How to Build a Homemade Hydroponics System Three Methods:Water CultureMulti FlowEbb and Flow Building your own water works system is quite simple and 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. Steps Choose the type of system you want to build. Your choices include:
Gather all the materials you need for this project. They are listed in the "Things You'll Need" section. Method 1 of 3: Water Culture Find a container to use as a reservoir such as a fish tank or a bin/bucket. If it's not light-proof, the reservoir should be painted black (or covered with thick black trash bag if you want to reuse a tank). #*Allowing light to enter the reservoir will promote the growth of algae, which disrupts the growth of other plants by stealing oxygen and nutrients. #*It is a good idea to use a reservoir that is the same dimensions (length x width) from top to bottom (Example: Top is 36" x 20" and bottom is 36" x 20"). If possible, use a fish tank or similar container as your reservoir. Spray paint tank (if translucent) black and let dry. Before painting, apply a strip of painters' tape vertically from the top edge to the bottom. When the paint dries, remove the tape and use the unpainted space to show you how much water is in the reservoir.
Use a tape measurer to get the length and 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.
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.
The number of plants you can grow will depend on the size of the garden you build and the types of crops you want to grow. Remember to space plants appropriately so that each receives ample amounts of light. The pump you choose must be strong enough to provide enough oxygen to sustain plants. Ask for advice choosing a pump at your local hydroponics supply store. Tell them the size of your reservoir (In gallons - 2, 5, 10 gallons, etc.) and they should be able to make a recommendation. Connect the air line to the pump and 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.
Set up hydroponics system.
Place your six pots on a stable surface. Be sure that the surface is not tilted, or the system will not work properly. Connect them with the PVC fittings and tubes. If the container you have is designed for a multi flow system, it should automatically turn the power on and off as the water levels in the container change. Thus, this is a safer and more efficient flood/drain system than those used in ebb and flows (see next section) Put the plants in the small plant trays. Ensure that everything is working properly. Method 3 of 3: Ebb and Flow Choose a location for your reservoir. Put the plant tray on top of the reservoir. If it doesn't fit well, set up a support structure to keep it level. Install the fill/drain system in the tray. Connect tubes to the water pump and place it inside the reservoir. Double check that overflow goes back into the reservoir, rather than spilling out around it. Connect the pump timer. Place the plants and their pots in the tray. | ![]() |