Solar-powered outdoor hydroponics system

[DavidMSly]

A solar-powered hydroponics system using 90mm PVC stormwater pipe on a timber frame.

• The project
• Steps
• Tools and materials
• More inspiration for your hydroponics project

The project

I built this solar-powered outdoor hydroponics system using 90mm PVC stormwater pipe.

Steps

Step 1

On one of the lengths of Pine, mark a line that is at least 90mm more than the height of one of the containers, including the lid. Then make marks 400mm and 800mm above that line. On another of the lengths of Pine, make the same marks plus 20mm.

Attach the ends of other three lengths to these original two, using the marks to line up the top edge of the timbers. 

Place the first timber on the right if you want the water to run to the right side, as I have done in my setup.

Cut the 6m length of stormwater pipe into three even lengths minus the bell end.

Step 2

Starting at one end of the 2m long pipes, mark a spot at 50mm and then every 185mm after that (50, 235, 420... 1900). Drill a 14mm hole in the first spot and a 75mm hole in the rest. Repeat for all three 2m lengths. Place a cap on the end nearest to the small hole.

Step 3

Next, cut a CD in half.

Use the small end of the bell end that you have already cut off to mark the CD and grind off to fit the outside of the pipe.

Next, drill a 5mm hole near the what will be the bottom of the CD

Repeat for a total of three CD halves.

Step 4

Next, attach a CD to the each of the currently vacant ends of the 2M pipes using either the silicone or some tape, with the small hole furthest from the 75mm holes in the pipe. The hole in the CD will be the drain that will encourage the roots in your plants to grow as the water between each cycle drains away.

Step 5

Next, place one of the elbows with the opening facing away from the 75mm hole on the same end as the CD. This will be your top pipe. Place the two T-junctions on the other two pipes in the same orientation.

Now, lay the frame down and place the pipes in order on top of them, lining the top of the pipe with the top edge of the timber.

Now, cut the other pipe to fit between the elbow and the first T-junction and another piece to fit between the two T-junctions. Finally, cut another to join the bottom junction to another elbow, this will divert the water to your reservoir.

After this is done, use the metal strapping or cable ties to attach the pipes to the frame. Then stand the structure up, leaning it against a wall in a sunny position.

Step 6

Drill a 14mm hole on the short side of both of the reservoirs. Insert a small piece of irrigation pipe into the hole and place a T-piece into the pipe on the inside of the container. Then place an elbow into the pipe on the outside.

Next apply some silicone around the pipe next to the T-piece and pull the pipe through to the outside, creating a seal. Then join the two elbows. This will create one reservoir out of the two containers.

Step 7

Now join the remaining stormwater pipe to the bottom elbow and lay it across the reservoirs. Cut it to length so that when the final elbow is placed it will drain into the right tank. Then, after fitting the elbow, mark the spot where to cut a hole in the lid.

After cutting the 90mm hole, place a short length of the pipe into the hole for the elbow to join to.

 

Step 8

Next cut the irrigation tubing to fit as per this diagram.

Make sure to allow enough tubing so that when your water pump is fixed at the bottom, it is sitting on the base of the reservoir.

Step 9

The rest of the setup, including the wiring of the solar panel, controller and battery will be explained in the instructions for these devices included in their packaging.

My setup is programmed to deliver five minutes of water every hour from 8am to 6pm. You will need to keep an eye on the water level to make sure it doesn't run dry. It's also a good idea to drain the system and replace the water on a regular basis to prevent the build up of toxins. 

A little research on hydroponics will go a long way to ensuring your system gives you plenty of fruit. I hope you found this guide helpful.

Tools and materials

Materials used in the project:

• 1 x 6m x 90mm PVC stormwater pipe 
  
  
• 1 x 3m x 90mm PVC stormwater pipe 
  
  
• 3 x 90mm PVC stormwater 90° female and female elbows 
  
  
• 2 x 90mm PVC stormwater 90° female and female junction 
  
  
• 3 x 90mm push on PVC stormwater cap 
  
  
• 30 x Hydroponic baskets
  
  
• 3 x 13mm in-line barbed tap 
  
  
• 6 x 13mm barbed poly elbow 
  
  
• 4 x 13mm single barbed poly tee 
  
  
• 2m of 13mm black poly pipe 
  
  
• 2 x 40L black storage containers with lids
  
  
• Pieces of 25 x 0.6mm punched metal strapping or cable ties
  
  
• 1 x 6m 70 x 35mm treated Pine (cut into 3 x 2m lengths)
  
  
• 2 x 2.4m x 70 x 35mm treated Pine 
  
  
• Nails or screws to fix above into a frame to hold pipe in place
  
  
• 1 x 12v water pump 
  
  
• 1 x solar charge controller 
  
  
• 1 x AC/DC 12V 16A LCD digital timer programmable control timer time switch
  
  
• 12v solar panel
  
  
• 12v deep cycle battery
  
  
• Silicone or tape (to attach CDs to end of pipe)
  
  
• Old CDs
  
  
• Coco peat or other growing medium
  
  
• Hydroponic fertiliser.

Tools used in the project:

• Drill
  
  
• 75mm hole saw
  
  
• 14mm drill bit
  
  
• 5mm drill bit
  
  
• Grinding wheel (to shape the CDs to fit) 
  
  
• Screwdriver and screws or hammer and nails to fix frame together.

More inspiration for your hydroponics project

Workshop member pLethora used a VegTrug Growing kit to build an outdoor hydroponic garden.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @DavidMSly 

Thats a brilliant project! I have had this type of deal in my mind for years but never got arround to it, my chosen fruit will be strawberries and I think you have just pushed me into "giving it a go"  

I really like your instructions as well.

Love it!

Dave