This is a Modular Hydroponics Tower that allows you to grow plants in 2" net-pots.

I have specifically designed this tower so that it ebbs & flows. When the pump is activated, water is carried to the top of the tower, and each section is flooded. When the pump is deactivated, all sections are drained.

This project is distinct from similar projects because each section floods -- roots are completely submerged in water while the pump is active. Many similar projects have water continuously drip from one section to another.

Is the ebb & flow method better than the drip method? I'm not sure! I'm pretty new to hydroponics, so I'm just testing this out myself. If you have theories, let me know.

Comments, criticisms, advice, etc. are all welcome!

Printed Parts (see full assembly to match colors to parts):

• v2.4.2: Tower Anchor (purple)
• v2.1.2: Tower Base (blue)
• v2.0.8: Net-Pot Section (light and dark green -- both are the same part)
• v2.2.4: Tower Top (orange)
• v2.3.2: Tower Cap (red)

Purchased Parts:

• 5 Gallon HDPE Bucket X2
• 5 Gallon HDPE Bucket Lid X1
• Schedule 40, 1/2" PVC Pipe X1
• Schedule 40, 1/2" PVC Pipe Tee -- middle outlet threaded X1
• Schedule 40, 1/2" PVC Pipe Valve X1
• Barbed Fitting Elbow, 1/2" Barb, 1/2" MIP X4
• water pump X1
• 1/2" Tubing
• Plastic zip ties
• IoT Timer Outlet X1

Highly recommended tools:

• 3/16" drill bit
• 76mm hole drill
• pvc cutting tool

Assembly Notes:

This tower is specifically designed to be used with two 5 gallon HDPE buckets (top bucket and bottom bucket) and a length of schedule 40 1/2" PVC pipe.

1. Drill a 76mm hole in the base of the Top-bucket. Drill 3/16" inch holes for the Tower Anchor's zip-ties.

2. Install the Tower Anchor into the base of the Top-Bucket with zip-ties.

3. Install PVC tee onto the PVC pipe. This is where the water pump will pump water up the PVC pipe. Position the Tee appropriately. The Tee should be below the Top-Bucket's lid.

4. Install PVC pipe & Tee into the Tower Anchor.

5. Place the Top-Bucket into the Bottom-Bucket.

6. Drill a 76mm hole in the top bucket's lid, as well as holes for the pump's power cable, the flow-valve's holes, and 3/16" inch holes for the Tower Base's zip ties. Note: control valve not pictured in rendering.

7. Install the Tower Base onto the bucket lid, then place the lid onto the Top-Bucket.

8. Hook up your water pump, barb fittings, tubing, and flow control valve. Test your pump to make sure it can pump water to the top of the PVC pipe (this determines your maximum tower height).

9. Install Net-Pot Sections.

10. Install the Tower Top and cut your PVC pipe to length.

11. Install Tower Cap.