Mini NFT Hydroponic System

How to make a miniaturized NFT Hydroponic System!

Why?
Well, most systems take up large amounts of space easily making hydroponics out of reach for people with limited space. Hydroponic systems can also be expensive for the novice user.

What Is NFT Hydroponics?

What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants by placing the roots in a nutrient solution rather than in soil.*

What is NFT Hydroponics?!
NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is a method used for cultivating plants. It consists of a flow of nutrient solution over the plant roots. The roots and solution are inside a slightly sloped chamber. The solution finally gets recycled through the system in a reservoir.
NFT is also considered one of the most productive methods today however, can make plants extra vulnerable during periods of failure.

*Definition from Dictionary.com

Materials

Materials: everything in total cost me about <70 USD.

Materials:
- 2' (2" PVC Pipe)
- 3 (2" PVC 90* Elbows)
- 3 (3" PVC Couplers)
- 3 (2"->1" 'Coupler')
- 1 (2" PVC Cross)
- 1 (2" PVC T)
- 2' (0.75" PVC Pipe)
- 3 0.75" PVC 90* Elbow)
- 1 (0.75" PVC Cross)
- 1 (0.75" PVC T)
- 15' (3/8" Vinyl Tubing)
- 1 (3/8" PVC Barbed Cross)
- ~3 (6" Zip Ties)
- 1 (PVC Glue)
- 1 (Water Pump)

Tools:
- (1.5" Drill Bit)
- (3/8" Drill Bit)
- (PVC Cutter)
- (Sand Paper)
- (Ruler)
- (Marker)

Construction

Construction consists mostly of cutting lengths of PVC, Fitting everything together and Drilling.

Originally, I had the instructions written out but they didn't get saved. Then I thought to myself that written instructions for this kind of work may be difficult so instead I drew up some schematics. I included the schematic for the fittings and how everything fits together and where to drill the holes. please refer to the other images of the system if needed.

Note about the holes: The 1.5" holes are where the pots would be and the plants are. They should be spaced evenly on the 2" pipe. The 3/8" holes are for the vinyl tubing. You may have to scrape along the edges of the holes to make a tight fit with the tubes. I recommend=d sanding down the 1.5" holes.

Set-Up

Insert the tubes into the 3/8" holes and direct them into their respective 2" section. zip tie the tubes onto the PVC pipe and connect to the 3/8" barbed cross.

Troubles

-I haven't had the opportunity to try out my system yet but I do know that once I do, I should expect lots of growth. -I also know that since this is a small version and albeit, not as great as a bigger one, you cannot place plants into all 12 holes. the roots would grow long and clog it up.

-This size is perfect for a 4 bulb, 2' T5 light setup overhead.

-Enjoy!