Intro - This is a modified version of [boundaryconditions Modular Hydroponic Tower Garden](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3405964) and some features of [ghoofmans Smart IoT Modular Hydroponic Tower Garden](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4319940).

I finally decided to upload my remix of boundaryconditions Modular Hydroponic Tower Garden. I initially just planned to do a make, but soon I decided to invest some time and modify the project to suit my needs and capabilities.

I wanted to utilize the space as much as possible and this meant that I needed a tower at least 6 feet tall. Thus, the base of the tower had to be extra stable to support the weight of the tower. I might have overengineered the base to make it extra stiff, but it worked!

I have a Prusa Mini+, which has a fairly small bed (180mmx180mm). This somewhat complicated things.

Due to the weather I live in, I needed to place the tower indoors. This required the use of grow lights. I couldnt find a grow light holder that fit my print bed and could, in the future, be extended further outward as the plants grow.

Finally, the project had to be modular and easily upgradeable.

Thankfully, I have decent experience with Solidworks. Thus, I downloaded the Step files from the two aforementioned projects and modified a few parts. The pot lid and the Led supports were entirely my creation.

Ill provide a link to the [Step files](in case someone want to keep modifying the project.

The tower has been up and running without any major incident. It has 8 4-way planting modules and 3 spacers. It is surprisingly stable and I plan to add at least a couple more modules once the plants grow a bit more. The pump Im using is more than capable of pumping enough water all the way to the top. I initially started with 3 42W 4ft Led grow lights, but after a month I decided to try to add to 3 more for a total of 6 to provide better lighting. The grow lights are pretty well secured from the bottom with the arms I designed.

Im also gonna provide a parts list in case anyone doesnt want to do all the research looking for the specific pump or lights needed.

Finally, I published a new project (link [here](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6486044)) so people can print a lid for a standard 5 Us Gallon Bucket. Its easy to source, cheap and with an increased reservoir capacity. I havent printed it (since I have no need for it) but it should work!

Hope this helps!

Questions? Just leave a comment. I usually check at least once a month to update and answer questions.

Attention!

Printer: Prusa Mini+ Filament: Petg Layer Height: 0.25mm Infill: 20% (except the lid and the Led arms, which are 50% for extra strength) Print Speed: 40mm/s Supports: Not needed (except for the Led arm tip, which has to be printed vertically, and the tag holder, which requires supports on the upper lip). Check the images of the slicer I uploaded) Print bed: 18mmx180mm (if you print bed is larger, you can print a 3-way planting module. Brims: Yes Perimeters: 3 (makes it watertight and adds extra strengh)

Due to the small size of the Prusa Mini+ print bed, I can only print 1, 2 and 4-way planting modules. If you have a larger print bed, you can print any module you want, since I havent modified the size or the locking mechanism of the modules of [boundaryconditions project](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3405964). If you cant access the link, the Step files are available in the Mega link provided in the Step files section.

[Ikea 9 1/2 Muskot pot](I usually fill it with 2.5-3 gallons of water. It looks nice and once full is pretty stable. If you cannot find this pot, you might want to check my [remix for a 5 Us Gallon bucket](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6486044).

[EcoPlus 290 Gph (1098 Lph, 17W) Submersible Water Pump](The current tower is about 5 feet tall and the pump could go up to 6 feet while still delivering enough flow. It is quite enough so you only hear the trickle of water. Its rather relaxing.

[4ft Barrina T8 Led grow light 42W](These are not the best grow lights, but Im just getting started and I wanted to get some affordable lights to get started. You can install up to 6 grow lights. Ill update on how many Im using.

[Kasa smart Plug](I use these smart plugs to control the scheduling of the lights and pump according to the plants Im growing and their growth stage. The app is user friendly and allows you to add enough on/off events for the entire day (although Id recommend you run your pump on +30min on/off cycles).

[Overture Petg Filament 1.75mm, 1kg spool](can use the brand you desire, but Id recommend Pwtg over Pla due to its added strength and durability (and the cost is the same nowadays).

[1 Set Splendid Popular General Hydroponics pH (4.0-8.5) Test Kit Indicator Tester Up and Down, 30ml](I decided to use drops because its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Some other people use strips (which is basically the same idea, but more bulky) or pH Meters (however the cost and the errors due to calibration are not ideal for first time users). Use whichever you feel comfortable with!

[2PCS 10ml Glass Graduated Droppers Lab Pipettes](Because I use liquid pH Test Indicator I needed a way to get into the reservoir and grab a small amount of liquid to test. With the pipettes its really easy. In addition, you can use them to measure a tiny amount of pH Down/Up with precision. Usually you only need 1ml or less, so its quite challenging without a pipette.

[General Hydroponics pH Down Liquid Premium Buffering, Quart](I only got the pH down buffer because in the Rockies the waters pH is already pretty basic. If needed, also get the pH Up version from the same manufacturer.

[Grow!T GMC10L - 4mm-16mm Clay Pebbles, Brown, 10Liter Bag](These clay pebbles have the right size and dont alter the pH (the first few days the pH might vary slightly before it stabilizes). Make sure to rinse them before use.

[Timesetl 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire 80 Mesh - 12X 40 Filter Screen Sheet Filtration Cloth](This mesh is used to prevent debris and roots from getting into the reservoir and obstructing the pump. This mesh is fine enough to prevent the roots from getting through. The o

Источник: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3405964

Автор: Luitzor

Лицензия: Creative Commons - Attribution - Non-Commercial - Share Alike