This unit is a larger more sturdy version of 3D printed hydroponic grow tower. It's designed to be printed in Tough PLA and coated with a Non-Toxic water based outdoor paint or left bare. Making it easy to print on any 350x350x350 printer. (Required) 

It has x4 grow spaces per level, and can be made quite tall before becoming unstable. Glue together or Screw together for the sections, and I recommend leaving several sections removable (Screwed) as it makes for easier cleaning. 

Slightly deeper and stronger 2" net pots are also included. With a 45 deg. beveled top edge to print without supports, and with a matching bevel in the tower holes, so net pots sit flat and level to each hole. (And stay put) Allowing for even watering of all spaces. 

Base section, can be glued/screwed/bolted to a Wooden construct with tank hidden, or, be attached directly to large rain barrels or other plastic barrels. The unit is too large for being perched on top of a 5Gal bucket as designed. The Sketchup files are included for rework/remixing to your needs. Each section is large enough to accommodate substantial root balls in the sections, while maintaining good air/water flow. Constricted/bunched roots can lead to root rot and stifle growth. This system is designed to maintain better root health, and give larger rooted plants plenty of room to breathe. This should effectively prevent clogging of the sections as well. 

PLA is non-toxic to plants and won't leech toxic BPAs into the water… Most PLA is totally non-toxic, and is even capable of being eaten and digested by humans. (Not recommended, but won't unalive you or make you sick, but can clog up the plumbing so to speak… So DON'T try this at home kids!) So, using tough PLA should allow the system to REMAIN non-toxic, even as the PLA begins to break down in a few years. Using a Vegan Friendly Paint like:

https://www.amazon.com/BELTECO-Odorless-Eco-Friendly-UV-Resistant-Substrates/dp/B0CZTRF3NX?pd_rd_w=65XeW&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb21fc54-1dd8-448e-92bb-2ddce187f4ac%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=bb21fc54-1dd8-448e-92bb-2ddce187f4ac&pf_rd_r=38P9CDXRT41DB0087CFB&pd_rd_wg=u6AXS&pd_rd_r=b2eda5c7-10dd-4a03-a11f-eabc4e70b7a2&pd_rd_i=B0CZTRF3NX&th=1

Can allow the system to be “Food Grade” surfaces, that are non-toxic to humans and pets. This system should avoid adding toxic microplastics into the environment, keep users from getting sick or ingesting toxic microplastics, and any PLA bits that do break down are not harmful to those eating from the system. As a Commercial Microgreens grower for almost a decade, I am specifically aware of the use of Plastics in the industry, and their impact on the amount of plastics ending up as waste and farm soil contamination. With this unit and Polymaker's new High Temp PLA and Coated Tough PLA, we can make sturdy, long lived, outdoor planters and hydroponics systems that are safe for you, your pets, and your local environment. 

This unit is for making decorative planters, Rain barrel Hydroponics, and Commercial use if desired. And will be licensed as such. Please feel free to modify to your use-case, and make of this what you can. Versions with light bars, integrated aeration, pump automation, as well as those circuits and PCBs, and also an Air-Crete mold for planters compatible with this unit will be added at some point. 

This design is currently a work in progress, with a fully automated kit type system being the end goal. With build guides, BoM, PCBs, Air Crete mix procedure, Videos, Etc. 

They will be designed so that they can be powered using 12v AC landscape lighting power. (12v AC - DC converter onboard, waterproof) As well as 5/12v Solar units / parts. With 18650 cells as the power source. So wired/wireless, Put Anywhere, Planters / Hydroponics kits. 

It should go without saying, this is a LARGE model, and only those with a 350x350x350mm or LARGER build volume should attempt this model. 

***NOTE*** 

Basin, Cap, and Tower Sections require Supports. Use a 46 Deg. angle overhang, and it keeps them to a minimum and drastically reduces material usage. 45 Deg. and below print just fine without supports on most printers. 

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES: 

Pump:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S8FZCWV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1

Cycle Timer:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184CG9K0?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

pH Meter:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJSQVRYK?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1_2&th=1

pH Control Kit: 5.6 - 6.1 = Ok

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNKWZY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_3&th=1

Nutrient: 1-2 tbsp / 5Gal Start - 2-4 tbsp / 5Gal Finish. Rinse out between additions. Nutrient salts compound and can harm the cycle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYXK4HVV?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1

Tubing: Use only black tubing to discourage algae growth inside tubing. 

https://www.amazon.com/ZY-hosetube-Silicone-Tubing-Hydroponic-Resistance/dp/B0D127DT64/ref=sr_1_6_sspa?crid=30AEQ8Z05P84L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pqtECbya71qgn5XkMzTqwiVmvCjdqAcm_lRSfxnF61dxH67QyeuQ0CcfY2mV1V3W0cKdPmIjOZToIZzPWTvWC982kPpDhcbDzMIi0HggxflAakFuwr0zYHgviN-a0cyw6jZ6iiphFVdSzxfQpSUN5Zzpm13JHvt2URAxoEZ764VnfiX_Wtlh7K_qY--ucUkf3LOSSIGJ2n3EO13qs-nxTS0FhF4gulKBtMdsLTdYdZY.Vw6f8dIMAMwNLAaJ4BVcUdNlcpV9KsEq6-9abJMNK6M&dib_tag=se&keywords=1%2F2%2Binch%2Bhydro%2Btubing&qid=1780406860&sprefix=1%2F2%2Binch%2Bhydro%2Btubing%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-6-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

Ongoing pH Control: 

Use a small net bag or natural coffee filters to hold crushed egg shells (Washed), or Shells from the Beach (Washed), tie them up at the top or zip tie them to prevent system contamination/clogs, and insert them into the water outlet area at the top. Being sure not to overfill or inhibit water flow as much as possible. The shells and their leaching calcium will help keep plants healthy, and naturally control pH during longer cycles. 

Clean algae buildup between cycles, and wash bucket if algae builds up, with a MILD dish soap ONLY. And be certain to rinse thoroughly. 

System has evap rates that require refill every 3-4 days on a 5 Gal Bucket. A 7 Gal bucket, the system goes for 5+ days before needing refill. (Full work week) 

Ideal for leafy greens, smaller vining indeterminate tomato varieties, smaller peppers, herbs, smaller flowers, or simply for auto-starting plants in for later transplant. Perfectly white healthy root systems for excellent starter plants. 

Enjoy ;-)