Build a Hydroponic Grow Wall Inside - Grow Plants Year Round and Save Money!
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- Опубліковано 20 лип 2024
- Learn how to build a hydroponic grow wall in todays video!
We installed a Hydroponic Grow Wall inside our farm house this week! This grow wall is designed to grow 34 plants every 30 days. That means My family will be able to harvest salad greens and herbs year round from the system!
This can save a family a lot of money over the years! The system is only about $500 in materials, and will pay for itself in just a few months.
It is made of very simple materials, and took us half a day to install with help from Jonathan from Fairfield County Hydroponics - fairfieldcountyhydroponics.com/
MATERIALS ( I am adding to this list of materials, stay tuned as I track down all the different parts...)
BUILD IT
PVC 4" 10 ' - amzn.to/2DFYmNz
PVC Couplers (get 2 per Rail Pipes) - amzn.to/2DcvQlL
PVC Reducers 4" to 2" (get 2 per Rail Pipes) - amzn.to/2Db0qMv
PVC Reducers 2" to 1" (get 2 per Rail Pipes) -amzn.to/2FJcwhy
Net Pots - amzn.to/2rdad3b
Grow Lights - amzn.to/2DrfbxO
50 Gallon Drum - amzn.to/2DoadCc
Vinyl Hose - amzn.to/2mCmmJe
Vinyl to PVC Coupler - amzn.to/2FG1lWJ
Pump - amzn.to/2reFhPW
GROW IT
Rock Wool - amzn.to/2mCa5V8
Humidity Dome (for starting seeds) - amzn.to/2mFFtSy
Nutrient - amzn.to/2FJF3n2 - Розваги
Okay, so I built one one of these (June 2020) as close to their specifications as possible but there were several differences between the one shown and mine. My costs were less than $300 compared to their $500. They made several recommendations for pieces that you won't need. There is no need to buy 4 PVC couplers for the 4" rails because the 4" to 2" reducers will do the same job of capping off the ends of the 4" rails. If you have difficulty finding 4" to 2" reducers you may have to get 4" to 3" reducers instead like I had to do and then reduce down to 2" from there and then down to 1". The biggest problem was fitting the vinyl to PVC barbed fitting to the 1" end of the PVC going into the upper rail. I had to grind the barbs off to get it to even insert into the 1" pipe which leaked, so I used a great product called "Rescue Tape" that I bought at Ace Hardware for about ten bucks to wrap around the connection and stop the leak. . The pumped solution from the sump barrel was the next consideration. I don't know why they used a 50 gal barrel because I used the solid geometry formula to determine the volume of two 10' long , 4" diam cylinders to determine that the that the actual volume of the rails is about 10.44 gallons but since they will always be half filled at level, total volume of flowing nutrient solution for the two rails is actually about 5.22 gallons so you can get by with a much smaller reservoir barrel. I bought a 14 gal FDA approved, food grade barrel for $43.39 instead of the one they used which now costs $150 on Amazon. I used black electrical tape to block out light through the clear vinyl hose to prevent growth of algae. Of course, I didn't locate the rails next to an electrical outlet but had I needed to, I would have installed a GFIC outlet. Since I had a 1" PVC elbow draining out of the lower rail, I used a smaller 1" PVC pipe to drain the system instead of a larger 2" PVC and fittings which would never have fit the !' exit.. I cut holes for the drain and vinyl hose and filled the system with 16 gallons of tap water mixed with Aerogarden Liquid Nutrient from Amazon (1/2 cap per gallon). My holes were cut with a MIlwaukee Dozer 2" hole saw (Home Depot) two inches apart (or 4" center to center). A similar Bosch hole saw burned out. Get the Milwaukee. Be sure and reverse the drill after you get your hole started to make a cleaner cut for your 2" baskets. My total cost of the hardware was less than $300 for everything. The $23 grow lights are a great buy and very inexpensive. Plug off the smaller outlet on the pump and don't use it . It is only for aquarium purposes to simulate a current for fish in a tank. The nutrient solution returning to the barrel will generate bubbles to stir up the barrel's solution. It has been two weeks now, and we are growing everything on a timer and with a cheap $20 box fan to cool down our garage here in Arizona! Good luck and thank you for bearing through this essay!
55 gallon barrels are way less than 150 dollars, you just have to go pick them up at a farm supply store.
barrelsuperstore.com/shop/ols/categories/plastic-55-gallon-food-grade-barrel
@@yunggolem4687 I didn't use a 50 gal barrel like they recommended from Amazon that costs $119. I paid $43.39 for my barrel w/ tax.I didn't have the vertical space between my lower rail and the floor to put in a 50 gal barrel so I used a 14 gal FDA approved food grade barrel that I bought locally and picked up myself to save delivery costs. Total volume of both rails completely filled is 10.44 gals so a even a twelve gal barrel will do the trick with both rails constantly filled and draining only requiring half that volume (5.22 gals). There will always be a little over 17 gals in the system when not running, 5.22 in the two rails, and 12 in the barrel. The idea is to save money on this project.
And smart switches which are for example connected to apple homekit make it possible to automate the pumps and lights :)
He said he paid $35 for his barrel.
@@yunggolem4687 Make sure they are FDA approved food grade, else you may be ingesting BPA.
I have a tip being a former irrigation tech. Give whatever PVC you are gluing a 45 degree twist to help distribute the glue evenly and producing a better, longer lasting seal.
I have a response being a former plumber...You sir are correct!
Exactly right! Former plumber here
This is stated right on every pvc glue container , not a secret by any means hehe
Is there an update video showing how this setup is working?! Would love to see the system after several years of use.
The cool thing about growing inside in winter is it gives one a little hope and eases depression
I built a similar unit for outside summer growing. Had excellent results. Need to try indoors for this winter. Great video.
Great job fellas! I appreciate your encouraging words for us novice builders. Well done.
I have been watching so many videos trying to decide what type of system I wanted to put in my basement. I think I have finally found the perfect system! Thank you for the video!
#askhomesteady Hey guys! One thing I was hoping you’d cover (but didn’t) was how to establish the right balance of nutrients in the water initially, how to monitor and maintain the proper pH and nutrient levels, recommended nutrient sources, etc. Maybe an idea for a future video given how critical this is to the success of any hydro system. Thanks! Keep drawling out the great content. Cheers!
Replace the chemicals with fish in the barrel or even use a Fishtank underneath their waist will feed the plants known as Aquaponics. Some people even use the fish as a food source in your case you could perhaps have more exotic fish as pets the kids would love it. This is a great versatile system with so many possibilities love it
great thats how we do things around here lol enjoyed watching and learning thank you guys
I just love how that boy doesn't seems to know how to build anything, but in the end he's an artist! Good on him.
I like to suggest to keep a glass fish tank may be 4 to 5 feet long then u have aquaphonic system. Nice video
Great Video, easy peasy :-) Definitely Going to make a custom one ASAP
love the water outlet 1inch from the 4 gang wall lights switch panel
I think the dance party was my favorite part 😉 and I've actually been wondering about those pink/purple grow lights
My favorite part too! I actually do a pretty mean 🤖 robot
Thank you this video was really helpful!
Thanks for sharing! Awesome ! Dont have 500 now but may start with something smaller
My favorite video so far in 2018! This brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Julie!
Jonathan! What a great system!
Thank you!
Love the fact that your kids were involved in the build!
Hey my dude! Might I suggest that you use a black (or paint your) vinyl tube, instead of a clear one. You will eventually get algae growing in the tube otherwise!
alum foil and tape
Thanks for the links very time saving :-)
Great video, thanks. I'm really curious about how you would end up cleaning this system?
Woah, i’m like #1000. Keep up the great work, this stuff is sooo cool
I like to use flat end caps on the horizontal pipes so that I can put the drain hole lower down in order to get more of a thin film than a water culture. I use a skin fitting with non-parallel threads so I can take the whole thing apart for maintenance. I hate the permanence of PVC glue.
Great video I enjoyed it !
Very cool man!
I love that kid, who show you that system and tell him lot of kids was hungry in East Africa, tell you thank you for show your system to me, my name's Micha Marley and I make difference in life, to helped children in need, thank you my friends we are helped all those children. I will make video about the system y'a provide to me, I did y'a way for those kids
Love this but before putting on the cement use some PVC wash to brake down the plastic some so the glue holds tighter this is the way water company’s and plumbers do it I should know I have to help my grandpa all the time with PVC.
Great build, where do I go to learn about the nutrients, cleaning the system, etc?
This rain barrel is WAAAAAAY overkill.
How do you size it accordingly?
That's what I was thinking. Wouldn't it be better to use something long and more shallow, use a weighted lid so the little ones don't drown in it??? Then you'd be able to hang more grow pipes..... Also the clear pipe is a mistake as it would allow algea to grow.... Pipe is blocking the light switches, that would drive me nuts..... Great idea but needs some rethinking.
The LIGHTSWITCH!!
Cool idea. One thing on gluon pipe though. You need to use cleaner first. PVC has a uv protective coating that needs to be removed. It also preps the pope for better adhesion. You should also put glue on both parts. Great video though. I might do this.
Consider putting a reverse durso stand pipe going into barrel to reduce the noise of flowing water x1000
I didn’t understand how you made the end caps. What size piping did u use and exact materials other than the glue. Thank you! Awesome guys!
Oh all I could see is the danger from leeks right on top that switch ☹️ love hydroponics used it for years but please move that lower pipe down 4" away from the switch
Michael Hubbard they ended up moving the system hahaha, but the system was watertight. If there were any leaks it would be from other parts before the endcaps.
Jonathan Russell if that was going to leak it would of done it at any of the joint above sockets and the end cap witch had joints. Even they he used cement doesn't make it permanent. Over time it degrade and I should of read watched it all as I was really pleased to see them moved it away from the switch.
Awesome video, cannot find Pioneer Library..
Great idea here but I have a few questions. #1 What are the 4 PVC couplers for? A 4" reducer will fit over the ends of the 4" pipes making the couplers unnecessary. #2 The total volume of the two rails is approximately 10.44 gallons. Why did you need a 50 gallon water barrel? #3 Why do you need a 4th 1" adapter for the 2" drain pipe going back down into the barrel? #4 Do you really need a 2" PVC pipe as a drain? Can't you use a less expensive piece of 1" tubing? I am going to wrap all my tubing with black electrical tape to prevent algae from the light. Thanks.
Would you recommend an incline to help drainage?
power switches at the left near the tube?
I noticed that too
Never cross your arms when using a chopsaw. Also water fittings next to wall switches bad idea. The uv in those lights is bad for your kids to be looking at.
Hi y'all. We just subed because we are in the family milk cow-laboration with you and want to support your channel.
Thanks for subbin Kip!
Thank you for the video! I plan to start smaller than this because I live in a small apartment and it’s just me. Do you think this setup would grow a small tomato or pepper plant?
Hi Heather I'm sure you got an answer by now but you can grow almost anything sometimes up to 4 plants per sq ft.
Tomatoes grow huge in aqua/hydroponics systems with all that extra nitrogen, so you'll either have to trim them or tie them up. My little greenhouse became a tomato vine jungle in my system lol. Also I'd recommend try growing some strawberries. 🍓Mine did amazing and produced loads of berries! Happy growing! 😊
your kids are cool!
no pvc primer?!...you absolute madman!!
how do you stop the moisture from getting into your electric system, where the switches are at and the outlet below, along with mold.
All of the moisture stays inside the system! Moisture isn't typically a worry unless there are leaks!
DId you tilt the pipes ever-so-slightly so the water runs in the proper direction and doesn't backup?
I like the idea. But, having had lots of houseplants before, I am aware of the tendency for mold and mildew to grow on walls that are in close proximity to dampness. I would suggest putting up on the wall that you intend to use for the tubes some paneling or something that can be wiped down with a mild bleach solution from time to time.
All wood paneling for us, good tip!
@@Homesteadyshow wood rots very easily,id follow this tip lol
Man, the idea is really good. Just tell me you did not pumped water right next to electricity points.
I have one question. In your text description it states to use PVC Reducer Bushing - 2-Inch to 1-Inch, but in the video it’s said to use PVC Reducer Bushing - 2-Inch to 1 1/2-Inch. Does it matter 2” to 1” or 2” to 1 1/2”? Thanks.
What about nutrients in the water to feed the plants?
Is it still working and have you had any issues? Can you update?
That's good stuff! Will you be posting an update video on what you are growing???
Absolutely
@@Homesteadyshow and crickets….
How do you maintain it? Do you need to clean it once in a while?
I've been wondering if UPVC over PVC is safer for growing food, due to the chemical make up and "possible" leeching of chemicals from the tubing, into the water/ plants??
Any update on result?
This is a very cool video. I do have a couple questions. #1 I thought the lights needed to be closer to the plants. So how is it going to be close enough to the lower tier of plants? #2 When will you do a video on how to plant up the cups. Comment: Lights should be on for 16 hours a day. I use a timer for my seedlings.
Dolly, these lights will be at a 45 degree angle towards both upper and lower rail, Jon said it would be enough for both at that close proximity.
I’ll show planting in another video, and yes, 16 hours is the target.
Is it possible to make a non-circulating kratky system with the same technique?
That dude looks like a knock-off Joseph Gordon-Levitt lmao
im hooked
Really cool setup. What all will you be growing?
Lettuce, leafy Greens and herbs
too many mistakes out here, 1- the huge container , 2- the clear hose, 3- distance between the holes ,4- lightning position 5-pipes touching the electric socket and much more.
And 34 heads of greens for an initial cost of $500! They probably make money getting ppl to buy things from links. Ugh! UA-cam is getting bad.
would you suggest a different video?
Daniella Kachar I don’t know of any. It depends what you’re looking to learn about.
@@BlessedBaubles The initial costs of farming/gardening are always a bit high, especially if you are not blessed by having hundreds of local stores nearby like me. Hear in Texas, we have clay soil coming out of our ears, so to have a backyard garden, we have to amend the soil like crazy, which definitely adds up quick.
I will say that that is a over-estimate on price.... even if you include the price of seeds, net cups, water, pump, lights, pipes and fittings, nutrients, etc. No more than $300 in my opinion.
@@daniellakachar4953 There are dozens of hydroponic videos on youtube. This is a very simplistic introduction to a DWC-like system. The design is good overall, though the execution on that particular wall was a bit flawed.
1) The distance between holes is subjective, as each different variety of lettuce/leafy green has a completely different space requirement.
2) The light distance also varies by plant species. Lettuce, in particular, does not have a high light requirement. So as long as you meet the minimum par requirement, as measured by a LED specific PAR meter ($200-$500), you won't have any issue growing lettuce. Lumens don't give you an accurate portrayal of plant requirements and are typically not used in hydroponics, aeroponics, or aquaponics.
3) The 35 gallon drum is not a bad idea... just not what I would put in my living room. A larger container like that will allow for less temperature swing. However, it does not block out light on the inside very well at all. Light reaching into a container that large will cause an algae problem in the long run. I would recommend covering it with a light blocking material such as blackout fabric or black paint. Same goes for the vinyl tube.... NEVER use clear. It allows light to pass through and will also cause an algae problem.
4) I do agree, whole-heartedly, that it should not be place that close to the light-switch. Regardless of how well you think you built it, unless every switch in that box is on a GFCI breaker. (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) Even then... I would not do it. Find a spot a little further away from switches and plugs. No accidental fires/electrocution then.
All in all, a good basic introduction into DIY vertical farming.
A ratchet strap around the barrell will help keep the kiddos out!
For lettuce you shouldn't be using red light, you should use blue as it promotes leafy growth.
Very interesting. How does one of these cost to operate on a monthly basis - particularly in terms of electrical usage?
They're using three 45 Watt grow lights. Assuming they're running them at full power for 12 hours per day is (45 W * 3 lights)/1000 W per kW * 12 hour is 1.62 kW-hour each day. You'd have to multiply that by your local electricity cost to find out the daily cost of running the lights. The national average is about 13 cents per kW-hour. So based on that the daily cost would be 21 cents. That's a bit over $6 a month, or about $75 a year. My area is well below the national average, so for me it would be just about half that.
Do similar math for any other electrical components, like the pump, and then figure out how long those operate in a day. To get more accurate data, and to make things a bit easier for you, you can buy a little electricity usage meter on Amazon for something like $10 that you plug into the wall, and then plug everything into that and it records how many watts you use. So you can set it to record over the course of a day and then multiply by your electricity cost to figure out how much you're paying per day to run that setup.
Wow, Thanks!
I have a really high ceiling, could I use LED strips in order to grow things?
Yes. Be aware of lumens and color spectrum.
is it ok to be next to the light switches?
Did you mean to block the light switch or was that just an ooops?
is there an after vid?
Wowo!!! make the money back in like the first five months or better depending on where u live!
True!
Would this work in a basement? Our basement is not heated or cooled. We are in Tennessee.
I've built a few in my basement just fine! As long as the temperature doesn't get to be freezing or blisteringly hot you can do it!
So, I've seen a few different build styles, one like this that uses the one-inch PVC to drain between levels... but given it's elevation, that leaves water in the pipe. Is that an issue when it comes to rotating nutrients or root rot? (this compared to full width pipes draining so that the roots can be dry occasionally based on timers.
I designed and built my own outdoor "water wall". I put a small slope on each of my rails. the water ran 24/7. In my mind's eye it was like plants next to a creek in which the roots hung in the water all the time. I had to shut it down every winter here in Alaska. I used it for 4 summers with no ill effects. It also had a bubbler and a heater in the reseviour which extended the growing season. I used gutters and hydroponic equipment, instead of reinventing the wheel like Jonathon.
@@SusanElliottZen mine makes a lot of noise at the end of the top layer as it goes into the 1in pipe. Mine is indoor and I don’t know how long I can tolerate the noise.
What do you plan to plant? Also, do you put soil in the net pots?
No, Rock wool. Going to plant leafy greens and herbs!
Is this a NFT type system? Do you run the pump 24/7 in this type of hydroponics?
Is there an update video?
heyy.. can you grow lettuce all year round in that system ?? and how many times do u turn off the light
Yes you can. May need more space between them. You can run the lights for up to 16 hours. Plants need darkness too.
Awesome. What water did you use?
Lois Wilson just plain tap water mixed with nutrients!
Is the glue food grade?
OK, you got me.
My work here is done ✅ 😆
Nice concept, poorly executed, but thats how all of us learn. Thanks for the video.
Can you do a followup? Are you getting 34 heads of lettuce each month?
Fun idea, but the whole thing could be waist high rather than at your head. It'd be easier to hang the lights and not have them so close, evenly distribute the light. The drainage doesn't look super effective. It'd have to be at least half way full before any excess water drains off from that huge pipe. Maybe fitting a drain at the bottom of the pipe would be better. That huge barrel in your room would be a pain to fill up and hide. Seems a bit big. Trying to fill the pipe with dirt would be interesting. Scooping it through those 2 inch holes looks like a pain.
What are you planning on growing?
Not sure I want to consume what’s in pvc or pvc glue
The future.
Would anyone recommend anything on the wall first to prevent moisture and mold? Just looking to set up a system in Canada and we don't have very dry weather. Moisture can be a problem. Thank you!
I set up this system and have had no moisture outside the system.
@@drcarline_louisjacques8899 hey there, wondering if you still have noticed no moisture? I’m worried about my wall!
Is there a reliable way to complete this without permanently cementing the two pipes together? Just for ease of transport, etc.
Google search for Fernco caps. They are water tight and can be tighteted and loosened with a drill bit
At 1:33 did i see what i thought i saw.
are your grow pipes level or slightly slanted?
They are level, the wide angle lens gives it a funny look on camera
I thought at first they'd need to be slanted so water won't be stagnant, but I'm guessing the pump takes care of that.
How many lamp needed for 1000 plants
Those amazon lights are *ugly*
I'm gonna try to substitute it for some elongated, fixed position lights. Full spectrum because it can double as a room light
FFA Alumni also
That's his 3rd appearance on your channel.
Water next to electrical switches is no bueno.
Hi Jonathan, the LED light must be in purple color?
No, it can be white too, 6500K. There is a reason for the purple one, but I do not remember it.
Purple saves a lot of money because it uses less electricity I think
Those are specific spectrum lights. A mix of Blue LED and Red LED. Blue promotes the early stages of plant development, while red is used for flowering and fruit production.Too much red will cause leafy green veggies, like lettuce to bolt fairly quickly. White/daylight lights, 6000 kelvin +/-, gives you a full spectrum of visible light. Daylight is comprised of all visible light colors which are important to plant development. Too much of any one color will affect growth, nutrient uptake, and flavors of the finished veggie.
Hope that helps.
P.S. - Blue/red panels draw less power. a 50 watt panel for example of white draws about 50 watts of power at the plug. Whereas, a red/blue 50 watt panel draws about 38 watts at the plug.
Yeah I have a Dutch bucket system I would not do it if he in my house talk about always feel like you got a pee.
He made some mistakes but I consider all mistakes a learning opportunity, further more it’s youtube ! Never react to the first video you see. I want to set up a similar system but put a UVC aquarium light for mold control in the water tank, as a small spring forms in my basement when it rains very hard...
What’s the energy usage per setup per month?
It should be around $20-30 depending on your energy costs. That includes the lights but if you had it in front of a window it would be $5-8 because you wouldn’t have the lights.
Do you put anything into the water?
Rick Mitchell nutrients!
nutrients. WEll, ya mean like multi-vitamins out of a bottle? It's kinda a pretty big blank in the process.
Check the description for the amazon link
Rick this video highlights the build process. Not the grow process which will be shown in the future. That said we do link to the specific nutrients needed in description
I wanna be the crazy person where they don’t come back 🤪😂..