Intro
Before you begin any Hydroponic Building project you should first review this DIY Hydroponics Building Primer to get a grasp of the techniques you will need to know. Some eager hydroponic system builders jump in too quickly before scanning this DIY Hydroponics Building Primer and find that they are not comfortable or capable of doing some parts of the build. You should feel comfortable doing all the types of construction techniques below before beginning your build. Those that are not can just Buy a premade system and go straight to the setup and Grow sections of the site.
1. You need to Build a Table, Countertop, or Ledger
For most installations, you will need a table, counter, or ledger board to place your trays or buckets on so that they are higher than the reservoir. One of the easiest and most accessible ways of doing this is with concrete blocks and wood planks.
Materials
- 4 – 8″ x 8″ x16″ concrete blocks
- 2 – 2″ x 10″ x 8″ wood planks
Tools
- Circular or hand saw to cut the planks to the proper length for your location.
Instructions
- Place the concrete blocks in your hydroponic system location.
- Place another layer of block on top of each starter block.
- Place the planks on top of the stacked blocks.
- You can use Hardscaping or concrete Liquid nails to secure everything in place if you have children or pets or feel it necessary.
- Add blocks or planks as needed to create the layout you need for your location and type of system.
Still not sure? Check this out
2. Learn How To Measuring PVC Pipe
DIY Hydroponics montra. “Measure twice cut once!”
3. Review Options For Cutting PVC Pipe
Cutting PVC pipe with a PVC cutter or hand saw (Best)
If you have a little extra cash in the budget using a PVC cutter makes it easy peasy!
Cutting PVC pipe with a Chop or miter saw (Better)
Clamping down the pipe with either the ones provided on the saw or hand clamps makes cutting even safer either a Chop saw.
More ways to Cut PVC pipe,
There are even more ways to cut PVC pipe
4. Best DIY Hydroponics Practices for Clueing PVC Pipe
Pay close attention to the sanding of the fresh-cut edges. Sanding will allow the pipes and fittings to slip together a little easier and seat deeper and properly into fittings. It will also give the glue some extra grip!
Using a one-step glue/primer helps speed things up!
5. The Details of Setting Directional PVC Pipe Fittings
Pay careful attention to the way the pipes were marked with a marker during the dry set phase. You don’t want your 90-degree fitting facing the wrong way!
7. Best DIY HydroponicsTips for Drilling Plastic PVC Pipe
Unless you have experience or an amazing grip, make sure you clamp down your PVC Pipe in a vise so it doesn’t move or roll.
8. How to Use a Hole Saw
This sample shows a hole saw cutting wood, but the principles with plastic are the same. If you feel you don’t have the wrist strength to drill straight away. Try running the drill backward after starting the pilot hole. It cuts slower with more control, especially if your hole saw has an aggressive or rough-cut set of teeth!
9. Best Reservoir DIY Hydroponics Tips
Measuring the drainpipe to go into a reservoir
Always allow for an air gap between the bottom of your nutrient water return drain pipe and the highest level of your nutrient water in the reservoir.
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