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The goal: To demonstrate the
construction of an Ebb & Flow hydroponic system.
The system being constructed is small, however
the design is the same as larger systems.
Parts list...
- Resturant bus tub, 15 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 4 1/2",
flood tray.
- Resturant bus tub, 15 1/2" x 20 1/2" x 7",
reservoir.
- Reservoir lid, 15 3/4" x 22".
- Overflow fitting.
- Fill/drain fitting.
- Water pump, 70 gph.
- Tubing, 1/2" ID.
- Aquarium air pump.
- Air stones.
- Green air line.
Notice, in the pictures
above, the one inch holes, in the flood tray for the
overflow, and fill/drain fittings, also, the two inch
holes in the lid, for the fittings to pass through.
A
view of the plumbed flood tray with lid. See how it
fits over the fittings.
This is a view
of the reservoir with lid, and plumbed flood tray.
Here, it's all assembled. The water and air
pumps are not shown. The power cord, and air lines fit
between, the reservoir and lid. A small notch may need
to be added, to avoid pinching the air lines, and to
help the flood tray sit level.
Assembled with
six 5 1/2" square pots. Notice the easy access to both
fittings. The fill/drain fitting has a connector for a
1/2" hose, under the screen. Remove the screen,
connect the hose, turn the pump on, and pump out the
nutrient solution. Makes reservoir change outs very
easy.
Another view of the system.
Note:
Choosing a container...
Not all containers
are made equal. Some are very sturdy, while others are
not. Using a weak container will only lead to failure
and a flood. Choose heavy duty containers. Also, some
containers will need a center support to keep
them level under the weight of the nutrient solution.
Note: About sizes...
The
reservoir should be large enough, to hold two, to
three times the volume of the flood tray or table. The
pump should be sized to flood the tray in 5 min. or
less.
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