How to Make PVC HydroPonics

  Tools you will need: Tape Measure , Square ,Drill, Saw, Screwdriver bit

we will make the structure for 4" x 9 ' tubes , with 6 2x2x8 posts , 6 2x4x8 , 3 "screws

the 2x4 will hold the structure together and the posts upright.

Cut 2  2x4 in half, we wil  use these later ,

Mark each post at 4 ' on all 4 sides ,

place 3 posts on flat ground and  place the 2x4 on top of it so and align to the mark , check for squareness and  screw it on ,  place  another 2x4 at the foot of the post ,align and screw You now  have half the sctucture, Repeat  to make the other side

Have someone help you hold one side  and use the halves of the 2 x 4 to  put the structure together

or you can use bamboo as well i  joined the pieces with  metal wire knots. in the picture the one on the left is wooden and the one on the right is bamboo , you can use mettal or any material you like remember it needs to  be above level of the container.. where the pump will be located

Prepare  Tubes and  ConnectorsTools you will need  : 

TOOLS:

• 3 " hole saw, pencil, Drill,  hacksaw 
• 1" Holes Saw
• File
• 8x 4"x 9' PVC Tubes
• 8x 4" Tee Connectors,
•  8x 90 PVC  Elbows
• 2 4" PVC Caps

Lay the tubes on the structure, mark them  every  12 inches , try  not to move them  so that you mark them in a straight line , check for straightness ,  take the tubes down and make the holes,

For spacing purposes the Tees will need to  be cut a little shorter , so cut each tee as much as you can   , remember you need to leave at least 3/8  for a good  glue joint.

 cut 8  1" long  rings of  4" tube , these will join  the tubes together, on the other end the 90 elbows will take the water in..

ign the elbow so that it is  perpendicular tu the tube and aligned with the holes ,  so that the elbow point upward  and the Tee Horizontally...

 glue all the pieces together exept for the cap.

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Install the Water Recipient  prepare the overflow tubing

 A 200 Lt or bigger container that may fit under the tubes,  low enough to catch the overflowing water.

2x 1" PVC Tube , 1 Coupler..

insertable hose tees Once you have glued all of the PVC exept the  1 cap,  make a 1 " hole off center , closest to the top of the cap and rotate it to adjust the overflow...

fill your system and check that the water does not escape from the  3 " holes.

Once you know the height you will adjust the hole to, you have to insert a piece of pvc pipe in the hole,  you will need to file the hole so that  you may insert the tube , once inserted  seal with pvc glue..

then  connect some tubing from this hole back ti  the water recipient

Install the reservoir,  pump and the feed tubing

the water reservoir should be sized to fit underneath the tubes  for overflow catchment.

 a submersible pump  1 /4 Hp little giant is good enough , it is the one i am using..

the tubing i used for the pump is polypropylene black tubing.. fitted snug over the connectors. if the hose is loose you can wrap some plastic bag on the thread. to make the connector thicker..

When you have the pump hose connected, you will install an elbow connector  to  and somme tees in series to  form the feed tubes..

Finishing Details

you now  fill the  reservoir  and ubes with water and start pumping...

 the  system should be free of leaks and there should be   enough water recirculation , add  solutions to  the reservoir ...and start growing in the medium of you choice!

best!

Anibal