We have modified our design to include a water pump, for a hydroponic “drip” system. After conducting some research we discovered that the vegetables we intend to grow, peppers, will not fair the best in a deep water hydroponic system. Therefore, we’ve upgraded our system with both a water and an air pump. Because our design is quite simple and versatile, little will be done to alter it during the construction process. With the addition of a fifth smaller hole in the center of the piece responsible for holding the plants in place, we are able to run both the tubing and the electric cord up and out through the center.
Because we have changed the design from a deep water system to a drip system, some other small changes have occured. Instead of having a ‘float’ (a piece of buoyant material) to rise and fall with the change in water depth, we now have a stationary piece of acyrilic that sits an inch below the top edge. In doing so, any overflow of water will then return to the reservoir.
I am really looking forward to see how your drip system is going to work. During the brain storming part of this project the drip system was one that I thought my partner and I might do but we decided not to go that route. Also I like that you are growing peppers, I don’t think many other groups are growing them. Hopefully they will be ready to harvest before the semester is over, especially if you wouldn’t mind sharing one. Well it looks like you have a well thought out system and glad that you were able to make a change on the fly without having to start over or change your design. Good luck with everything!
I like how you made a change right before planting to ensure the correct growth of your seeds. It made me want to keep on top of new ways to help my plants grow. Good luck with using an air and water pump.
I like how you organized the tubing and the water filter. You made sure everything was fit for your plants to grow. You also took into account the presentation of the hydroponic system as well. The system has a nice appearance and it set-up very well.