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How to Build Homemade Hydroponics Water Works Hydroponic System

Building your own water works system is quite simple as well as can be fun, if you know how to follow instructions. This type of system would be best used for water loving plants such as lettuce.

1. Only a few items are required to get you up as well as running in no time. (Please see the "Things You'll Need" section).
   
2. Find a container to use as a reservoir such as a fish tank or a bin/bucket of some sort. The reservoir should be painted black if it is not light proof. Allowing light to enter the reservoir will promote the growth of algae. It is a good idea to use a reservoir that is the same dimensions (length x width) from top to bottom (Example: Top: 36"x20" Bottom: 36"x20").
   
3. If possible, use a fish tank or similar container as your reservoir. Spray paint tank (if translucent) to black as well as let dry. Using se a knife or sharp object, score a line on the tank (scratch off some paint in a straight line from top to bottom) which will be your water level meter (Allow you to see how much water is in reservoir). Creating this line, however, is not necessary as you can determine how much water is in the reservoir simply by see how far down the floater (StyroFoam) has sunk. Adding the line gives a more accurate as well as convenient view of the nutrient solution level.
   
4. Use a tape measure to get the length as well as width of your reservoir. Measure from inside of the reservoir from one end to the other. Once you have the dimensions, cut the StyroFoam 1/4" (inch) smaller than the size of the reservoir. For example, if your dimensions are 36" in length as well as 20" in width you should cut the StyroFoam to 35 3/4" x 19 3/4". The StyroFoam should fix nicely, with just enough room to adjust to water level changes.
   
5. lf the reservoir tapers off at the bottom (the bottom is smaller in dimension than the top) the floater (StyroFoam) should be 2"-4" smaller than the reservoir, or more if necessary.
   
6. Do not place StyroFoam in reservoir yet! First, you need to cut the holes for the net pots. Put the net pots on the StyroFoam where you want to place each plant. Using a pen or pencil, trace around the bottom of the net pots. Use a sharp tool such as a knife or box cutter to follow the trace lines as well as cut the holes for pots. (KIDS!!! Get help from an adult). On one end of the StyroFoam (any end), cut a small hole for the air line to run into the reservoir.
   
7. The amount of plants you can grow will depend on the size of the garden you build as well as the types of crops you grow. Remember to space plants appropriately so the each receive ample amounts of light.
   
8. The pump you choose must be strong enough to provide enough oxygen to sustain plants. Ask for a help choosing a pump at your local hydroponics supply store. Telling them the size of your reservoir (In gallons - 2, 5, 10 gallons, et) as well as they should be able to make a recommendation.
   
9. Connect the air line to the pump as well as attach the air stone to the free end. The air line should be long enough to travel from the pump into the bottom of the reservoir or at least float in the middle some where so the oxygen bubbles can get to the roots. It also must be the right size for the pump you choose. Most pumps will come with the correct size air line. To make your best guest, use a one gallon bucked/bottle or any container that you know the capacity as well as fill the reservoir. Remember to count how much it takes to fill the reservoir as well as you will know the capacity of your reservoir.
   
   

• A homemade hydroponics system like this is not ideal for a large scale production or commercial usage. This particular system plan does not offer a way to conveniently change nutrient solution. An extra container would be required to hold the floater while you change the solution.

Kids should not build this system alone. Please get help from an adult when using sharp or heavy objects.