How to build an Aeroponic system
This system is a little bit tougher to build but a pretty cool and popular aeroponic system. This system is very successful in growing lots of different types of plants. Because it is an Aeroponic system the root system will be incredibly healthy and vigorous. Since the roots are suspended above the nutrient solution, if the pump should fail the roots will always have moisture and access to nutrient, making this a pretty fail proof system. There are lots of different plans available but this one has been designed for an easier build although it is not expandable.
The material for this system is easy to find. The pump recommended in this plan, the Ecoplus 264, was chosen because it has a suction cup base to hold the manifold in place and a 1/2” threaded female outlet. If a pump is used that cannot support the manifold in this way then you will have to use another method to both support and attach the sprayer manifold to the pump.
Maintenance tips:
The lid can be lifted and slid over a few inches for quick access. I have found it is very helpful to have an additional tote of the same size that I can use to temporarily move the entire lid and plants into while doing routine maintenance such as nutrient changes and cleaning. This is not advisable for large, unstable or flowering plants.
There are several easy ways to drain this system. A siphoning tube can be used if the system is elevated. If a nutrient level indicator has been installed properly it can usually be rotated down, again this requires that the system is elevated a few feet. The best option, in my opinion, is a drain plug or shut off valve installed close to the bottom of the reservoir that a length of hose can be connected to for draining. If you have an additional pump and a bit of hose it can be used to drain most of the nutrient.
The material for this system is easy to find. The pump recommended in this plan, the Ecoplus 264, was chosen because it has a suction cup base to hold the manifold in place and a 1/2” threaded female outlet. If a pump is used that cannot support the manifold in this way then you will have to use another method to both support and attach the sprayer manifold to the pump.
Maintenance tips:
The lid can be lifted and slid over a few inches for quick access. I have found it is very helpful to have an additional tote of the same size that I can use to temporarily move the entire lid and plants into while doing routine maintenance such as nutrient changes and cleaning. This is not advisable for large, unstable or flowering plants.
There are several easy ways to drain this system. A siphoning tube can be used if the system is elevated. If a nutrient level indicator has been installed properly it can usually be rotated down, again this requires that the system is elevated a few feet. The best option, in my opinion, is a drain plug or shut off valve installed close to the bottom of the reservoir that a length of hose can be connected to for draining. If you have an additional pump and a bit of hose it can be used to drain most of the nutrient.
