holes spaced two feet apart . In each hole , place a two-inch net pot that will allow the plant roots to grow into the channel below .
Because NFT systems require gravity to bring the continuous stream of nutrient solution from the top of the channel to the bottom and subsequently into a reservoir , you ’ ll need to elevate the PVC pipe with one end slightly higher than the other .
NFT System Set Up
This can be accomplished in several ways .
● A sturdy stand , typically made of PVC or lumber , is the most common option , but even a basic standalone wire rack can be employed by placing the channel along the second or third shelf .
● Insert a small block under one side of the channel , creating a downward slope . Unlike Ebb and Flow systems , which also need elevation to operate , NFT systems have a more limited weight requirement since the amount of water being supported is significantly less .
● Be sure to cap the channel at both the high and low end to prevent water from escaping the closed system .
A reservoir , typically a bucket or tote , will hold your nutrient / water solution and should be placed directly below the channel ( if
Types of Hydro Water Systems
possible ) with a small water pump inside of it . The size of the reservoir is dependent on the size of the channel and the number of plants you ’ re growing . When water is being circulated at full speed up from the reservoir through the channel , you want to ensure that the pump remains fully submerged — it never hurts to have too much water in your reservoir for this type of system . Pumps will quickly burn out if they are allowed to run dry .
Now it ’ s time to get our water circulating .
● You ’ ll need enough 3 / 4-inch flexible black poly tubing to reach from your water pump to the top of the channel and from the bottom of the channel back down into the reservoir .
● You ’ ll also need two 3 / 4-inch rubber grommets .
● With your drill ─ drill a 3 / 4-inch hole on top of the channel ’ s high side , about two inches from the end .
● Cut the same size hole on the bottom of the channel ’ s low side , about two inches from the end .
● Insert a rubber grommet into each hole . Run flexible poly tubing from the water pump ’ s output to the grommet on top of the high side .
● Then run poly tubing down from the grommet on the low side so that it hangs slightly higher than the water level in the reservoir .
● Plug in your water pump , and you should start to see a water stream form in your channel .
The speed and depth of the stream can be |
controlled by a few different variables : |
1 . |
Length of the channel |
2 . |
Depth of the channel |
3 . |
Slope of the channel , and |
4 . |
Strength of the water pump |
A quick Google search will yield a few commonly held metrics for flow rate and gradient ( slope ), but none do a great job calculating all the possible combinations of material sizes . The goal is to have just enough solution passing across the plant roots so that they receive the nutrition they need without sitting fully submerged in a pool of water . I typically use a little trial and error to adjust the slope and height of my channel until the water level is about a quarter-inch higher than the bottom of my net pots .
Place your rooted plants in the net pots so their roots hang into the water stream , and you ’ re off to the races ! Closely monitor your nutrient feeding schedule , pH level , and system cleanliness ( again , all these topics were covered in the two previous editions of The EVOLUTION Magazine ) to grow the healthiest plants possible .
One benefit of the constant movement of nutrient solution is that ample oxygen is readily available to the semi-exposed roots . This is important for nutrient uptake , overall plant health , and avoiding root rot . In some instances , where the channel is much longer and oxygen will be depleted before the end of the run , an air pump can be placed outside the reservoir ( running continuously ), forcing air through flexible tubing to an air stone placed in the nutrient solution .
Lastly , similar to systems like Ebb and Flow , even if you don ’ t plan to grow extremely large plants , you ’ ll likely need some type of training system or trellis netting to support your canopy . Otherwise , you risk top-heavy plants buckling under the weight of their buds .
For more information about YRG , visit
www . year-roundgarden . com or call 816.216.6917 and be sure to tell them The EVOLUTION Magazine sent you .
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