Comments on: Build it Yourself: The PVC Pipe Hydro Garden

By: TraceyM

TraceyM — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 20:24:18 +0000

Haven’t looked thru all the posts but the choice of tote was based off it being made of FDA-approved resins. What about the vinyl fence posts and PVC; are they made of FDA approved resins? Looking at another post using the raft method of growing; how safe is the styrofoam used for the raft. I’m concerned that this stuff will leach chemicals…..

By: dstocker

dstocker — Sat, 28 May 2011 03:18:35 +0000

I am in the process of building one that uses 96″x 5″ PVC posts from Home Depot (8 footers not 6). They did a price match at $18.99 for the post and $1.97 for the 5″ pyramid end caps. It has 84, 3″ net pots. This is the true 5″ post not the 4.75″ like Lowes. I also modified the manifold to use straight hose to drip line adapters as they are 1/2 the cost of the elbow. I did find the elbows at PlumbingSupply.com. Also added a hose connector for the sprayer line and a straight thru connector for the drain at the opposite end of each chamber so the system can be expanded by just attaching another section of fence post on the end of each chamber. Using a 850 GPH Mag pump. Cost was $39.00. This thing is a monster! I used an enviro patio box that Home Depot just started carrying at $29.99 at a whopping 68 gallons with 7, 8 foot chambers across! The deck box is build much better that the totes. Not sure where I am going to put this thing or how I’m going to illuminate it but it sure looks cool! Probably hang some single tube 96″ fluorescents along the length if I can find the right kelvin ones. I have 2 seed trays full that are bursting to get some more room. I’ll post some pictures when they have their new home. I am looking at putting some 4.78″ square holes for some 5″ square pots also to see how it works. Anyone want to buy this when its done?

By: greenfinger

greenfinger — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:25:57 +0000

seems alot of trouble,possibly easier to use an N.F.T. or a aqua/waterfarm. can this be used from seed to harvest,without transplant shock,etc. each to there own. good example of a d.i.y system. Only thing overlooked is the danger of a flood or electrical shock,not suitable for indoors my experience. Or risk fire/flood. NO NEED 2 PANIC WHEN GROWING ORGANIC-old mate used to say.

By: Stone

Stone — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:59:49 +0000

I just built this, with a couple moderation’s.. I put a 1056 pump in and changed the manifold a little…I also used pre-made lazor lines sprayers, that came with the garden hose hook-up attached already, just screw it to the 3/4 inch manifold male fittings…and I also ran a 3/4 pvc pipe right out of the pump into the manifold…work good so far, haven’t put anything in to grow yep! I’ll keep u updated….

By: KJ

KJ — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:10:24 +0000

Nice system. How big of a plant could you grow in those 5″ tubes?

I’ve grown chiles in DWC buckets, and have always thought that you need a lot of root space for huge plants, which is possible in the buckets… but can you really grow a monster in a 5 inch pot/pipe?

Maybe 8 or 10 inch pipe would be more what I would need. Probably impossible to find pipe that size though.

Thanks in advance for replies!

By: Aaron T. Jessen

Aaron T. Jessen — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:14:02 +0000

If anyone is looking for 5″ PVC pipes (6 footers), there’s an excellent supplier on eBay The prices are ridiculously low – $16.50/tube, and they are solid – without rail holes. You can also get the 5″ caps – $2.00 for 2. I’m building the exact system outlined in How-To-Hydroponics (shown here) and had a hell of a time trying to find these. Best of luck to everyone!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:17:58 +0000

Hi! Nice work and documentation. Any help on where to find the 3/4″ female garden hose swivel to compression adapters in the US? Thank you!

Kevin

By: Steve Lane

Steve Lane — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:08:36 +0000

I’ve made a similar system using the 4.75″ PVC fence posts from Lowes. You just can’t find the 5″ PVC Posts anymore around here. It was very difficult to seal the 4.75″ end caps because they are 5″ end caps with a 4.75″ adapter. The only way I got the end caps to seal reliably with no leaks is witch a good coating of Epoxy covering both the attachment to the post and the thin attachment of the adapter in the end cap. Hope this helps you avoid some of the frustrations I encountered with sealing this end cap to the 4.75″ post.

By: Zippy

Zippy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:28:48 +0000

Just an FYI. I’ve been told that Lowes isn’t going to be stocking the 5″ square fence posts anymore, they will have to be special ordered. So, if you see them, don’t wait to get them!

I agree with some of the comments about all of the parts/grommets etc. not being described too well, but that’s half the fun of this…figuring it out and making it my own. I could have purchased a ready built system but DIY is why I’m here.

I’m bumping the GPH to 900 based on comments in here with a GH Blue Stone Pump.

I’m also going to add some o2 stones in the chambers (GH Dual diaghphram pump), as you can never have TOO much o2! I also am going to give STG Arroyo inserts a try as a medium. I know the instructions say you don’t need a medium, and I’m going to do a good job of adjusting the sprayers, but they definitely come recommended in every aspect of hydro/aero.

I’m thinking this is going to be more of a combination Hydro/NFT/Bubbleponics set-up and I’m excited to have it up and running!

By: notarone

notarone — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:49:25 +0000

I want 6inch rubber round black rubber end caos. Is that so hard to get?