowing backward. This is important because if you were to shut off the air pump, the air will go backward and could bring in water with it, which would damage your air pump.
Good plants to grow (at least according to google): https://goo.gl/o83Lnp
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|Issues|
My tube to let water in is creased from being too heavy (seen at 8:53 to the left), this could be solved by installing a hook to hold it upward, but then so much water is let in, that the system cannot drain it fast enough. This could be solved by getting a bigger drain tube and trying to use the knob on the water pump to slow the flow down, but the knob doesn't seem to be able to bring it down too low.
I also have small leaks that are making it lose water. I did a bit of a stupid rash thing and used a lot of super glue to try and solve the problem while the system was running. Problem is, the super glue doesn't dry immediately and hardens to a silicone/rubber-like material, so in the 5 minutes or so it takes to harden the water breaks through and makes a new leak. Maybe an actual sealant would work better…?
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|Links|
Information: https://goo.gl/S7SUGh
4inch PVC Pipe: It was just black, and at home depot. I couldn't find it on their website.
17 Gal. storage bin: https://goo.gl/YWxVEJ
Any storage bin will work, it just has to be dark and not clear or light could get in and cause bacteria growth.
Hydroponic Clay: https://goo.gl/DK5HfR
This bag is small, nice, and cheap.
Water Pump: https://goo.gl/ss6voT
This is a bit overkill, but I was worried the water wouldn't have enough pressure to go upward, plus I thought my drainage would be faster so this would create a nice current in the water to keep it 'fresher'. Instead, a big crease formed in the water tube and now my flow is really slow. Whateves, that's my fault anyway.
Air stones: https://goo.gl/2pYNa1
These guys are great, and if all were to clog you have 4 more ready to go, (WARNING THE FOLLOWING IS UNRESEARCHED SPECULATION BY ME) however putting only 4 in that big tub of water might have been a mistake, hence my new design at the end. So if you plan to put the stones in a big tub of water, it might be a good idea to make sure the water on the plants flows quickly or else you would have sitting, lesser oxygenated water drowning your plants. If the water was moving quickly (as I just suggested), then your plants might not deoxygenate the water too fast.
Air Pump: https://goo.gl/7VsKTL
Cheap, and good enough for 4 air small stones. It also comes with 2 check valves.
Air tubes: https://goo.gl/nswN4H
Any aquarium tubing will work, it just has to be dark and not clear or light could get in and cause bacteria growth. When choosing tubing flexibility is a factor to think about, make sure to look at reviews, or if buying in person, feel how flexible it is.
1/2inch vinyl Water tubes: https://goo.gl/oSxA5X
Any vinyl tubing of this size will work, it just has to be dark and not clear or light could get in and cause bacteria growth. Additionally, I only choose this size as my water pump fits it. When choosing tubing flexibility is a factor to think about, make sure to look at reviews, or if buying in person, feel how flexible it is.
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P.S. Please tell me if you have any questions, concerns, if a link breaks, or if I forgot something.
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Awesome video man! Keep it up!
Cool video! I'm a bit unsure if the liquid nutrients are essential, they can cost a bit in the long run. That's why I use tomato fertilizer 4-18-38 powder, calcium nitrate and epsom salt which cost about 7 dollars, enough to make 360 gallons of nutrient-water. But great work, keep it up!
Love your videos!!!! I dont think your dad was this smart! Keep up the great work. I have been toying with the idea of doing a hydroponic garden myself. Go son of a Vikings!