Hydroponics

Deep Water Culture (DWC) involves suspending plant roots in a constantly oxygenated nutrient solution. It’s one of the most productive hydroponic methods — and perfect for DIY systems. 🌊 How It Works Plants float on a raft in a reservoir. Air stones (connected to an aquarium pump) oxygenate the water. Roots stay submerged 100% of the time. 🛠️ 3D Printable Parts Floating raft (modular plates that snap together) Net cups Clip-on air tube guides Lid holders for easy reservoir access 🥬 Great for: Kale, chard, collard greens. 🇦🇺 Aussie Tip Use in semi-shaded areas to prevent the reservoir from overheating. In warm months, monitor algae growth closely or use darkened printed parts and light blockers. ...

The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a recirculating hydroponic system where a thin stream of nutrient-rich water continuously flows past the roots of plants placed in a shallow channel. ⚙️ How It Works A pump pushes the nutrient solution into one end of a sloped channel. Gravity carries the water past the roots and back into the reservoir. 🛠️ 3D Printable Components Channel end caps and elbows Plant spacers or holes with net pot slots Mini pump housing or supports Drain funnels 🌿 Best for: Lettuce, pak choi, mustard greens. 🇦🇺 Aussie Tip Use this method in cooler months or shaded greenhouses — NFT systems are more sensitive to heat and algae. Print dark-colored parts to reduce light exposure to roots. ...