Modular Hydroponics Tower w/ Grow Lights

Description

Intro ----- This is a modified version of [boundarycondition's Modular Hydroponic Tower Garden](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3405964) and some features of [ghoofman's Smart IoT Modular Hydroponic Tower Garden](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4319940). I finally decided to upload my remix of boundarycondition's 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. What I intended was: * 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 couldn't 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. I'll provide a link to the STEP files in case someone want to keep modifying the project. The tower has been up and running for a week now. 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 I'm using is more than capable of pumping enough water all the way to the top. Right now, I'm using only 3 42W 4ft LED grow lights, but I add 3 more for a total of 6 if needed. The grow lights are pretty well secured from the bottom with the arms I designed. I'm also gonna provide a parts list in case anyone doesn't want to do all the research looking for the specific pump or lights needed. Hope this helps! Printing Recommendations ----------------------------------- These are the print setting I used. Feel free to modify them if you see fit: * 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) * Print bed: 18'mmx180mm (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) Recommended Parts ---------------------------- I will share a link to an [Amazon shopping list](https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3KQJEAIDBR1I7?ref_=wl_share) with all the parts and supplies required. The most important elements are: * [IKEA 9 1/2" MUSLOT pot](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/muskot-plant-pot-white-10308198/#content): I usually fill it with 2.5-3 gallons of water. * [EcoPlus 290 GPH (1098 LPH, 17W) Submersible Water Pump](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012UZYMG/?coliid=I1R0QTKAN31OOB&colid=3KQJEAIDBR1I7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it): The current tower is about 5 feet tall and the pump could go up to 6 feet whilñe still delivering enough flow * [4ft Barrina T8 LED grow light 42W](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082ZKZVRQ/?coliid=I3CTI8O5BFX5DL&colid=3KQJEAIDBR1I7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im): These are not the best grow lights, but I'm just getting started and I wanted to get some affordable lights to get started. You can install up to 6 grow lights. * [Kasa smart Plug](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091699Z3W/?coliid=I31XSAJI2VG47N&colid=3KQJEAIDBR1I7&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it_im):i use these smart plugs to control the scheduling of the lights and pump according to the plants I'm growing and their growth stage. In addition, the following screws are needed: * 9x #8-32 x 1-1/2 in. machine screws & nuts (for the LED arms) * 24x #10-32 x 1 in. machine screws & nuts (for the lid) Obviously you can find alternatives and/or better components. This is just a guide. STEP files --------------- The STEP files for this project can be found [here](https://mega.nz/folder/W5lXRIiQ#prYVi7QpIpvh07v5zwe3DA). Minimum Build ------------------- At the very least, you need the following parts: * 1x 4-Way_Planting_Module_Hollow_Twist.STL * 1x Dispenser_Module_Internal.STL * 1x Filling_Cap.STL * 1x Filling_Cap_Symbol.STL * 3x IKEA_Muskot_24cm_Petal.STL * 1x IKEA_Muskot_24cm_Petal_Plain.STL * 2x IKEA_Muskot_24cm_Petal_w_Hole.STL * 3x LED_Holder_Arm.STL * 3x LED_Holder_Attachment.STL * 3x LED_Holder_Tip.STL * 1x Lid_Without_Holes.STL * 1x Module_Spacer_40mm.STL (it goes at the bottom of the tower to provide enough clearance to open the watering and pump caps). * 1x Pump_Cap.STL * 1x Pump_Cap_Symbol.STL * 4x Standard_Pot_02_For_4-5-Way_Planting_Module.STL

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