DIY Hydroponics Vegetable Growing Tower [Part 3]

DIY Hydroponics Vegetable Growing Tower [Part 3] - Under $200

Рет қаралды 346,005

Жыл бұрын

It's been a little while since I filmed an update on my Hydroponic/Aeroponic Tower Builds which brings me to part 3 of the series. This build revisits the single tower build, incorporating design improvements both learned and through feedback from all of you who are watching these videos.
Today I document and film the build process for an updated design of the single tower and some of the challenges I faced during the build process. There are some times during filming when my camera began to overheat due to the temperature outside which resulted in some blurry video so I apologize for that.
I'll also share with you a brief update on some of the other hydroponic activities that I'm currently working on.
Please keep those comments and recommendations coming.
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Chapter List:
Tower build: 8:03
Base Build: 26:50
Preparing Seeds: 1:00:06
Letpot Growing Update: 1:06:24
New Design and Build Update: 1:07:13
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Parts list:
2 - (Depending on Build Height) Charlotte Pipe PVC Pipe 4-in 10-ft - $21.76/ea [low.es/2QbcLHs]
1 - Charlotte Pipe 1/2-in x 10-ft - $5.82 [low.es/3CuZuDU]
2 - 4.25-in Drain Cover - $7.48/ea [low.es/3R3oab0]
3 - 4″ PVC Tee, White - $6.48/ea [low.es/3PFLOZK]
4 - 4-in Dia 90-Degree PVC Drain Elbow - $3.98/ea [low.es/3T0rIMV]
1 - 4-in Dia 45-Degree PVC Wye - $7.98 [low.es/3QzfPMd]
2 - 4 In. PVC Drain Cap - $3.28/ea [low.es/2XZsorZ]
1 - 2-in dia x 2-ft 280 Psi Schedule 40 White PVC Pipe - $13.15 [low.es/3dJ3qqs]
1 - GROWNEER 550GPH Submersible Pump 30W Ultra Quiet Fountain Water Pump - $17.77 [amzn.to/3Ag9sX1]
1 - xGarden - Lightweight Economy Net Pots Cups (50 pack) - $10.95 [amzn.to/3F5hiq6]
1 - Pure Coconut Coir Netted Pellets 42mm (100 pack) - $33.09 [amzn.to/3u1Cs2n]
1 - AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (1 Liter) - $26.19 [amzn.to/3Vc6bS4]
1 - Fusion One 10-fl oz Clear PVC Cement and Primer - $14.28 [low.es/3pAZcnw]
Optional:
IRWIN Marples 6.5-in Fine Finish Cut Coping Saw - $9.98 [low.es/3cdxTN0]
Kobalt PVC Cable Saw - $7.48 [low.es/3AAFMpa]
Clay Pebbles Gardening Ceramsite (2.2lbs) - $13.99 [amzn.to/3GMfDqL]
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POD Cutting Template: bit.ly/3c8Hm8c
#hydroponics #aquaponics #diy #gardening #growing #plants #vegetables #fruit #harvest #inexpensive #garden
ADD ME ON...
INSTAGRAM: @clohofficial ► / clohofficial
TWITTER: @clohofficial ► / clohofficial
PATREON: / chrisloh
BLOG: clohofficial.com/
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Video Gear I use:
Canon D80 - amzn.to/3bDkIOX
GoPro Hero 7 - amzn.to/3fXoxSH
DJI Mavic Mini: bit.ly/37doIEl
Audio Gear I use:
Rode Wireless Go - amzn.to/3fXbX5S
Samson G Track Pro - amzn.to/2WBF7Q6
FiFine Wireless Microphone System - amzn.to/2zFIsoq
FiFine K678 Microphone - www.amazon.com/dp/B085WRN1VD?
Lighting Gear I use:
Graphy StudioFX Box Lights - amzn.to/3cFfmnR
Neewer Studio Lighting - amzn.to/3bAYFs7
All Equipment and Editing Equipment that I use:
kit.co/clohoffical/my-filming
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Music Track by:
Main: From KZfaq Library
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Пікірлер: 759

@anthonypierre2094 Жыл бұрын

I've watched 3 of your build videos and am inspired. However there is one thing that stands out. I haven't really seen any videos of the success of your system. Have you grown plants? What kind? What kind of harvests. We need to see those results, that's the whole purpose of it all.

@JoeAnshien Жыл бұрын

I searched for same thing. Did anything ever grow?

@grahamcampbell9261 9 ай бұрын

He said there was too much rain one year and too much heat the next, so he is on year 3 now.

@grahamcampbell9261 9 ай бұрын

He said there was too much rain one year and too much heat the next, so he is on year 3 now.@@JoeAnshien

@JoeAnshien 9 ай бұрын

@@grahamcampbell9261 Not really sure how you can have too much rain with hydroponics and it is also movable to a less sunny spot. I hope with all the work he put in he can figure out how to get a crop of something;-)

@grahamcampbell9261 9 ай бұрын

@@JoeAnshien I think it was a tropical storm or something and he failed to move them. Lessons learned he said.

@7burnitdown Жыл бұрын

Would love to see follow up vids in the plant growth and challenges on these towers and trying different plants like tomatoes cabbage ext

@corygillis3658 11 ай бұрын

I really respect your willingness to revisit, revamp and relaunch these designs so transparently.

@tonyg6968 Жыл бұрын

💢just stumbled upon your video wanting to get into hydroponics after seeing a tower a friend bought and uses. Their tower cost upward of $600. But I find your design looks completely better and more efficient while being by far cheaper. I watched all your videos and the corrections you have made are important and more successful. Thank you for your videos. I will be making my own soon

@johnhoyle6390 Жыл бұрын

It's great to see the third generation of your designs. And thank you for the links for getting parts.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Let me know if there is anything you need. Appreciate the feedback!

@WhiteNoiseLibrary Жыл бұрын

Absolutely fantastic set of videos, you had me riveted to the screen. Watching your design process evolve. Such an inspiration. Thank You.

@gentlemanx7987 Жыл бұрын

It is amazing to see the progress. The first one was amazing already. The second one was even cooler. Now there is a third. Love it. Much love.

@gmay757112 Жыл бұрын

Hi Chris, I just came across your Hydroponic built series, This is fantastic, Thanks for sharing. Think I just found my new hobby. Looking forward to more Videos.

@djbarnes2133 Жыл бұрын

Love your easy to understand videos. Also, your “next step” tower that breaks down will also be easier to clean! So important. Thank you!

@maryvolmer4199 Жыл бұрын

Happy to see somebody trying to make a more affordable hydroponic tower.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Unfortunately inflation is making the materials more expensive. Im working on another design that might be even cheaper. Update coming soon!

@GardenKatt Жыл бұрын

Excellent update. I just watched all your tower builds. Just excellent and thank you.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

@benb5742 Жыл бұрын

This is what KZfaq is good for. Creating and getting feedback. Great job Chris.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Yes I love getting feedback to improve the design and build!

@susieq23 Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your careful instruction and the fact that you thought to show the project using simple tools. Thank you

@eTreyu27 Жыл бұрын

Would for sure like to see how well the system work, a short video of what you grew would be awesome

@bthompson2192 Жыл бұрын

Watch his part 2 video. He also has other videos than explains his plant growth. Good luck.

@FloridaSalon Жыл бұрын

Bless your heart. It was nice of you to do those cuts with a hand saw for demonstration. I would have only done one that way and then used the miter saw sitting next to you for the rest. Haha

@AlexSBoates Жыл бұрын

Fantastic! Previous videos really captured my imagination. Can't wait to see those 3d printed products.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Working on them and will hopefully have an updated video soon!

@donaldstepp4850 Жыл бұрын

Change two of the elbows at the base to Ts then get a female adapter and a plug. This will allow for even better clean out and inspection inside the base .

@marsrevolutionary Жыл бұрын

I did this on opposite corners so I could clean everything. The cleanouts are wider than the other fittings and cause the entire unit to balance on them. An extra 1/8" of material needs to be glued under the center and other two corners to adequately support the water weight and to prevent wobbling. For my next tower, I'll build the base like the 4 tower version and cap the corners where they would normally connect to the towers. It'll be more accessible for cleaning, adding solution and wiring, less finicky in the build process, and allow for expansion into four towers, when I have the room.

@colleenmeas1996 Жыл бұрын

Great idea! I was thinking of how to clean it, this is the perfect solution.

@alisterrebelo9013 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the idea. I would suggest two crosses or 4-way connectors on opposite ends for 100% access.

@Sauron6600 Жыл бұрын

Only problem with that is potential leaks. Clean outside are not meant to have any form of pressure on them and are usually above the main drain. Not sure even with wrapping the threads in Teflon would stop a potential seeping of water

@lije08 4 ай бұрын

This is a great idea, it also makes it more modular by adding two towers where the female adapter and plug are. But which type of PVC tube would you need to include to do both?

@RawandCookedVegan 2 ай бұрын

What I love about your presentation is the clarity, directness and no nonsense. Also, it appears to me that you are moving along at a good clip in terms of refining your system. Thanks for your videos.

@twosongs7396 Жыл бұрын

You’re an absolutely brilliant young man; you blow my mind!

@smilecolorsan Жыл бұрын

Hi Chris. Thank you so much for your dedication to this project and to making it more easier for us to understand, and more affordable and accessible for people. You even added extra work on yourself by using hand saws instead of your circle saw to teach us who cannot afford the circle saw how to cut. May God bless you and your heart of teaching!

@Brainwavebounty Жыл бұрын

You are awesome and have helped feed thousands of people. Thank youuu

@derivitiv Жыл бұрын

Quick tip: if you wish to use the expanded clay pellets for everything, just pre-sprout your seeds and then transfer the sprouts into the pots with the clay pellets. It's a little bit of extra work, but you gain the advantage of not having to worry about nesting insects.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to try it this coming Spring. Another viewer mentioned using Rockwool as well if starting from seed and then covering with the clay pellets. I'll try both methods! Thanks!

@ermakers1297 Жыл бұрын

@@ChrisLoh This is what we have done. We use rockwool cubes (non-foil wrapped version) to sprout seeds then once roots emerge from bottom of rockwool, transfer to tower with expanded clay media.

@terryhaynes9152 Жыл бұрын

It won't leak if you put the cement on both male and female parts. It's all plumbing components, they're designed not to leak. It'll seal. Don't be shy with it. Great info and content.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks. That was my thinking as well.

@mikeFolco 3 ай бұрын

Im gonna do this indoors. Thanks for sharing Chris.

@Brians-Easy-Low-Tech-Solutions Жыл бұрын

No need to worry about bacteria in your tower! In running water in any pipe, there is a "biofilm" of bacteria anyway, plus, your bacteria are mostly aerobic, which generally aren't pathogenic. You might consider using a timer. If your water stops for 15 minutes after every half hour or hour, I don't think your plants will mind, (it might even improve oxygen transfer in some roots) and at night maybe running for 15 minutes every hour will keep the plants happy when they are not photosynthesizing. Also, on your smaller designs, an airlift pump might be enough to run the system.

@mdforlife Жыл бұрын

I wonder if a solar powered pump that only runs during the day would work. What do you think?

@Brians-Easy-Low-Tech-Solutions Жыл бұрын

@@mdforlife I think so. I used brushless air pumps run directly from solar panels to run airlift pumps about a decade ago, I think they ran for almost 2 years (but they were noisy). They came on when the sun got bright enough and then ran till night. It's in my air pump videos but I don't remember which videos.

@robgulledge9952 Жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation skills. Just the right mix of talking and demonstration!!! Also, you create a down-to-earth rapport with your viewers as one who is exploring a common interest and sharing your discoveries. Your discoveries lead to design innovation and you save us from avoidable frustrations with your newfound knowledge. Well done! I look forward to seeing all that is to come! RG

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you!

@tonyaslatten6524 Жыл бұрын

Which type of PVC are you using. Are you using Schedule 40?

@walterashley149 9 ай бұрын

@@tonyaslatten6524yes, it is schedule 40, the schedule 80 would be too thick to work with easily, and would add to the cost as well. Love this guys builds!!!

@steveholder815 Жыл бұрын

Hi Chris and all reading , I love you design and seeing your thought process, a couple pointers from an old contractor that will definitely help, glue both peace’s of the PVC outside of the pipe as you did but also the inside of the flange and it will not leak , also the Saw you used is a coping saw for trim and the blade is a little wobbly, if you use a true hacksaw the blade will be much more stable when you make your cuts. Again I love your design I love watching you and I am Im building one myself. Keep up the good work.

@TN-ec6ec Жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the updates, Chris! Just a note: For the 3D Printed tower, you must use a food-grade resin in order to make it waterproof and safe from fungal growth. The space between the layers makes it very easy to leak through and especially for mold and bacteria to grow. I once 3d printed a sponge holder in the kitchen, and the space between the layers was quickly molded.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Great tip! I heard that as well. Any recommendations on brand of sealant or resin?

@nickanderson8305 Жыл бұрын

@@ChrisLoh tabletop resin is typically food safe

@EvilPlushMonster Жыл бұрын

Did you ever end up needing stability supports? All the gardens I’ve seen like this are lacking that element

@EvilPlushMonster Жыл бұрын

Looks like you answered my question! Just had to watch the video through 😂 Thank you ❤

@TheRealKingDong Жыл бұрын

This isnt not true, Ive use 3d printed parts for lot of stuff that needs to be water tight....also as long as you have water circulation you really shouldnt need to worry andthing fungal or mold and so forth.

@NorthernBCFlyGuy Жыл бұрын

great vid series, thanks! I got some major brownie points with the Ms. by building her one of these. Your directions were great.

@n.m.8768 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the great information!

@kurtmaldonado9649 2 ай бұрын

The level and quality of guidance is pro !!!

@user-ir3sx6zh3x 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. I have made your number two system and I am waiting for other parts to try it out this summer

@openeyes4839 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your tower builds, Chris, they're great! Love that you're experimenting and modifying. Try rockwool for the seeds in the netty pots.

@chriswarren2899 Жыл бұрын

Nice job Chris!

@brentdodrill6242 Жыл бұрын

Great job and very well thought out.

@LuisGonzalez-qj6pq Жыл бұрын

Your methods are simple and cost effective, thank you for taking the time to explain its production. Please share your finished vegetable products.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

You got it! Will share an update in Spring after winter. Most of my vegetables are dormant right now.

@johnrogers3634 Жыл бұрын

hell yeah was waiting for this

@daneli9770 Жыл бұрын

Nice detail on the grow pots

@fournierluc2205 Жыл бұрын

Just a suggestion: if you use the miter saw as you did in the previous two videos, you can use a stop block to measure all your parts. Put a block of wood say 8in from the blade attach it to your miter saw base, push the PVC pipe to the block and cut. All pieces will be the same size, no need to measure each piece. Move the block to the next measurement and you will speed the execution and precision. You can use the same process to make the slits into the pipe at the right height.

@rajendranswaminathan4897 8 ай бұрын

Excellent explanation and demo, with open-minded comments. Dint feel I watched an hour+ video

@a_mustache_of_great_repute Жыл бұрын

I really liked the sprinkler head idea, even for the one tower system

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

me too. I thought it would work well at distributing the water, however, I havent gotten it to work well - I assume it might not be enough water pressure or im not using the right sprinkler head.

@thomashughes9542 Жыл бұрын

Chris Loh has interesting videos. Good information. I like the instrumentals in the back ground.

@LindaMalec 6 ай бұрын

Hi Chris. I’m so glad I found your videos, I’m loving them. Your demonstrations and narration are very well done. I have a suggestion for the towers you are hand cutting the rings for. Place a box/crate/wastebasket under your cutting area to catch those rings. Work smarter, not harder 😉 From a fan with back and knee issues.

@bignorge Жыл бұрын

Keep on Keepin On Brother! We don't learn from continued success, but we learn more from failure! New subscriber tonight!

@marko.ur.groovin Жыл бұрын

i love your honesty

@AdrienneLawley Жыл бұрын

I love your videos, great information

@esthercastillo9366 9 ай бұрын

I’m interested buying when you finalize your build. Thank you for sharing

@noneyobusiness6582 Жыл бұрын

I've wanted to do this for such a long time . Keep me updated . It may take me some time to do what I want.

@DespiertaConciencias Жыл бұрын

Lovely!!! kind of expensive for south america, but still a great way to grow your own food, thank you for this!!!!

@LindaMcEnernybeth Жыл бұрын

Based on my experience with hydroponics in 5 gal buckets - one full grown plant will use up all of the water in a week or less! Plan for the future needs of your mature garden and think about options for adding capacity and frequent adding.

@samuelonyeche3523 Жыл бұрын

😂

@samuelonyeche3523 Жыл бұрын

What is the head height of the pump

@mikecarlyle2879 Жыл бұрын

Got the base built this morning. Had to order the PVC 4-inch 45 Degree Wey will be here in two days. I made the 4-inch rain cover from the lids from a lid from a plastic jar. When adding the rain holes and the center hold for the 1/2-inch center hole, place the plastic lid on a block of wood to prevent the plastic from cracking. Before I drilled the center 1/2-inch hole, I secured the plastic lid down with two screws to prevent the lid from spinning out of control. Great design and thanks for the helpful videos.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Excellent. Would love to hear how it turns out. As for the lids in the holes, In my recent builds I have found it so much easier to use Step Drill bits to make holes - effortless, clean, and no issue with the plastic cracking or breaking

@Asszel-3591 3 ай бұрын

I will definitely buy when it’s ready for sale.

@riftvalley1765 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the amazing videos. I sat and watched all 3 parts of this video and thought for those who already have 3d printer you could sell the printer program as well, I personally like the 4" PVS tower you made in part 3 even for potential indoor growing.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks. I have actually switched to 3D printing the towers and will share that update in the next few videos

@ceeschelle Жыл бұрын

I am very excited!

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Me too!

@julesprice5805 Жыл бұрын

You are awesome!!!! God bless you!

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@ic5838 9 ай бұрын

First of all thank you for your honesty and step by step video. This has been a process I am about to begin and hope it will work for our home. Your followers have been very helpful as well giving suggestions to make your system even better. I will continue to follow you and look forward to seeing your 3D printings.

@minouladanseuse Жыл бұрын

Love the base design on the 3D printed tower, much more aesthetically pleasing. I wonder if there is a way to make something similar without a 3D printer. Hoping to make a tower from your design soon and grow strawberries in the winter for my kids lunches! Thanks for sharing ❤

@Uncle_Buzz 2 ай бұрын

The man is an artist.

@sgtdice Жыл бұрын

Awesome video. Thank you.

@darrendempsey3190 3 ай бұрын

Well done!

@jackwelch480 Жыл бұрын

I would like to see a video of them in full action. Its great seeing the empty towers - but I would like to see what they look like plants actually growing !

@lancedildine732 Жыл бұрын

ditto

@StephStruble 5 ай бұрын

You are a good man, not afraid to admit that possibly someone has a better idea. Most men are so insecure and would never admit that. An intelligent man, such as yourself, knows that 1 person can't know everything so always keep an open ear. That says so much about your integrity. I love your designs, and if I were younger, I would build a couple. However at this age I just want to buy 1 of your 4 tower systems to start, then I will order a few more as summer approaches

@HedgeMaJig 10 ай бұрын

I like the small tower, perfect for my condo balcony!

@ChrisLoh 10 ай бұрын

Yes they are perfect for balconies. The new versions Im working on are customizable as well

@LAWeather Жыл бұрын

Wow! Very impressive 😎💯

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙌

@religionisapoison2413 Жыл бұрын

What a production.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thx

@NMW80 Жыл бұрын

Great video Ty. I’m going to do something this but with potting soil right through it and water manually as needed from the top. I don’t need automatic watering, I just want to make my own vertical garden. I wish I had more space to grow my own food but oh well vertical gardening is the way to go.

@cochinada01 Жыл бұрын

The 3D printing option is by far the most interesting option as you can basically print anything you like and give wings to your imagination, not being limited by the PVC sizes that are commercially available.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

True. and best of all they are food grade. It just takes a while to print. Hopefully the new 3D printer I ordered is faster.

@garyleewhite Жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@TheJdecker11 Жыл бұрын

I followed your design and changed it slightly to fit my needs. I have a 32”x32”x64” grow tent, and I was able to fit two towers. Thanks for making these videos.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Nice work! How is your system working out for you?

@TheJdecker11 Жыл бұрын

It’s been just around one month and it’s been amazing! I just harvested some lettuce 🥬 and we have baby cucumbers 🥒 already. I’m growing indoors so, controlled environment.

@granthatcher Жыл бұрын

I’m curious what the cost benefit is to doing this. I have a nice, unfinished basement. Was thinking of trying this for the winter, but I’m wondering if the lighting, pumps etc actually save money/energy or not

@TheJdecker11 Жыл бұрын

Our electric bill hasn’t noticeably changed since adding this tower garden. The led’s are on a 14 hour cycle and I run the pump for 5 minutes every 40 minutes.

@lawrenceong1610 Жыл бұрын

@@TheJdecker11 very interesting to hear that your indoor build works! would you have any specific recommendations with regards to the grow light? tks.

@sstrebler 6 ай бұрын

I really like your designs and the way they have progressed. I’m thinking of stealing most of your ideas and integrating them into a box made of plywood and lined with fiberglass for the base. That way I can have a larger reservoir to draw from. I also want to run two pumps in case one goes out. It’s been my experience that as long as nutrients are in a tolerable range, the easiest ways to kill hydroponically grown plants is to run the system dry due to a leak or broken pump. A larger reservoir will give a little more insurance that the crops won’t go dry and redundant pumps have saved my crops in the past. That said, I’m very impressed with your designs and look forward to updates in the future. Very well done.

@villageidiot8718 Жыл бұрын

Interesting hydroponic designs. Try putting a 3D printed tower in the sun and see how long it lasts. I use PLA and though it's great for prototype design, it's not so durable in the weather for me. Also, being very new to the subject, I would think you might want to drain the system and refill with fresh water and nutrients to avoid a chemical imbalance. Subscribed for future videos

@wendyedwards1834 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love this!! I’m going to try it myself. I have one suggestion ( from experience with aquarium and pond pump) - you might want to consider placing some aquarium filter sponge at the base of the tower around the inner water tube before it goes into the reservoir… I’m assuming there will be particulate matter from roots etc that might clog or shorten life of pump? Maybe this would help with maintaining- especially if placed where tower is easily separated from base? Just a thought. Thank you so much for this video

@shaper_i-o Жыл бұрын

Wouldn't this impact the nutrient levels?

@mrpotatoehead7856 6 ай бұрын

Impressive!

@westganton Жыл бұрын

3D printed tower modules are an interesting idea, but the creation process is energy intensive, slow, and has an expensive barrier to entry. You will likely be better off having a PVC manufacturer build them unless you already have the means. Either that or build a jig that allows anyone to tap 4” schedule 40 (thicker) pipe at 45 degrees and thread in their own fittings. This would be ideal in that it would maintain the structural integrity of the solid pipe and work on PVC from any hardware store

@arturschuch Жыл бұрын

You can easily re use everything that you used to build the 1 tower project and make it 3 towers or 5 tower, so doing a easy DIY and going to more complex, re-using what was already built

@rachelmatusewicz630 11 ай бұрын

I built V1 and had the exact same problems that you did. I should have started with V3, but I feel like I've been on a journey! xD I should make a video and tag you, I'm happy that I have this resource! I have a small apartment and I've been trying to grow herbs and vegetables for a while, the first version worked until the weight was unbearable on the bucket. (Tried a larger bucket, tried weighing down, no avail). So excited to try this. Now the only last part is to find lights that are not distracting. Open to ideas!

@ChrisLoh 11 ай бұрын

Would love to see your build. I found a solution for the bucket version of the build, but I had to purchase and custom-cut a piece of thick plexiglass to reinforce the lid. I'm now playing with a 3D-printed version of the lid as well. I found these grow lights to work well indoors if you have somewhere you can mount them - amzn.to/44TEC4j

@joshuadeese2400 7 ай бұрын

Hey Chris love the videos easy dyi well explained sorry to hear about your plants I plan on doing 4 towers in a grow tent with lights on a timer as well as the pump on a timer thank you for the awesome content.

@ChrisLoh 6 ай бұрын

Let me know how that turns out. Im working on building a greenhouse so I can better regulate the temperature, especially now that we are moving from a blistering hot summer to the winter season.

@tommyboy2260 Ай бұрын

Hello Chris, I enjoy your practical method to building towers. Although I'm a year late in finding your build the tower plan is very good. Any gardener knows that he must adjust his planting and growth based on area, climate and other factors. I had a comnercial Tower and the priblem i encountered was the same so i placed my tower on a flat furniture dolly to move 5ge tower every other day to balance growth. I pkan on using your design including a dolly to rotate... Good plan, thank you from a this gardener.

@nandkishore8070 3 ай бұрын

Excellent

@bigrenegade7121 Жыл бұрын

@Chris Loh The saw you held up and called a "hacksaw" is actually called a coping saw as it was designed to make fine cuts for special designs. If you have one side of the 4" PVC without holes, you could move the 1.5" watering PVC pipe back against that side of the 4" thereby allowing a larger area around the root ball for it to grow.

@ermakers1297 Жыл бұрын

Wouldn't really matter. The root growth in these towers is so rampant that it doesn't matter how much space they have, they will fill it. I have had roots from the top of the tower reach all the way to the water tank below. I have had the plant rootballs get so large they destroyed the 3 inch netpots I use in my system. The growth in towers like this is incredible.

@charleshakata9222 11 ай бұрын

@@ermakers1297Does your pump run continuously? Would a timer impact negatively on plant growth?

@ermakers1297 11 ай бұрын

@@charleshakata9222 I have run it both ways. Initially was running a timer that would have it on for 15 minutes then off for 15 minutes. Timer died so just ran it continuous after that. Zero difference between the two. Both produced plenty of growth. I think is may have caused issues with the strawberries later on tho as they needed the on-off cycle for better growth. The humidity in my greenhouse fried the timer though.

@charleshakata9222 11 ай бұрын

@@ermakers1297 Im focusing on strawberries .. thanks for the heads up. Im in Zimbabwe, and want to use timers, which I make myself. Will ensure I always have a spare timer!😃

@Iam.com.c Жыл бұрын

You are awesome!!!

@lastzulu180 Жыл бұрын

good job man

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@totosicily1 5 ай бұрын

Great idea!! Have you considered adding copper wire to the system? Apparently, copper wire not only helps in the growth of plants, but it could also help in the bacteria level in the water (or other issues regarding insects etc). Just a thought!

@ivannightly1919 4 ай бұрын

did something similar only as a base i used a small very rigid 12x 14 tote with a toilet float switch to maintain water level for evaporation great work keep it up i think ill try a vertical wall grower next

@ShevillMathers Жыл бұрын

Just for interest, the saw you are using is a Coping saw, not a hacksaw. However whatever works for you. A Hacksaw, which is intended for metal cutting, has a wider blade and significantly more rigid, the blades come in various teeth per inch. Great series, looking forward to seeing the end results.

@TimeToBeKind 7 ай бұрын

Awesome. C’mon people, share Chris’ videos so he can get to 100K subscribers before 12/31/2023 Lets turn this into a TEAM

@ChrisLoh 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the Support Tony!

@Pucker-it-up 5 күн бұрын

I had a much more involved comment that was To the point …A carbon filter That maybe cut to size From a number of available products on amazon that are cheap to go on top of your Existing drains. This is to prevent Strands of root and coconut COIR From Wrapping around the pump impeller and cavitating the pump or overloading it and wearing it out sooner. I've used these filters for a number of applications but most effectively in In my HVAC vents. They allow water or any fluid to pass with almost no resistance and have almost perfect particulate capture while being simultaneously easy to flip out, rinse off And replace. The only thing I'm concerned about And unsure of Is weather It will lock up some nutrients Which I very much doubt. Anyway, thank you for the post I found your design elegant And has certainly started My mind on an inventor's journey Maybe even becoming your retail competition LOL jk

@ivanrosa2163 6 ай бұрын

I like it and I will build one just like that. Good job.👍…

@JoesGarageProductionsLLC 11 ай бұрын

Great work on this! I built one of these towers a couple of months ago and I've had some time with it to make some observations and provide some feedback to hopefully influence the next iteration. 1. I may have done something wrong during the manufacturing process, but there was no way I was getting a piece of PVC up the center of that 4-in PVC after molding the pot holder holes. At first I was able to snake a piece of 3/8 vinyl tubing up through there, but because of the bends it didn't deliver a whole lot of water. I ended up switching over to some 3/8 copper tubing and that has a smaller outside diameter and I was able to keep it pretty straight - worked a lot better. The water shoots about 2 ft in the air now rather than just about an inch or so 2. I ended up using a DC pump on mine so that I could use a solar panel to run it. I'm still experimenting with that part but so far it's working great. I currently have the pump hooked directly into the panel with no battery or anything. I'm not sure how well the plants will tolerate. No water at night but that's part of what I'm experimenting with 3. I haven't done this yet but I was thinking about teeing a vertical piece of PVC into the base to act as a water reservoir. Have you tried anything like that? 4. I was also thinking about teeing in some kind of a drain on the base to make changing the water a lot easier. Right now kind of cumbersome to disassemble and difficult to get all the water out of the base.

@saifzureikat8639 9 ай бұрын

update please

@frostman9661 4 ай бұрын

I would love to hear how it turned out! Did things grow well for you?

@JoesGarageProductionsLLC 4 ай бұрын

The tower itself works great now but I can't seem to get anything to grow more than a couple inches tall. I have also been having trouble finding a well made, reliable water pump. If the pump dies and you don't notice it right away, everything dies. If you are looking for a set it and forget it, low maintenance type of thing, a vertical tower probably isn't for you.

@frostman9661 4 ай бұрын

@@JoesGarageProductionsLLC oh dang... You're using fertilizer for the water and proper full spectrum lights? I wonder with this design if there can be an issue with a lack of dissolved O2 due to the fact of it being very airtight once the pods are all in place and starting to grow.

@rudybueno2098 Жыл бұрын

Excelente work

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@travelar4476 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

@lymanlatham7005 Жыл бұрын

That small tower would be perfect for me as a senior citizen.

@m.j.carlson8246 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update. Looks good. One small thing; it's a coping saw, not a hack saw. Just sayin'

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

My bad. Thanks for the catch!

@dave1978cook Жыл бұрын

I'm thinking about a float of some sort that automatically turns a secondary pump reservoir on to feed the base when I'm out of town. All powered by a rooftop solar panel. Also.. I'll stop😉

@creativecritter6546 Жыл бұрын

Very cool man, I was just going to ask about a smaller setup. 3D printers are spectacular. Way down the road, finding a small shop that can do injection molding would be much faster process for the parts. The pieces aren't huge so a small PCM could perhaps do the trick. Maybe mold the piece with silicone and pour them with casting resin. There are different types of resins even food grade resins. A company called Smooth-on carries both the silicone molding meterial and the resins. Smooth-on has a partner company call Renalds Advanced Meterials, most every state has a distributor or two. They are easy to find with a Google search for within your state. Just found your channel, really cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.

@danarteritano1340 8 ай бұрын

Great project, awesome detail! Regarding the rings that go into the holes, what if you can them in advance and put them in when the hole is initially shaped, then you only have to heat it once. Sorry, it's easy to back-seat drive when watching your finished product. Thanks for sharing.

@Alcyeragraeth Жыл бұрын

You're my hero

@ermakers1297 Жыл бұрын

We use our tower in a greenhouse for year round growing. They work really well that way and they are totally protected from the elements.

@ChrisLoh Жыл бұрын

Im working on a greenhouse as well. Easier then moving them into the garage during the colder months.

@scottcrawford1472 3 ай бұрын

Hi Chris, love your vids and ideas, we'll done, when using solvent weld and plastic piping, it's not a glue, the correct way to use is apply, then when u marry the two pieces, u put it together 1/4turn out, so when joining u give it a 1/4 turn, as the solvent weld, is acting with the quarter turn it forms a seal, hence water tight, its actually a solvent, so its actually melting abs plastic, I also wondered why you don't solvent weld the 2" cup holders in, instead of using a Hest gun and silicone. Also on 3d prints use an acetone wash to smooth imperfections, and micro holes. Hope this helps mate, keep up the vids, love watching. Speak soon, Scott....

@TheJdecker11 Жыл бұрын

Hey Chris. I started a FB page to document my grow process, anyway people ask where I got it so, I tell them I built based on your design and share the link to your KZfaq channel. Just an FYI