How-to Builds

* added 5/3/17 I made a new version of this system, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx7XtYIVCogQDFR-aPhP2tPURBuPva7As Also all follow-up videos to this first version can be found here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx7XtYIVCogSaplu_KPqhT35CDKhWYAMg Thanks for watching! I show step-by-step how to design and construct a low-pressure aeroponics (soakaponics) system using free and inexpensive parts. I built mine for growing peppers, but could be used for anything. The pepper I used for testing was a Bhut Jolokia Assam. The cost is less than 10.00 in parts, plus the submersible pump which cost me 22.42. Add 1.35 for optional sight glass components. This helps to monitor the water/nutrient level. Parts list/cost PVC parts 1 x 5' sched 40 1/2" PVC pipe - 1.92 5 x 1/2" caps - .38 each = 1.52 4 x 1/2" slip elbows - .28 each = 1.12 1 x 1/2" four-way cross tee - 1.26 2 x 90 deg tee - .35 each = .70 1 x 1/2" adapter threaded/slip - .38 1 x Eco-396 submersible pump - 22.42 - http://goo.gl/n4cmuL 15 x Spray nozzles - .13 each = 1.95 1 x Icing container - free 1 x 3" net pot -.35 https://amzn.to/31AsmVQ 1 x 2" neoprene cloning collar - .35 - https://amzn.to/31GWUVW Total 31.97 Optional sight glass parts 1 x 1/2" elbow - .50 1 x 1/2" grommet - .35 1 x 10" piece of 1/2" clear tubing - .50 Total 1.35 Here are some of the parts used to make this system that I purchased through. EcoPlus 728310 Eco 396 Submersible Pump, 396GPH (You can probably get by with one not as powerful, like the 210 GPH one, and save money) http://goo.gl/n4cmuL Hydrolux 360 Degree Red Replacement Micro Sprayer (100 count) http://goo.gl/heVsJh Drillco 2000C Series Carbon Steel Hand Threading Tap 10-32 http://goo.gl/hPbuIY Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

This is the full video (Parts 1, 2, 3 combined) of my new design inexpensive low pressure aeroponics system - version 2. Like the first design, this one still uses PVC spray bars and misting nozzles, but it is much simpler and more efficient. It uses two 5 gallon buckets instead of the 4 gallon icing container used in the first design. You can see an update here showing how it is doing growing a large Helios Habanero plant. https://youtu.be/Gb8cRILVHEk I also remastered the audio, so it should sound a little better. If you want to see the individual parts, see links below. Part 1 - https://youtu.be/BCFHRDc3MH4 Part 2 - https://youtu.be/sXady5dOIEg Part 3 - https://youtu.be/NTEvfF9mr50 For more information about this project, please visit my website at https://www.pepperinfo.com/how-to-make-low-pressure-aeroponics-system-version-2/ Last year I made a video (https://youtu.be/fBcNxiv4Pc0) of a DIY low-pressure aeroponics system design (aka spray-a-ponics or soak-a-ponics), which uses a submersible pump and PVC with spray nozzles attached. The nozzles spray nutrient solution onto the roots, then circulate back through the pump. That design worked very well, but there were a few issues I encountered. Problems with old version: 1. Small reservoir 2. Difficult to change nutrients 3. Over-complicated design, requiring special tools The new design addresses these issues. If you built the other version, you probably have most of the parts already. I did not mention in the video, but for the nutrient solution, I used a three part mix of Masterblend, Magnesium Sulfate and Calcium Nitrate at a ppm of around 850. Part 1 of this tutorial shows the parts needed and preparation. Part 2 shows the construction, and Part 3 shows the final assembly, operation and follow-up. Parts needed for this system as shown in the video: PVC parts schedule 40 1/2" PVC pipe - 3 x 1" long pieces 1 x 7/8" long piece 2 x 3" long pieces 2 x 1/2" couplers 2 x 1/2" caps 2 x 1/2" slip 45 degree elbows 1 x 90 deg tee 1 x 1/2" adapter threaded/slip (screws into the pump) - get at a Lowes or Home Depot 3 x Spray nozzles and 11/64" drill bit - https://goo.gl/QX4u9j Submersible pump 1 x EcoPlus 728310 Eco 396 Submersible Pump, 396GPH http://goo.gl/n4cmuL (I mentioned in the video that I had seen one by Apollo Horticulture for 10.00, but don't see that available at the time of this posting.) Drill bits for internal bucket - These don't have to be exact, the 11/16" is what I used. It needs to be either exactly the diameter of the 1/2" PVC pipe or just under. 1/4" 11/16" 2 x 5 gallon buckets - https://goo.gl/qUS06c (You can get these cheaper at big box stores) 1 x 5 gallon bucket lid Approx. 2.00 in box stores 1 x 3" net pot https://goo.gl/NUZKIu 1 x 3" hole saw - https://goo.gl/TPehGL OR *You might want to modify this design using a 6 inch bucket lid net pot. That would offer a little more stability and save some work and money. (6 inch net pot - https://goo.gl/8nlTAS) If you use this you won't need the regular bucket lid, 3 inch net pot or 3 inch hole saw. Supporting media Clay pebbles/hydroton - https://goo.gl/pKFvKk *alternately you could use coco coir chips instead - https://goo.gl/q5k8Dl Power cord management 1 x 1 7/8" hole saw - https://goo.gl/dRz3GN 1 x 2" neoprene cloning collar - https://goo.gl/sb3bMe (This also has the spray nozzles needed, listed above, but doesn't included the 11/64" bit) Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

How to make cheap and easy DIY seed starting system from plastic water bottles. Each bottle becomes a self-enclosed wicking/sprouting chamber. You can use this method to start several seeds, then separate them out later for growing in larger systems. Materials needed: - 2 plastic water bottles - wicking material, such as a strip of microfiber cloth - dilute nutrient solution - https://goo.gl/3aEeR5 - coco coir - https://goo.gl/noh8Cm - seeds Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

Self-watering wick systems comparison I recently posted a video showing a 5 gallon wick system that used a 6 inch net pot connected to microfiber cloth which hung down into the nutrient solution. https://youtu.be/d24QSgDFELI Last year I built a 5 gallon self-watering container that is another type of wicking system but works a little differently. It functions similarly to commercial earth box growers. Since I had another White Devil's Tail plant I decided to set that one up in the old system so I can compare the two. I will post updates showing the progress of each plant throughout the season. Khang Starr has a good video showing to build one of these self-watering containers similar to the one shown here. https://youtu.be/LWkg5ttOm5I Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

I'm testing an easy way to change hydroponic nutrients in my 5 gallon DWC system. So far it's working really well. It's basically a bucket within a bucket. The internal bucket has holes and contains the roots, air stones and tubing. To change nutrients I just add fresh solution to a clean bucket, and lift the top bucket out and place it in the new bucket. One thing to be aware of is some of the solution in the bottom container will be unused because of the gap between the two bottoms. It's important to check the nutrient levels between changes in case any needs to be added. In the video I was cutting it very close, as it appeared to have run dry in the top bucket. I think I caught it soon enough to prevent any damage. I'm changing solution every two weeks, but from now on I'll be adding an extra gallon between weeks. Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

In this video I demonstrate how to construct and use a water culture hydroponics system from a coffee container. This version has four 2in net pots, but you could build it in different configurations. Fewer net pots would allow you to grow the plants bigger before crowding each other out. Supplies: Air pump, tubing and stone: http://amzn.to/2sM3z0H Nutrients: http://amzn.to/2rMirLd 2" net pots: http://amzn.to/2rMwEb8 Rapid Rooter plugs: http://amzn.to/2t5oEWL 1 7/8" hole saw: http://amzn.to/2t51akP Cloning collar - https://amzn.to/2YpWUvg Please visit my website at https://www.pepperinfo.com for more information about growing. Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

Large Kratky Hydronics - End of season roots on Khang Starr Lingria pepper. This video shows the roots of the KS Lingria that was growing in the 60-gallon pickle barrel. The nutrients used were a mix of 4-18-38 Masterblend, Epsom Salt, and Calcium Nitrate. The Kratky method is a type of passive hydroponics popularized by Dr. B.A. Kratky. It was almost completed depleted, so I emptied it out, rinsed, and replaced with 17 gallons of fresh nutrients. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from purchases made through the following links. Setup DIY video for this Kratky system - https://youtu.be/iBWzwasIXxM MasterBlend nutrients - https://amzn.to/2uz9Phe Mixing guide for MasterBlend - https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/everything-you-need-for-mixing-masterblend/

This hydroponic seed starting system is a very affordable, easy to make, alternative to the air stone (DWC - Deep Water Culture) type AeroGardens. I made this using a 5 gallon Commander XXL tote from Lowes, some 1-inch net cups, air pump, air stones, and a grow light. It was very quick and easy to put together and can be reused for many other projects. I set this up for 18 grow sites, but I could have gotten more if I wanted. I make commissions off purchases made through the following links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps support my YouTube channel. Parts showed (or equivalent) in the video: Commander XL 5 gallon tote - https://go.magik.ly/ml/lbrk/ Air pump - https://amzn.to/2XNpXpB Air stones - https://amzn.to/2TtfFfG Sansi 30 watt grow light - https://amzn.to/2XPc8H7 Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 - https://amzn.to/2XOKz0T Air tubing - https://amzn.to/2NV3LFI 1-inch net cups - https://amzn.to/2NV06r7 AeroGarden sponges - https://amzn.to/2TqEn0m or Rapid Rooter (cut these in quarters the long way) - https://amzn.to/2XOKzxV 1-inch bit - https://amzn.to/2NT804t 1-inch PVC pipe - get at Lowes 1-inch PVC tee - get at Lowes

Homemade non-circulating, aka "Kratky", type system. Growing a Carbonero pepper. The container was originally a laundry detergent gel pack container from Sams Club. A three inch net pot fits in the lid after cutting the hole. The plastic is semi-translucent so I applied a few coats of paint to block light. The nutrient solution used is a 3-part Masterblend formula. 3 grams of Masterblend, 3 grams of Calcium Nitrate and 2 grams Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt). pH was adjusted to 6.3. The ppm was measured at 1050. I might have used the wrong plant for this, as it already had a nice root system. I trimmed the roots to around 3 inches long and filled the container to point where the roots were about 1/4 inch in the solution. I think the system is fine, but if there are problems I'll start over with a less developed plant. Before transplanting to this, the Carbonero plant was in a DWC setup with GH Maxibloom at 550 ppm. Supplies: 3" hole saw: http://amzn.to/2tEo1Rf 3" net pot: http://amzn.to/2t5oxuI Clay pebbles: http://amzn.to/2s5VO3C Masterblend: https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-supplies-nutrients/

How to make a small self-watering wick systems. In this video I show you how to make tiny self-watering wick systems out of cups and other small items that you would normally discard. These are used to provide a constant food and water for your plants and reduces the need to add nutrients as often. This works on the same principle as the larger earth boxes. For nutrients and strength I used Masterblend at 1.6 g/gal, MgSO4 at .8 g/gal, and Ca(NO3)2 at 1.6 g/gal. This was the strength the plants were in initially so if yours are not adapted to that strength, or are used to more, adjust accordingly. I have a written version of the steps described in this video, on my website at https://www.pepperinfo.com/how-to-make-a-micro-self-watering-wick-system-from-styrofoam-cups-functions-just-like-an-earthbox/

Using the Kratky method to start seeds and transplant spouts. In this video I show to start pepper seeds using the Kratky method and also demonstrate a way to transfer existing sprouts into a Kratky setup. My seed starting nutrient solution is a mix of 4-18-38 Master Blend, Epsom Salt and Calcium Nitrate at the following strengths. This same method will also work in the AeroGarden. Khang Starr and Matt Garver gave me the ideas for exploring this. Khang Starr: https://www.youtube.com/user/KhangStarr010 Matt Garver: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUznk-cggnf5NrnneXBykfQ MasterBlend 1.6 grams/gallon Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) .8 grams/gallon Calcium Nitrate 1.6 grams/gallon There is more information on my website on where to buy these ingredients as well as mixing instructions. https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-supplies-nutrients/ AeroGarden baskets that I use in the video can be found here (link): https://goo.gl/TLfYHN Park Seed Biodome sponges: http://parkseed.com/120-pack-refill-sponges-for-the-original-60-cell-planting-block/p/06565-PK-120/

how to build a large 60-gallon Kratky hydroponic system. I set up a large 60-gallon pickle barrel to use as a mega Kratky hydroponic system. The plant I used was a Butch T Scorpion, that I originally had grown in a 5-gallon DWC hydroponic bucket. Some of the links below will direct you to Amazon, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Parts shown, used or mentioned in the video: Truncheon nutrient strength meter - https://amzn.to/2Z81D1j Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 - https://amzn.to/31IMnJG 6-inch net bucket - https://amzn.to/31MftrD

Easy cheap DIY AeroGarden alternative for starting pepper seeds. In this video I show how to make a system that functions similar to AeroGarden, and uses the AeroGrow baskets. For the grow sponges I used the ones that Park Seed sells, (BioDome sponges 60 cell refill size), but the standard AeroGrow would be fine of course. I use an air pump and stone to oxygenate the water/nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is a three part mix of Master Blend, Magnesium Sulfate and Calcium Nitrate at around 550 ppm. Just like with the AeroGarden the seeds are germinated and sprouted in the grow sponges. This implementation has 16 grow sites in the lid of a five gallon bucket. A 1.5" hole saw makes a perfect size hole to the hold the grow basket. Aside from being pretty the only thing it lacks is a timer and grow light, which can be easily improvised. Depending on where you get everything, the total system can be made for less than 30.00. This includes the pump, stone and light as well. Links to parts to build this (The ones are links): Air pump, stone and tubing. This isn't the brand I used, but it should work fine. http://amzn.to/2kQ2WhA AeroGrow baskets: http://amzn.to/2kPT6fw AeroGrow sponges: http://amzn.to/2kQ57BC (or you could save money and use I used in the video, and get the Park Seed biodome sponges here--http://parkseed.com/120-pack-refill-sponges-for-the-original-60-cell-planting-block/p/06565-PK-120/ 1.5" hole saw: http://amzn.to/2kQ7Mvn Check my website for information on hydroponic nutrients: https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-supplies-nutrients/

In this video I show the principles of Hempy Bucket design as an example of passive hydroponics. I illustrate how I made mine, and show results of my CARDI Yellow Scorpion pepper plant growing using the hempy bucket method.

How to make a self-watering container for growing peppers - DIY step by step guide In this video, I show step by step, how to build a self-watering container. These are also known as sub-irrigated planters. The bucket-in-bucket setup is a very common self-watering container design. They work similarly to the Earth Box and the GroBucket. The GroBucket is actually a lot easier and quicker to build. A lot of folks have asked for the video. I'm doing a comparison now between the DIY self-watering container, and the GroBucket, each growing Olive Rocoto peppers. I make these for growing pepper plants, but you could really grow anything in them. Materials needed: (as an Amazon affiliate I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links) - 2 x 5-gallon buckets - https://amzn.to/3fBJqDz - Drill - https://amzn.to/344EOR0 - 3-inch hole saw - https://amzn.to/3vgLw2b - 1 1/4 inch hold saw - https://amzn.to/3hMNOCs - 5/16 inch drill bit - https://amzn.to/3fcilaZ - 2 x 3-inch net cups - https://amzn.to/3fDuULw - Zip ties - https://amzn.to/2Sl3IZL - 3 feet of 1-inch schedule 40 PVC pipe - https://amzn.to/348boRT or you could just make a GroBucket (I am not sponsored by or affiliated with GroTech) GroBucket kit (requires a 5-gallon bucket, drill, and a 5/16 inch drill bit) - https://amzn.to/3wqiltJ My GroBucket setup video - https://youtu.be/AS-X5VaySy0 Watch Khang Starr's video on this same type of self-watering container / sub-irrigated planter build - https://youtu.be/LWkg5ttOm5I